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:
- 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.”
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd” in Start, right-click, select “Run as administrator”).
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:
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- 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!
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Polly Gruse is a seasoned gamer with extensive experience in the Call of Duty series, as well as deep expertise in Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft, allowing her to craft detailed guides and insightful analyses that help players refine their skills, master game mechanics, and stay ahead of the competition.