How to Uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard | 2024

ByTB-Team

If you’ve decided it’s time to part ways with Valorant, whether it’s to free up space, fix technical issues, or just because you’re moving on to another game, you might be wondering: “How do I uninstall Valorant?” The process is relatively straightforward, but it does involve removing not just the game itself but also Riot Vanguard, the anti-cheat system that Valorant installs. In this guide, we’ll take you through each step of the uninstallation process so you can say goodbye to Valorant without any hassle.

Why You Might Want to Uninstall Valorant

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly touch on why you might want to uninstall Valorant:

  1. Performance Issues: Valorant, like any game, may cause your system to slow down if it’s using too many resources. If you notice your computer lagging or running hot, uninstalling Valorant could free up valuable CPU and memory resources.
  2. Storage Space: Games like Valorant take up a significant amount of space on your hard drive. If you’re running low on storage and don’t play the game anymore, uninstalling it could give you back several gigabytes of room for other programs or games.
  3. Moving to Another Game: If you’re simply done with Valorant and want to try something else, uninstalling the game and Riot Vanguard ensures no remnants are left behind on your system.

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of uninstalling Valorant and its anti-cheat system, Riot Vanguard.

How to Uninstall Valorant from Your PC

The steps for uninstalling Valorant are simple, but you need to make sure you remove both the game and Riot Vanguard. Follow the instructions below to complete the uninstallation process smoothly.

Step 1: Close Valorant and Riot Vanguard

Before you uninstall Valorant, it’s important to ensure that both the game and Riot Vanguard are completely closed. To do this:

  • Check the system tray (the small arrow on the bottom-right of your screen) to see if Riot Vanguard is running in the background.
  • If you see it, right-click on the Vanguard icon and select Exit. This will stop Vanguard from running so that you can uninstall it properly.
  • Make sure Valorant itself isn’t open by closing any game windows and checking the Task Manager for any lingering processes.

Step 2: Uninstall Valorant via Control Panel

Next, let’s remove Valorant from your system. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Control Panel: Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to Programs: Once inside the Control Panel, click on Programs or Programs and Features.
  3. Find Valorant: Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find Valorant.
  4. Uninstall the Game: Click on Valorant, then select Uninstall. Follow the prompts to confirm and proceed with the uninstallation.

This process should remove the game files from your computer, but we’re not done yet! Riot Vanguard, the game’s anti-cheat system, is still installed.

Step 3: Uninstall Riot Vanguard

After removing Valorant, it’s crucial to also uninstall Riot Vanguard, which is required to play Valorant but isn’t needed once the game is gone. To uninstall Riot Vanguard:

  1. Go back to Control Panel: You can still be in the same Programs and Features section.
  2. Locate Riot Vanguard: Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find Riot Vanguard.
  3. Uninstall Riot Vanguard: Select Riot Vanguard and click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Once Riot Vanguard is uninstalled, your system is free from all Valorant-related software.

Using Settings to Uninstall Valorant

Alternatively, you can uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard through the Windows Settings. If you prefer this method, here’s how:

  1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key, then click on the gear icon to open Windows Settings.
  2. Go to Apps: In the Settings menu, select Apps.
  3. Find Valorant: Scroll down the list until you find Valorant.
  4. Uninstall Valorant: Click on the game, then hit Uninstall. Follow the prompts to complete the removal.
  5. Uninstall Riot Vanguard: After Valorant is uninstalled, find Riot Vanguard in the list of apps, then click on it and hit Uninstall.

This method achieves the same result as using the Control Panel, so choose whichever option is easier for you.

Checking for Leftover Files

After uninstalling Valorant and Riot Vanguard, it’s always a good idea to double-check that no leftover files are cluttering up your system. Here’s a quick way to do that:

  1. Open File Explorer: Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Search for Leftover Files: Type Valorant or Riot Games into the search bar and see if any folders or files remain. If you find any, delete them manually.
  3. Clean Up Registry: For more advanced users, you can open the Registry Editor (by typing regedit into the Start menu) and search for Riot Games or Valorant entries to remove, but this step is optional and should only be done if you know how to navigate the Windows Registry safely.

Troubleshooting Valorant Uninstallation Issues

Sometimes, you might run into problems when uninstalling Valorant. If you can’t uninstall the game through Control Panel or Settings, try these fixes:

1. Use a Third-Party Uninstaller

If standard methods don’t work, you can use a third-party uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller. These programs will forcefully remove any leftover files and ensure a complete uninstall of Valorant and Riot Vanguard.

2. Check for Admin Permissions

Make sure you’re running the uninstallation process as an administrator. Right-click on the uninstall button and select Run as administrator if needed.

3. Manually Stop Riot Vanguard Services

If Riot Vanguard is still running and blocking the uninstall, go to Task Manager, find Vanguard processes, and end them manually before trying again.

Final Thoughts

Uninstalling Valorant is a fairly simple process, but it’s essential to remember to remove both the game and Riot Vanguard to clean up your system completely. Whether you’re freeing up space, dealing with performance issues, or simply moving on to another game, following the steps outlined above will make sure Valorant is fully uninstalled from your PC.

If you run into any problems, don’t hesitate to use a third-party uninstaller or check for leftover files to ensure your system is clean. With these tips, uninstalling Valorant should be smooth and hassle-free!

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