How to Uninstall Valorant: A Step-by-Step Complete Guide 2024

Valorant is a fast-paced tactical shooter developed by Riot Games, but there comes a time when you might want to Uninstall Valorant whether it’s to free up disk space, fix performance issues, or simply take a break. Uninstalling the game isn’t difficult, but because it comes with an anti-cheat system (Riot Vanguard), there are a few extra steps you need to follow to make sure everything is properly removed from your PC. This guide walks you through how to uninstall the Valorant process, fix common errors, and ensure a complete and clean uninstallation.

Let’s dive into the steps to properly uninstall Valorant and its associated programs.

Why Uninstall Valorant?

There are several reasons you might want to uninstall Valorant. Common issues include encountering technical errors like "A critical error occurred" or dealing with Windows requirements such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot settings. These errors can sometimes only be fixed with a fresh reinstallation. Some of the typical error codes that players face include VAN9001, VAN128, VAN102, and VAN104, which are often resolved by reinstalling the game.

Another reason to uninstall might be the game's intense ranked grind, which can become overwhelming, or simply frustration with the in-game toxicity. If Valorant's competitive environment is causing stress, a break from the game could be a healthy choice.

Before diving into the uninstall process, let’s discuss Some other reasons why you might want to remove Valorant from your system.

• Free Up Disk Space: Valorant and its related files, including Riot Vanguard, take up considerable space on your hard drive. Uninstalling the game can free up gigabytes for other applications or files.
• Game Fatigue: Like many online games, Valorant can get exhausting after countless hours of competitive play, and sometimes uninstalling can give you a needed break.
• Troubleshooting Performance Issues: If you’re facing bugs, crashes, or performance drops, a fresh reinstall of Valorant might help. But first, you need to remove all its files.
• Switching Games: Many players choose to uninstall Valorant when they’re moving on to other games that require substantial disk space or system resources.

Whatever your reason is, uninstalling Valorant should be a smooth process—if done correctly.

Common  Errors Code and Fixes

Here's a detailed table with common Valorant error codes and their fixes, which often cause confusion for gamers. Many players mistakenly uninstall the game thinking these errors require reinstallation, but in most cases, they can be easily fixed.

Error Code	Description	Possible Cause	Fix
VAN 140	Vanguard not initialized properly	Riot Vanguard failed to start or isn’t running correctly.	Restart your PC to reset Vanguard. If the issue persists, reinstall Riot Vanguard manually.
VAN 9001	Secure Boot is not enabled on your PC	Secure Boot is disabled, which Vanguard requires for anti-cheat protection.	Enable Secure Boot in BIOS settings, then restart your PC and relaunch Valorant.
VAN 81	Connection to game servers lost	Network issue or server downtime.	Restart your router or switch to a different network. Check Riot's server status.
VAN 68	Connection timed out due to network problems	High latency or unstable internet connection.	Restart your modem/router, and ensure no heavy downloads are running. Consider switching to a wired connection.
VAN 6	Platform mismatch or corrupted game files	Corrupted installation or platform conflict.	Verify your game files in the Riot Client or reinstall Valorant to resolve file issues.
VAN 57	Riot Vanguard didn’t start properly	Vanguard service failed to initialize.	Restart your PC. If it still doesn’t work, uninstall and reinstall Riot Vanguard.
VAN 135	Vanguard is running, but the system detected an issue	Incompatible software or faulty drivers interfering.	Disable any conflicting software like third-party antivirus, and update your system drivers.
VAN 152	Anti-cheat error due to insufficient privileges	Vanguard couldn’t access system permissions.	Run the Riot Client as an administrator, and ensure that Riot Vanguard has the necessary permissions.
VAN 128	Hardware incompatibility or driver issues	Outdated drivers or hardware problems.	Update your GPU and network drivers. Check for Windows updates.

These codes can often confuse players, making them think that uninstalling Valorant will fix the issue. However, in most cases, fixing Vanguard or network settings can resolve the problem without needing to uninstall the game.

The Hidden Layer: Riot Vanguard

Valorant is not just a game; it comes bundled with Riot Vanguard, a background anti-cheat service that operates deep within your system to prevent hacking and cheating. However, this means you can’t simply uninstall Valorant without first dealing with Vanguard.

Step-by-Step Complete Guide: How to Uninstall Valorant

Follow these steps to uninstall both Valorant and its anti-cheat system, Riot Vanguard, from your system:

1. Disable Riot Vanguard

   Before uninstalling Valorant, you need to disable Riot Vanguard, as it’s an always-on anti-cheat service that might block the uninstallation process.

   • Step 1: Click the up arrow in the system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen).
   • Step 2: Right-click on the Riot Vanguard icon.
   • Step 3: Select Exit Vanguard and confirm the action when prompted.
   

   

2. Uninstall Riot Vanguard

   Once Vanguard is disabled, you can proceed to uninstall it:

   • Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
   • Step 2: Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
   • Step 3: Scroll down to locate Riot Vanguard.
   • Step 4: Click on it and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   

   

   

3. Uninstall Valorant

   Now that Riot Vanguard is removed, you can uninstall Valorant:

   • Step 1: Open Settings again by pressing Windows + I.
   • Step 2: Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
   • Step 3: Scroll down to locate Valorant.
   • Step 4: Click on it and select Uninstall. Follow the instructions to complete the removal.
   

