Uninstalling Valorant might seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re dealing with persistent errors or simply want to free up some space on your computer. Whether you’re frustrated by technical issues or just ready to move on to other games, removing Valorant from your system requires a few specific steps due to the Vanguard anti-cheat software. This guide will help you through the process of how to uninstall valorant efficiently.
Valorant, developed by Riot Games, has become a popular choice among gamers, but it comes with the Vanguard anti-cheat system. This software adds an extra layer of complexity to the uninstallation process, as it must be disabled and uninstalled separately before you can fully remove the game.
Let’s break down the steps to ensure a smooth and complete uninstallation.
Content Summary
Prerequisites
Before you start the uninstallation process, it’s crucial to understand the role of Riot Vanguard. Vanguard is an anti-cheat system designed to prevent cheating in Valorant. It operates at a kernel level, which means it has deep access to your system. Because of this, you cannot uninstall Valorant directly through the Control Panel without first disabling and removing Vanguard.
Failing to uninstall Vanguard first can lead to errors and incomplete removal of the game. This is a common issue many users face, often resulting in frustration and wasted time. To ensure a hassle-free experience, it is essential to follow the correct sequence of this guide on how to uninstall Valorant.
Step-by-step guide on how to Uninstall Valorant
Step 1: Disable Vanguard
The first step in uninstalling Valorant is to disable Riot Vanguard. This process is straightforward but essential. Here’s how you can do it:
- Locate the system tray icon at the bottom-right corner of your desktop.
- Right-click on the red Vanguard icon.
- Select “Exit Vanguard” from the context menu.
- A confirmation prompt will appear; click “Yes” to proceed.
Disabling Vanguard is necessary because it runs continuously to monitor for cheats, even when you’re not playing Valorant. By exiting Vanguard, you ensure that it won’t interfere with the uninstallation process.
Step 2: Uninstall Riot Vanguard
Once Vanguard is disabled, the next step is to uninstall it completely from your system:
- Press the Windows key or click the Windows icon on your taskbar.
- Type “Add or remove programs” and press Enter.
- Scroll down to find “Riot Vanguard” in the list of installed programs.
- Click on “Riot Vanguard” and then select “Uninstall.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
By removing Riot Vanguard, you are ensuring that no residual components are left behind that could cause issues with the uninstallation of Valorant.
Step 3: Uninstall Valorant
Now that Vanguard is out of the way, you can proceed to uninstall Valorant itself:
- Open the “Add or remove programs” menu again.
- Scroll through the list to find “Valorant.”
- Click on “Valorant” and select “Uninstall.”
- Follow the prompts to remove the game from your system.
This step removes the main game files from your computer, but there may still be leftover files and settings that need to be addressed.
Step 4: Remove Leftover Files
To ensure a complete uninstallation, you need to delete any remaining files associated with Valorant:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the Riot Games directory, typically located in C:\Riot Games.
- Delete any folders related to Valorant.
Removing these leftover files will free up additional space and ensure that no residual data remains on your system.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after following the steps above, you might encounter some issues during the uninstallation process. Here are a few common problems and how to resolve them:
- Valorant or Vanguard Still Running: Ensure that both Valorant and Riot Vanguard are completely closed before attempting to uninstall. Check your system tray and task manager to confirm that no related processes are running.
- Uninstaller Fails: If the uninstaller fails or hangs, restart your PC and try the uninstallation process again. Sometimes a simple reboot can resolve these issues by clearing temporary files and processes that might be interfering.
- Residual Files and Registry Entries: After uninstalling Valorant and Vanguard, some files or registry entries might still remain. You can use third-party uninstaller tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller to perform a deep clean. These tools can help remove leftover files and clean the registry entries associated with Valorant and Vanguard.
- Windows Errors: If you encounter specific Windows errors, such as “TPM 2.0” or “Secure Boot” issues, these might require additional troubleshooting. Check for updates to your Windows operating system and ensure that all drivers are up to date. Sometimes, system updates can resolve these conflicts.
Command Prompt Method: If the standard uninstallation methods fail, you can use Command Prompt to manually remove Valorant and Vanguard. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following commands:
sc delete vgc
sc delete vgk
- After running these commands, reboot your computer and delete any remaining Riot Vanguard folders from your Program Files directory.
By addressing these common issues, you can ensure a smoother uninstallation process and prevent any lingering problems from affecting your system.
FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I uninstall Valorant directly from the Control Panel?
Uninstalling Valorant directly from the Control Panel doesn’t work because of the Vanguard anti-cheat software. Vanguard operates at a deep system level and must be disabled and uninstalled separately before Valorant can be fully removed.
Q2: What should I do if I encounter errors during uninstallation?
If you encounter errors, make sure Valorant and Vanguard are not running. Restart your PC and try again. If the issue persists, use third-party uninstaller tools or the Command Prompt method to remove the software completely.
Q3: How do I remove all leftover files after uninstalling Valorant?
After uninstalling, navigate to the Riot Games directory in File Explorer (usually located at C:\Riot Games) and delete any remaining folders. You can also use third-party uninstaller tools to ensure no residual files or registry entries remain.
Wrapping Up
Uninstalling Valorant might seem complicated due to the presence of Riot Vanguard, but by following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a piece of complete and smooth information on how to uninstall valorant. Start by disabling and uninstalling Vanguard, then proceed to uninstall Valorant itself, and finally, clean up any leftover files. If you run into any issues, use the troubleshooting tips provided to resolve them. For further assistance, you can always reach out to Riot’s support team. Managing your game installations and uninstalls effectively will keep your system clean and running smoothly.
