How to Close the Jagex Launcher When Exiting OSRS: A Complete Guide

How to Close the Jagex Launcher When Exiting OSRS: A Complete Guide


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) players often use the Jagex Launcher to access the game securely and conveniently. However, one common frustration is that the Jagex Launcher doesn’t automatically close when you exit the game. This can lead to multiple instances running in the background, eating up system resources, or even inflating your Steam playtime if you’re tracking hours. If you’ve been wondering how to make the Jagex Launcher close when you shut down OSRS, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore why this happens, how to fix it manually, and even automate the process for a seamless gaming experience.

The Jagex Launcher is designed as a hub for all Jagex games, including OSRS and RuneScape 3 (RS3). Unlike standalone clients, it’s built to stay open, allowing you to switch between games or accounts without relaunching. While this is great for multi-game players, it can be annoying for those who only play OSRS and want a clean exit.

The Design Logic Behind the Launcher

Jagex intended the launcher to act as a persistent portal. When you close OSRS, the launcher minimizes to the system tray (on Windows) or dock (on macOS), ready for your next session. This reduces login time and keeps your credentials secure. However, this persistence can lead to multiple background processes if not managed properly.

Impact on System Performance

Leaving the launcher running might not seem like a big deal, but it can accumulate. Players have reported seeing 5-8 instances of “JagexLauncher.exe” in Task Manager after a single session. This can slow down your PC, especially if you’re on older hardware or running other resource-heavy apps.

Manual Ways to Close the Jagex Launcher After OSRS

If you’re tired of the launcher lingering, here are some straightforward manual methods to shut it down when you’re done playing OSRS.

Method 1: Exit via System Tray (Windows)

After closing OSRS, the launcher doesn’t fully exit—it hides in the system tray. Here’s how to close it:

  • Locate the Icon: Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen in the system tray (near the clock).
  • Right-Click: Find the Jagex Launcher icon, right-click it, and select “Exit” or “Close.”
  • Verify: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and ensure no “JagexLauncher.exe” processes remain.

Method 2: Force Close with Task Manager

If the system tray method fails or you suspect multiple instances, Task Manager is your friend:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Scroll to find “Jagex Launcher” under the Processes tab.
  3. Right-click each instance and select End Task.

This ensures no residual processes linger, freeing up your system.

Method 3: Quit on macOS

For macOS users, the launcher behaves similarly but integrates with the dock:

  • Close OSRS: Exit the game as usual.
  • Dock Option: Right-click the Jagex Launcher icon in the dock and choose “Quit.”
  • Force Quit: If it persists, press Cmd + Option + Esc, select Jagex Launcher, and click “Force Quit.”

Automating Jagex Launcher Closure When OSRS Closes

Manually closing the launcher every time is tedious. Luckily, you can automate it with scripts or settings tweaks. Below are some effective solutions.

Using a Batch Script (Windows)

A simple batch script can detect when OSRS closes and terminate the launcher. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Create a new text file and name it “CloseLauncher.bat“.
  2. Paste this code: 
    @echo off
echo Waiting for OSRS to close...
:check
timeout /t 2 >nul
tasklist | find "osclient.exe" >nul
if %ERRORLEVEL%==0 goto check
taskkill /f /im JagexLauncher.exe
echo Launcher closed.
exit
  3. Save and double-click to run it after starting OSRS.

This script checks every 2 seconds if “osclient.exe” (the OSRS process) is running. When it stops, it kills the launcher.

Steam Launch Options with Script

If you play OSRS via Steam and want to track hours without the launcher running indefinitely, try this:

  • Create a VBS Script: Save this as “Run.vbs”: 
    Set oShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
oShell.Run """C:Program Files (x86)Jagex LauncherJagexLauncher.exe"""
WScript.Sleep 5000
Do While oShell.AppActivate("Old School RuneScape") = False
    WScript.Sleep 1000
Loop
Do While oShell.AppActivate("Old School RuneScape") = True
    WScript.Sleep 2000
Loop
oShell.Run "taskkill /F /IM JagexLauncher.exe", 0, True
  • Steam Settings: In Steam, right-click OSRS, select Properties, and set the launch option to: "C:pathtoRun.vbs" %command%.

This launches OSRS, waits for it to close, then terminates the launcher.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, closing the launcher isn’t straightforward. Here’s how to tackle common problems.

Launcher Opens Multiple Instances

If you see 5-8 Jagex Launcher processes in Task Manager, it’s likely starting on boot or not closing properly:

  • Disable Startup: Open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, find Jagex Launcher, and disable it.
  • Repair Install: Uninstall the launcher via Control Panel, then reinstall from the official Jagex site.

Launcher Won’t Close at All

If it’s stubborn, check for updates or conflicts:

  • Update: Ensure both OSRS and the launcher are on the latest versions.
  • VPN Check: Some players report issues with VPNs; try disabling yours temporarily.

Should You Ditch the Jagex Launcher Entirely?

If the launcher’s behavior frustrates you, you might wonder if it’s worth using at all. Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of the Jagex Launcher

Benefit Description
Security Unified login with enhanced account protection.
Convenience Switch between OSRS, RS3, and multiple accounts easily.
Future-Proof Required for Jagex Accounts, soon mandatory for all players.

Cons and Alternatives

The main downside is its persistence, but you can still use standalone clients (for now). Download the OSRS client directly from the RuneScape website and bypass the launcher—though this won’t work once Jagex fully phases out legacy logins.

Verdict: Stick with the launcher and automate its closure. It’s the safer, long-term option as Jagex pushes toward a unified ecosystem.

By now, you should have a solid grasp of how to close the Jagex Launcher when exiting OSRS—whether manually or with automation. These tweaks can save you time, reduce system clutter, and enhance your gaming flow. Have a favorite method or script? Share it in the comments below!