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Valorant won't launch on Windows? 8 fixes (Vanguard errors too)

✓ Reviewed & updated June 2026

You hit play on Valorant and it stalls on the loading screen, closes itself, or throws a Vanguard error before you ever reach the menu. Because Valorant runs Riot's Vanguard anti-cheat, a lot of launch problems trace back to that — and the good news is they follow a predictable set of fixes. Work through these in order and you'll likely be back in a match within a few minutes.

Most launch and Vanguard issues are solved by the first four fixes.

Quick checklist

  1. Restart your PC completely
  2. Run Valorant and Riot Client as administrator
  3. Make sure Vanguard is running
  4. Update Windows and your graphics driver
  5. Restart the Vanguard service
  6. Allow Valorant and Vanguard through your firewall
  7. Reinstall Vanguard
  8. Reinstall Valorant as a last resort

Why a full restart matters here. Vanguard loads when Windows starts. If you've just installed or updated it, it often won't work until you fully restart — so don't skip fix 1, even if it seems too simple.

Why Valorant won't launch

Most launch failures come down to Vanguard not running (it needs a full restart after updates), permission issues, an outdated graphics driver or Windows build, or a firewall block. The fixes below clear each.

The 8 fixes

1

Restart your PC completely

Vanguard starts with Windows, so a full restart is genuinely the most common fix — especially after an update.

  • Choose Restart (not Shut down), and let Windows fully boot.
  • Launch Valorant before opening other apps.
2

Run Valorant and Riot Client as administrator

Valorant and Vanguard need elevated permissions to work properly.

  • Right-click the VALORANT shortcut → Run as administrator.
  • Do the same for the Riot Client if you launch from there.
  • Set it permanently via Properties → Compatibility → Run this program as an administrator.
3

Make sure Vanguard is running

Valorant won't start if Vanguard isn't active. Check for its tray icon.

  • Look in the system tray (bottom-right, near the clock) for the Vanguard shield icon.
  • If it's missing, restart your PC (fix 1) — Vanguard should load on boot and the icon should appear.
4

Update Windows and your graphics driver

Valorant and Vanguard are sensitive to outdated systems and drivers.

  • Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and install everything.
  • Update your graphics driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel, then restart.
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5

Restart the Vanguard service

If Vanguard is installed but misbehaving, restarting its service can clear the error.

  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  • Find vgc in the list, double-click it, set Startup type to Automatic, click Start, then OK.
  • Restart your PC and launch Valorant.
6

Allow Valorant and Vanguard through your firewall

A firewall or antivirus block can stop the game or anti-cheat from connecting.

  • Search Allow an app through Windows Firewall and make sure VALORANT, Riot Client and vgc/Vanguard are ticked for Private and Public.
  • Add the Riot Games folder to your antivirus exclusions.
7

Reinstall Vanguard

If a Vanguard error persists, removing and reinstalling it usually clears it.

  • Go to Settings → Apps and uninstall Riot Vanguard.
  • Restart your PC.
  • Launch Valorant — it will reinstall Vanguard automatically, then ask you to restart once more.
8

Reinstall Valorant as a last resort

If nothing else works, a clean reinstall replaces any corrupted game files.

  • Uninstall VALORANT (and Riot Vanguard) via Settings → Apps.
  • Download the latest installer from the official playvalorant.com site.
  • Install, let Vanguard set up, and restart when prompted.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Valorant always ask me to restart my PC?

Vanguard, Valorant's anti-cheat, loads at Windows startup. After it installs or updates, it can't run properly until the next full restart — which is why restarting fixes so many launch problems.

I get a Vanguard error code. Do these fixes apply?

Yes. Most Vanguard errors are cleared by restarting (fix 1), making sure the vgc service runs (fix 5), or reinstalling Vanguard (fix 7). Note the exact code in case you need further help.

Will reinstalling Valorant affect my rank or skins?

No. Your account, rank, skins and progress are tied to your Riot account online. Reinstalling only replaces the game files on your PC.

Is it safe to allow Vanguard through the firewall?

Yes. Vanguard is Riot's official anti-cheat and needs network access to verify your game. Allowing the official Riot files through the firewall is expected and safe.

Stuck on a different game? See our guides for Roblox and the Minecraft Launcher. Still stuck here? Tell us your exact Vanguard error code.

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