Why Can’t I Uninstall Valorant?

Yo, Valorant squad! Done clutching those 1v5s with Jett or defusing spikes with Phoenix? Whether you’re burnt out from the ranked grind, need to free up disk space, or just want a clean slate, uninstalling Valorant should be a snap—but sometimes it’s a total nightmare. If you’re stuck wondering why you can’t uninstall Valorant, you’re not alone. From sneaky background processes to that pesky Riot Vanguard anti-cheat, there are a few culprits that can jam up the works. This guide dives deep into why you can’t uninstall Valorant, offers step-by-step fixes to delete it for good, and shares pro tips to avoid headaches. Plus, if you’re sticking with Valorant or jumping to another game, LFCarry’s Valorant uninstall assistance and boosting services can keep you dominating. Let’s get that uninstall sorted!

Table of Contents

Common Uninstallation Issues and Solutions

Here’s a quick rundown of why you might be stuck and how to fix it:

Issue

Cause

Solution

Game or Client Running

Valorant or Riot Client processes active

Close all processes in Task Manager

Riot Vanguard Active

Anti-cheat software running at kernel level

Disable Vanguard via System Tray

Leftover Files

Residual files from failed uninstalls

Manually delete C:\Riot Games folders

Permissions Issues

Lack of admin rights

Run uninstaller as administrator

Corrupted Files

Damaged game or client files

Use Command Prompt or third-party uninstaller

Why You Can’t Uninstall Valorant

Let’s break down the reasons you’re hitting a wall when trying to uninstall Valorant:

  • Active Processes: Valorant, the Riot Client, or related processes like VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe or RiotClientServices.exe might still be running, preventing uninstallation. These can linger in the background, even if the game appears closed.
  • Riot Vanguard Blocking: Vanguard, Valorant’s anti-cheat software, runs at the kernel level and must be disabled before uninstalling. If it’s active, you might see errors like a greyed-out uninstall button or a “program in use” message.
  • Leftover Files: Previous failed uninstall attempts can leave behind files in C:\Riot Games, causing conflicts that block the uninstaller.
  • Permissions Issues: If your user account lacks administrator privileges, Windows may prevent the uninstallation, especially for system-level components like Vanguard.
  • Corrupted Files: Damaged game or client files can cause the uninstaller to fail, leaving you stuck with a partial installation.
  • Riot Client Glitches: The Riot Client itself can sometimes refuse to uninstall due to corrupted files or misnamed executables, like RiotClientServices.exe.old.

Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstall Valorant

Ready to uninstall Valorant the right way? Follow these steps:

  1. Close Valorant and Riot Client:

    • Check your taskbar for Valorant or Riot Client icons. Right-click and select “Quit” or “Exit.”
    • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Processes tab, and look for VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe, RiotClientServices.exe, or similar. Right-click and select “End Task.”
  2. Disable Riot Vanguard:

    • Locate the Vanguard icon in the System Tray (bottom-right corner, near the clock). Right-click and select “Exit Vanguard.”
    • If it’s not visible, open Task Manager, find vgc.exe or vgk.exe, and end those processes.
    • Restart your PC to ensure Vanguard is fully disabled.
  3. Uninstall Valorant via Settings:

    • Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
    • Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps (or Programs and Features on older Windows versions).
    • Search for “Valorant,” click the three dots, and select “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to complete.
  4. Uninstall Riot Vanguard:

    • In the same Installed Apps menu, find “Riot Vanguard,” click the three dots, and select “Uninstall.”
    • Confirm the uninstallation and restart your PC again to clear any remaining processes.
  5. Delete Leftover Files:

    • Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Riot Games.
    • Delete the “Valorant” and “Riot Client Installs” folders to remove residual files.
    • Check C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard and delete any remaining Vanguard files.
  6. Clear Registry Entries (Optional):

    • Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
    • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Riot Games and delete the Valorant and Vanguard folders (back up your registry first to be safe).
    • Restart your PC to finalize the cleanup.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Stubborn Uninstalls

If the standard method doesn’t work, try these advanced fixes:

  • Use Command Prompt:

    • Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd” in Start, right-click, select “Run as administrator”).

    • Run these commands to stop Vanguard services:

sc delete vgc

sc delete vgk

  • Return to Settings > Installed Apps and try uninstalling Valorant and Vanguard again.

  • Fix Riot Client Issues:

    • Navigate to C:\Riot Games\Riot Client Installs.
    • Look for RiotClientServices.exe.old and rename it to RiotClientServices.exe by removing the “.old” extension.
    • Go back to Settings > Installed Apps and uninstall the Riot Client.
  • Use a Third-Party Uninstaller:

    • Download a trusted tool like Revo Uninstaller from its official site.
    • Run the uninstaller, select Valorant and Riot Vanguard, and let it remove all files and registry entries.
    • Be cautious with third-party tools—only use reputable ones to avoid malware.
  • Check for Windows Updates:

    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
    • System updates can fix glitches that prevent uninstallation.
  • Run as Administrator:

    • Right-click the Riot Client or Valorant shortcut and select “Run as administrator” before attempting to uninstall.
    • Alternatively, open Settings as administrator by searching for it in Start and selecting “Run as administrator.”