4. Delete Leftover Files (Recommended)

   Sometimes uninstalling Valorant leaves behind some residual files, which can clutter your system.

   • Step 1: Open File Explorer and go to C:\Riot Games.
   • Step 2: Delete any remaining folders related to Valorant or Vanguard.
   • Step 3: Clear the AppData folder by pressing Windows + R and typing %AppData%. Navigate to Local, Roaming, and ProgramData directories, and remove any Riot Games folders.
   

Uninstall Valorant (In Short)

1. Disable Riot Vanguard: Exit the Vanguard process from the system tray.
2. Uninstall Riot Vanguard: Go to Settings > Apps >Intsall Apps> Riot Vanguard > Uninstall.
3. Uninstall Valorant: In the same settings, find Valorant and click uninstall.
4. Remove Leftover Files: Clear any leftover Riot Games or Valorant folders manually from your directories.

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Troubleshooting Common Uninstallation Issues

Occasionally, you may face issues when trying to uninstall Valorant. Here are some tips for resolving common problems:

Problem 1: Uninstall Button is Grayed Out

• Solution: Sometimes, pending updates or background processes can prevent uninstallation. Restart your computer and try uninstalling it again.

Problem 2: Valorant Won’t Uninstall

• Solution: Ensure that Riot Vanguard has been fully disabled. Right-click Vanguard in the system tray and select Exit.

Problem 3: Riot Vanguard Removal Failed

• Solution: If Vanguard won’t uninstall, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following commands:
  • sc delete vgc
  • sc delete vgk

Afterward, retry uninstalling Vanguard through your app's settings.

Ensuring a Clean Uninstallation (Optional)

If you want to make sure your system is free from any residual files after uninstalling Valorant, consider these additional steps:

1. Use CCleaner or a Similar Tool: A registry cleaner can help remove any hidden registry entries or junk files left by Valorant or Riot Vanguard.
2. Manually Check for Files: Browse your system’s Program Files and AppData folders to ensure no leftover Riot Games files exist.
3. Restart Your PC: After the uninstall process, a system restart ensures that all services related to Valorant and Vanguard are completely shut down.

Reinstalling Valorant: If Need

If you ever need to reinstall Valorant after uninstalling it, the process is pretty straightforward. Follow these steps to get back into the game without losing any progress:

1. Visit the Official Valorant Website
   Head over to the official Valorant website to start the reinstallation process.

2. Log in to Your Riot Games Account
   If you already have a Riot account, simply log in. If not, you’ll need to create one. This account is crucial, as it stores all your in-game progress, stats, and skins.

3. Download the Riot Client
   On the website, you'll find the Download button. This will give you the Riot Client, which is needed to install Valorant and manage updates.

4. Install Valorant and Riot Vanguard
   After downloading the client, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install both Valorant and Riot Vanguard (the anti-cheat software). Restart your PC when prompted to ensure Vanguard works correctly.

5. Update the Game
   Once installed, the game may require updates. Allow some time for the client to download and install the latest patches and updates.

6. Log Back into Your Account
   After installation, open the Riot Client, log back into your Valorant account, and you're ready to play. Don’t worry about losing your in-game progress—your stats, skins, and rank are safely stored on Riot's servers.

Won’t Lose Progress

One great thing about Riot Games is that all your game data (like rank, level, and skins) is saved to their servers. This means that even after uninstalling and reinstalling the game, your account will remain intact, and you’ll pick up right where you left off.

Encounter Issues

If you face any problems during reinstallation, or if the game still doesn’t work as expected, you can always contact Riot Games Support for assistance. They're available to help you troubleshoot any technical issues you may experience.

This easy process ensures that you can always reinstall Valorant and continue playing without missing a beat!

Conclusion

Uninstalling Valorant may seem complicated because of the extra steps involving Riot Vanguard, but following this guide ensures a smooth process. Whether you’re freeing up space or just taking a break, this complete guide will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. And if you ever miss the excitement, reinstalling is just a click away!

With these steps, you should be able to uninstall Valorant successfully without any leftover clutter on your PC. Remember to follow each step closely to ensure a thorough uninstallation.

Happy gaming, and may your future gaming endeavors be smooth and enjoyable!

FAQs on Uninstalling Valorant

Q1. Will uninstalling Valorant remove all game data?

A: Yes, uninstalling Valorant will delete all installed game files, but any settings or saved data synced with your Riot account will remain.

Q2: How can I completely remove Valorant from my PC?

A: To fully remove Valorant, make sure to uninstall Riot Vanguard and manually delete leftover files as described above.

Q3: Is Riot Vanguard safe to uninstall?

A: Yes, Riot Vanguard is safe to uninstall, especially if you no longer plan to play Valorant.

Q4: Can I reinstall Valorant after uninstalling?

A: Yes, you can always reinstall Valorant by downloading it again from the Riot Games website.

Q5: How do I permanently Uninstall Riot Vanguard?

A: Press the Windows Key (or click the Windows icon on your taskbar), and type “Add or remove programs,” and press Enter. Scroll till you come across Riot Vanguard, click on it, and then click Uninstall.

Q6: Why can't I Uninstall Riot Vanguard?

A: Vanguard is designed to run in the background with a kernel mode driver component. Some Vanguard files may be in use by other processes, blocking the uninstall.