Summary:
- Compatibility Mode is a feature that emulates an older OS environment when needed.
- If League of Legends is functioning optimally, it is better to disable Compatibility Mode altogether.
- Players can change compatibility mode settings by going into the game properties to turn on/off this feature as needed.
If you’ve ever attempted to start League of Legends just to uncover strange error codes or a straight-up refusal for League to start, then it’s very likely that your Compatibility Mode settings are causing the issue. Compatibility Mode allows you to run old programs on new versions of Windows. But sometimes it can backfire, especially in newer games like League, which update frequently. Don’t worry if you are not experienced with technology. Switching or disabling Compatibility Mode is easier than you think, and we’ll show you how to do it step-by-step.
What is Compatibility Mode in League of Legends
Compatibility Mode in League of Legends is a Windows option intended to allow older programs to run properly in newer versions of the software. Basically, it provides a simulated environment of an older Windows operating system. Compatibility Mode is frequently utilized when players have issues with a game launching or crashing unexpectedly. When a player dedicates the program to Compatibility Mode, Windows will try to replicate the previous OS version’s condition.
When your Compatibility Mode is enabled, Windows tries to duplicate the previous OS conditions. It can fix conflicts due to the changes made in underlying system libraries, APIs, or whatever other functionality that League of Legends might not be fully compatible with on newer Windows versions yet.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Compatibility Mode Settings
If you want to change the settings for compatibility mode, you’ll need to find where the executable file or shortcut for League of Legends is located on your computer. Once you locate the shortcut or find the “LeagueClient.exe” file, you will want to right-click and select properties. Once you’re in the Properties window, click on the Compatibility tab.
In that window, you’ll see “Run this program in compatibility mode.” Check that box to turn it on, and select the version of Windows you want League of Legends to use. The most common choices for compatibility with older games are Windows 7 or Windows 8.
You probably want to restart your computer so the changes fully apply. Restarting will help reset any cached settings that may be preventing the game from launching properly.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
Compatibility Mode can be great for troubleshooting, but it isn’t always a good option. It can slow down the game, create some bugs and glitches, and it doesn’t truly provide the original environment. For League of Legends, it’s always worth trying out the compatibility options if the game doesn’t open to begin with. But if the game runs with no issues natively, it is generally advised to fully disable Compatibility Mode.
For ongoing problems, as a last resort, you can uninstall and reinstall the game. This is safe because your account data remains, and you have a fresh installation that would not have corrupted files.
Enable or Disable?
Now that you have hassle-free tips on changing or disabling the Compatibility Mode settings for League of Legends, you’re another step closer to smoother gameplay and fewer annoying crashes. It can be surprising how the smallest adjustments can have a big impact on your game’s performance. Fixing Compatibility Mode settings is really about just making sure your PC takes the right directions so it knows how to play the game without any interruptions.
