Quick Answer
riot-helper.exe is safe. It's a legitimate helper process used by Riot Client to manage updates, authentication, patching, and background tasks. It runs alongside the Riot games you launch.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Typically located in C:\Program Files\Riot Games\Riot Client\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Riot Games\Riot Client\.
Warning
Many processes normal
Riot Client uses multiple helper processes for updates, login, and background tasks.
Can I Disable?
YES
You can safely close Riot Client or disable startup/background tasks to reduce activity when not gaming.
What is riot-helper.exe?
riot-helper.exe is the companion executable used by the Riot Client to coordinate login, patch checks, updates, and ongoing background tasks for Riot titles. It runs alongside the main launcher and helps streamline game startup, patch deployment, and client maintenance.
This component uses a modular, multi-process approach to isolate tasks such as authentication, updates, and telemetry. It helps prevent a single crash from taking down the entire Riot experience while enabling smoother background operations.
Quick Fact: Riot’s client architecture distributes responsibilities across several processes, with riot-helper.exe handling background tasks and coordination to minimize impact on gameplay.
Types of Riot Helper Processes
- Client Coordination Process: Main Riot Client window and launcher coordination (1 instance)
- Updater/Patch Process: Background patching and deployment
- Authentication Helper: Login token management and session renewal
- Background Tasks: Telemetry, sync, and miscellaneous tasks
- Launcher Helper: Manages game launch and respawn of the game client
- Sandbox/Networking Layer: Sandboxed environment for safe network operations
Is riot-helper.exe Safe?
Yes, riot-helper.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Riot downloaded from official sources (riotgames.com or via the Riot Client).
Is riot-helper.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real riot-helper.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names.
How to Tell if riot-helper.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Riot Games\Riot Client\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Riot Games\Riot Client\. Any riot-helper.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click riot-helper.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Riot Games, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per process, 50-300 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when Riot Client is not active is suspicious.
- Behavior: Riot Helper should run when Riot Client is active or performing updates. Multiple unrelated processes when the client is closed indicate malware.
Red Flags: If riot-helper.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Local, or System32), runs when Riot Client isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "riot-helper.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is riot-helper.exe Running on My PC?
riot-helper.exe runs when you start Riot Client or when background tasks such as updates or login checks are active.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Riot Client Use: You're launching or actively playing a Riot game; riot-helper.exe coordinates updates, patches, and login tasks.
- Background Updates: The client checks for patches and may download updates in the background, keeping games current.
- Login and Session Management: Authentication tokens are refreshed; the helper maintains login state.
- Telemetry and Sync: Riot collects usage metrics and sync data; the helper handles this in the background.
- System Tray/Startup Tasks: If Riot Client is configured to run at startup or stay in system tray, the helper may stay active.
Can I Disable or Remove riot-helper.exe?
Yes, you can disable riot-helper.exe. It's safe to close Riot Client when not in use, and you can uninstall Riot Client completely if you no longer play Riot games.
How to Stop riot-helper.exe
- End Riot Client Tasks: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate riot-helper.exe and related Riot Client processes, and end the tasks.
- Close Riot Client: Quit the Riot Client completely using the close button or Alt+F4.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Riot Client
- Stop Background Run: Riot Client Settings → General → Disable "Run at startup" or related background options
- Limit Background Tasks: Within Riot Client, reduce background activity and telemetry where possible
How to Uninstall Riot Client
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Riot Client (Riot Client) → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Riot Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Note: Uninstalling Riot Client will remove installed Riot games unless you relocate game files or back them up separately
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If riot-helper.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active updates in progress: Wait for patching to finish or restart the Riot Client after updates complete.
- Background telemetry or sync: Review Riot Client privacy/settings to limit or pause telemetry; consider disabling nonessential sync.
- Too many Riot games or client instances: Close unused games or client instances; restart the Riot Client to reset processes.
- Corrupted cache: Clear Riot Client cache via settings or reinstall if corruption persists.
- Security software interference: Add Riot Client and riot-helper.exe to allowlists/exceptions in your antivirus.
- Outdated Riot Client: Update to the latest version: Riot Client → Settings/Help → Check for updates.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify high-usage riot-helper.exe tasks
2. Close unnecessary Riot Client tabs or games
3. Clear Riot Client cache: Settings → Help → Clear Cache (or equivalent)
4. Update Riot Client: Settings/Help → Check for updates
5. Add Riot Client to antivirus allowlist and disable background tasks if desired
Frequently Asked Questions
Is riot-helper.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate riot-helper.exe from Riot Games is not a virus. Verify it is located in C:\Program Files\Riot Games\Riot Client\ and signed by Riot Games, Inc.
Why is riot-helper.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during active updates, patching, or login tasks. Identify the specific Riot Client task in Task Manager (or Riot Task Manager) and close the root cause.
Can I delete riot-helper.exe?
You should not delete riot-helper.exe manually. Uninstall Riot Client if you no longer play Riot games. Deleting system files can cause instability.
Can I disable riot-helper.exe?
Yes, you can disable automatic startup and background tasks. Preferably disable startup from Task Manager and close the Riot Client when not gaming.
Why does Riot Client start riot-helper.exe on boot?
Riot Client may run riot-helper.exe at startup to manage updates, login, and patch checks so games are ready when you launch them.
How do I fix riot-helper.exe not responding?
Restart Riot Client, ensure you have the latest update, and consider reinstalling Riot Client if the problem persists.