Fix Riot Client 'We Couldn't Install a Required Dependency'

Updated: 11/29/2025

You click the icon to play Valorant or League, the Riot Client loads for a second, and then crashes with a vague error: 'We couldn't install a required dependency. Please try again, restart your computer, or contact us.'. You restart, but it happens again. This error typically means the Riot Client is trying to update itself, but a lingering background process or a locked file in your AppData folder is preventing the write operation.

Method 1: Delete the 'RiotClientPrivateSettings.yaml'

This specific file often gets corrupted during updates, locking the client in a broken state.

Step 1: Open AppData

Press Win + R on your keyboard, type %localappdata%, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Riot Games Folder

Navigate to Riot Games > Riot Client > Data.

Step 3: Delete File

Find the file named RiotClientPrivateSettings.yaml. Delete it. Also delete RiotClientSettings.yaml if you see it. Relaunch the client as Administrator.

Method 2: Force Close Vanguard

The anti-cheat system (Vanguard) runs at the kernel level and sometimes refuses to let the client update.

Also look for vgtray.exe and end that too. Once all Riot processes are dead, try launching the client again.

Method 3: Firewall Exception

Windows Defender sometimes flags the dependency installer as a background intrusion.

• Search for 'Allow an app through Windows Firewall'.
• Click Change Settings.
• Ensure Riot Client and Vanguard user-mode service are checked for both Private and Public networks.