How to Uninstall VALORANT

Below is a straightforward, step-by-step guide covering all the main methods on how to uninstall VALORANT fully. If you’re looking to remove VALORANT from your PC, whether it’s to free up space, troubleshoot issues, take a break, or prepare for a fresh install, the process is a bit more involved than simply deleting the game. That’s because VALORANT installs a system-level anti-cheat tool called Riot Vanguard, and uninstalling both correctly ensures your system stays clean.

Why Removing Valorant Can Be More Complex Than Other Games

Uninstalling VALORANT isn’t quite as simple as removing most PC games. Because Riot’s tactical shooter relies on Riot Vanguard, a kernel-level anti-cheat, players need to follow the correct steps to fully remove both the game and its background services. Below is a complete, no-nonsense guide covering every reliable uninstall method, troubleshooting tips, and what to do if things go wrong—without repeating steps unnecessarily.

Before You Uninstall: What to Know First

Before removing VALORANT, it’s worth noting that all progression, skins, and purchases are tied to your Riot account, not your local files. Uninstalling the game will not delete your progress. However, if you’ve customized settings extensively, backing up config files can make reinstalling easier later.

Most importantly, Riot Vanguard must be disabled or removed first. Vanguard actively prevents VALORANT from being uninstalled while running, which is the root cause of most uninstall errors.

Disable Riot Vanguard (Required)

Start by stopping Vanguard manually:

1. Locate the Vanguard icon in the system tray.
2. Right-click it and select Exit Vanguard.
3. Confirm when prompted.

This temporarily disables the anti-cheat and allows uninstall processes to proceed without interference.

Uninstall Riot Vanguard

Once Vanguard is disabled, remove it completely:

1. Open Windows Settings (Windows + I).
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features).
3. Find Riot Vanguard.
4. Click Uninstall and approve all prompts.

After this step, Vanguard will no longer load on startup.

Method 1: How to uninstall VALORANT via Windows Settings

This is the fastest and most common approach:

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Locate VALORANT.
4. Click Uninstall and follow the installer instructions.

If successful, VALORANT will be removed from your system.

Method 2: Uninstall VALORANT via Control Panel

If Windows Settings fails, the Control Panel offers a more direct system-level route:

1. Search for Control Panel and open it.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Find VALORANT in the list.
4. Right-click and choose Uninstall.

This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and can bypass certain app-menu glitches.

Method 3: Manual Removal Using Command Prompt

If VALORANT or Vanguard refuse to uninstall due to corruption or errors, manual removal is the most reliable fallback.

1. Search for Command Prompt, right-click, and run as Administrator.
2. Enter the following commands one at a time:
   sc delete vgc
   sc delete vgk
3. Restart your PC.
4. After reboot, navigate to C:\Program Files and delete the Riot Vanguard folder if it remains.
5. Check C:\Riot Games and remove any leftover VALORANT folders.

This method force-removes Vanguard services that may block uninstall attempts.

Advanced Recovery: When Uninstall Doesn’t Work

If Valorant still won’t uninstall normally Safe Mode deletion: Booting Windows into Safe Mode can allow file deletion when Vanguard or the Riot Client locks files in normal mode.

If all else fails, reinstalling the game and then immediately uninstalling can sometimes reset broken installer paths, especially if the uninstallation becomes stuck due to corrupted files.

Cleaning Up Leftover Files (Recommended)

Even after uninstalling, hidden Riot files may remain. To fully clean your system:

1. Press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and delete any Riot Games folders.
2. Repeat for:
   %localappdata%\Riot Games
   %programdata%\Riot Games

You can also do it this way.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Riot Games: this is the default location for game files.
2. If the folder persists, delete it to remove leftover folders.

Removing these prevents reinstall conflicts and launcher errors.

Common VALORANT Error Codes and When to Reinstall

Uninstalling and reinstalling often resolves persistent errors, including:

• VAN 140 – Network or OS compatibility issues
• VAN9001 / VAN9003 – Secure Boot or TPM not enabled
• VAN9002 – Control Flow Guard disabled

If these appear, a clean uninstall followed by reinstall is one of the most effective fixes.

Reinstalling VALORANT

Reinstallation is straightforward:

1. Visit the official VALORANT website.
2. Click Play Now and sign into your Riot account.
3. Download the Riot Client and installer.
4. Follow the prompts and restart your PC if required.

Your rank, cosmetics, and stats will be restored automatically upon login.

Quick Checklist to Uninstall VALORANT

• Disable Vanguard before uninstalling
• Remove Riot Vanguard first
• Use Windows Settings or Control Panel
• Use Command Prompt if uninstall fails
• Delete leftover Riot folders
• Restart your PC after completion

Following these steps ensures VALORANT and Riot Vanguard are fully removed, giving you a clean system.