Additional Tips to Avoid Uninstallation Issues

To ensure a smooth uninstall, follow these tips:

  • Update Your System: Keep Windows up to date to avoid compatibility issues that can block uninstallation.
  • Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Some antivirus programs may flag Vanguard as a threat, interfering with uninstallation. Pause your antivirus during the process.
  • Check Disk Space: Low disk space can cause uninstall errors. Free up space by deleting temporary files via Disk Cleanup.
  • Avoid Unofficial Tools: Stick to official methods or trusted software to avoid scams or malware.
  • Restart After Each Step: Restart your PC after closing processes or disabling Vanguard to ensure no lingering services block the uninstall.

Community Insights and Experiences

The Valorant community has shared plenty of uninstallation struggles, with common complaints like:

  • “The uninstall button is greyed out, and Vanguard keeps running!”
  • “Had to use Command Prompt to kill Vanguard services. Worked like a charm.”
  • “Check Task Manager for vgc.exe and end it first if you can’t uninstall.”

These tips from players align with the fixes above, showing that a little persistence can go a long way.

Why You Might Want to Uninstall Valorant

Players uninstall Valorant for all sorts of reasons:

  • Freeing Disk Space: Valorant takes up about 30 GB, which can be a lot for smaller drives.
  • Performance Issues: Older PCs might struggle with Valorant’s requirements.
  • Switching Games: Maybe you’re moving to a new title and need to clear space.
  • Frustration with Ranked: The competitive grind can burn you out.
  • Technical Issues: Persistent crashes or lag might push you to wipe it out.

Whatever your reason, a clean uninstall keeps your system ready for whatever’s next.

Reinstalling Valorant Later

If you decide to come back, reinstalling is easy:

  • Download the Riot Client from Riot Games.
  • Install Valorant through the client, which will also reinstall Vanguard.
  • Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements (Windows 10/11, 4 GB RAM, 30 GB free space).

A proper uninstall ensures a smooth reinstall with no leftover conflicts. If you’re jumping back in to climb ranks, LFCarry’s Valorant rank boosting service can get you to Radiant in no time.

How LFCarry Can Enhance Your Gaming

Whether you’re uninstalling Valorant or sticking around for more action, LFCarry has your back. Our services include:

  • Rank Boosting: Climb from Iron to Radiant with pro players handling your matches.
  • Account Leveling: Unlock agents or competitive mode faster.
  • Coaching: Learn pro strategies to dominate with your favorite agents.
  • Technical Support: Get help with game issues, including uninstallation troubleshooting.

Our Valorant uninstall assistance ensures you can move on cleanly, while our boosting services keep you competitive in Valorant or beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why am I unable to uninstall Valorant?
    Active processes, Riot Vanguard, leftover files, or permission issues could be the culprits. Close everything, disable Vanguard, and try again.

  • How do I force uninstall a program that won’t uninstall?
    End related processes in Task Manager, disable Vanguard, use Command Prompt (sc delete vgc, sc delete vgk), or try a trusted third-party uninstaller.

  • Why is the Riot Client not uninstalling?
    It might be a corrupted file. Rename RiotClientServices.exe.old to RiotClientServices.exe in C:\Riot Games\Riot Client Installs, then uninstall via Settings.

  • Can I reinstall Valorant after uninstalling?
    Yes, just download the Riot Client from Riot Games and reinstall. A clean uninstall prevents issues.

  • What happens to my account after uninstalling?
    Your Valorant account stays safe, tied to your Riot ID. Reinstall and log in to pick up where you left off.

  • Are third-party uninstallers safe?
    Trusted tools like Revo Uninstaller are safe if downloaded from official sites. Avoid sketchy sources to steer clear of malware.

How do I ensure all Valorant files are gone?
Delete C:\Riot Games\Valorant and C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard folders, and clear registry entries in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Riot Games.

Why Choose This Service from Us at LFCarry?

Struggling to uninstall Valorant or want to boost your game before you go? LFCarry’s Valorant boosting services make gaming a breeze. Whether you need help uninstalling or want to dominate another title, our pros deliver. Here’s why gamers trust us:

  • Unique Value: Tailored solutions, from technical support to rank boosting, customized to your needs.
  • Benefit to Gamers: Save time and frustration, letting you focus on crushing it or moving on cleanly.
  • Trust / Safety: Secure methods protect your account and data, giving you peace of mind.
  • Speed / Results: Fast results, whether it’s a clean uninstall or a Radiant rank-up with our Valorant uninstall assistance.

Ready to level up or move on? Visit LFCarry for top-tier services and dominate your gaming journey!

Read also:

Leave a Reply