Do you find yourself needing to completely remove Riot Vanguard from your system? Perhaps you're encountering conflicts with other software, troubleshooting game issues, or simply no longer play Valorant or other Riot Games titles that require it. Whatever your reason, successfully deleting Riot Vanguard can be a bit more involved than a typical program due to its deep integration as an anti-cheat system.
Fear not, fellow PC user! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to ensure Riot Vanguard is thoroughly purged from your system. We'll cover everything from the standard uninstallation methods to digging into leftover files and even the Windows Registry, leaving no stone unturned.
Let's dive in and reclaim your system!
Step 1: Prepare for Deletion - Shut Down Riot Vanguard Properly
Before you attempt to remove anything, it's crucial to ensure Riot Vanguard isn't actively running in the background. Because of its kernel-level access, trying to uninstall it while it's still active can lead to errors or an incomplete removal.
1.1 Close Vanguard from the System Tray
This is your first line of defense.
- Look for the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray, usually located in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar. It often looks like a red shield or a 'V' logo. You might need to click the small upward arrow (^) to reveal hidden icons.
- Right-click on the Riot Vanguard icon.
- From the context menu that appears, select "Exit Vanguard."
- A pop-up will ask for confirmation. Click "Yes" to confirm that you want to shut down Riot Vanguard.
1.2 Verify in Task Manager (Optional but Recommended)
To be absolutely sure it's not running, check your Task Manager.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
- Go to the "Processes" tab.
- Look for any processes related to Riot Vanguard, such as
vanguard.exeorvgtray.exe. - If you find any, right-click on them and select "End task."
1.3 Restart Your PC
This step is often overlooked but can be vital. After closing Vanguard, a restart helps clear any lingering processes or temporary files associated with it.
- Go to your Start Menu, click the Power icon, and select "Restart."
Step 2: The Standard Uninstallation - Using Windows Settings or Control Panel
This is the most straightforward way to remove applications. While it often doesn't remove all traces of Riot Vanguard, it's the necessary first step.
2.1 Uninstall via Windows Settings (Windows 10/11)
This is the modern and generally preferred method.
- Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to "Apps" > "Installed apps" (or "Apps & features" on older Windows 10 versions).
- In the search bar, type "Riot Vanguard" to quickly locate it.
- Click on Riot Vanguard in the list.
- Click the "Uninstall" button that appears.
- Follow any on-screen prompts from the Riot Vanguard uninstaller. You might be asked to confirm your choice again.
2.2 Uninstall via Control Panel (All Windows Versions)
If you're more comfortable with the classic Control Panel, this method works too.
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
appwiz.cpland press Enter, or search for "Control Panel" in your Start Menu and then go to "Programs" > "Uninstall a program." - In the list of programs, find "Riot Vanguard."
- Right-click on it and select "Uninstall."
- Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Step 3: Deep Cleaning - Manually Deleting Leftover Files and Folders
Even after using the standard uninstaller, Riot Vanguard can leave behind folders and files. This is where we get our hands dirty for a truly clean removal.
3.1 Delete the Riot Vanguard Installation Folder
This is the primary location where Vanguard resides.
- Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E).
- Navigate to the C: drive (or the drive where your programs are installed, usually
C:). - Go to Program Files.
- Look for a folder named "Riot Vanguard."
- Right-click on the "Riot Vanguard" folder and select "Delete."
- If prompted for administrator permission, click "Yes."
3.2 Check for Other Riot Games Folders
Riot Games often keeps shared files in other locations.
- While still in File Explorer, navigate to the C: drive.
- Look for a folder named "Riot Games" (not just "Riot Vanguard"). If you find it and you don't have any other Riot Games titles (like League of Legends, Valorant, or the Riot Client itself) that you intend to keep, you can delete this entire folder.
- Caution: If you play other Riot Games, do not delete the entire "Riot Games" folder unless you want to uninstall those games as well.
- Right-click on the "Riot Games" folder and select "Delete."
3.3 Remove Remaining AppData Folders
These folders contain user-specific data, caches, and logs.
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
%appdata%and press Enter. This will open the Roaming folder within your AppData. - Look for a folder named "Riot Games." Right-click and select "Delete."
- Repeat the process for
Local AppData:- Press Windows Key + R.
- Type
%localappdata%and press Enter. This will open the Local folder within your AppData. - Look for a folder named "Riot Games." Right-click and select "Delete."
- Repeat for
ProgramData(this folder is often hidden by default):- Press Windows Key + R.
- Type
%programdata%and press Enter. - Look for a folder named "Riot Games." Right-click and select "Delete."
3.4 Empty Your Recycle Bin
Don't forget this crucial final step for file deletion!
- Right-click on your Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Select "Empty Recycle Bin." Confirm when prompted.
Step 4: Advanced Cleanup - Using Command Prompt to Delete Services
Riot Vanguard installs services that run in the background, even when you're not playing a game. These can sometimes persist even after uninstallation. We'll use the Command Prompt to remove them.
4.1 Open Command Prompt as Administrator
This is essential for making system-level changes.
- Click on the Start Menu.
- Type "CMD" in the search bar.
- When "Command Prompt" appears in the search results, right-click on it and select "Run as administrator."
- Click "Yes" if a User Account Control prompt appears.
4.2 Delete Vanguard Services
You'll need to enter two specific commands.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sc delete vgc- You should see a success message like
[SC] DeleteService SUCCESS.
- You should see a success message like
- Now, type the second command and press Enter:
sc delete vgk- Again, you should see a success message like
[SC] DeleteService SUCCESS.
- Again, you should see a success message like
- Close the Command Prompt window.
4.3 Restart Your PC (Again!)
Another restart is recommended to ensure these service changes take full effect.
- Go to your Start Menu, click the Power icon, and select "Restart."
Step 5: Registry Cleanup (Optional & Advanced)
This step is for advanced users and carries a slight risk if not done carefully. The Windows Registry stores configuration settings for programs. While manual file deletion and service removal often suffice, some users prefer to clean registry entries for a truly pristine removal.
WARNING: Incorrectly editing the Windows Registry can cause serious system instability or render your operating system unusable. Proceed with extreme caution and only if you are comfortable with this step. Consider creating a System Restore Point before proceeding.
5.1 Create a System Restore Point (Highly Recommended)
This allows you to revert your system to a previous state if anything goes wrong.
- Search for "Create a restore point" in the Windows search bar and open it.
- In the System Properties window, click on the "Create..." button under the "System Protection" tab.
- Give your restore point a descriptive name (e.g., "Before Vanguard Registry Cleanup") and click "Create."
5.2 Open Registry Editor
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
regeditand press Enter. - Click "Yes" if prompted by User Account Control.
5.3 Navigate and Delete Riot Vanguard-Related Keys
You'll be looking for keys associated with Riot Vanguard. It's crucial to only delete keys directly related to Vanguard and not other Riot Games components unless you want to uninstall them too.
-
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following paths. You can copy and paste the paths into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor window for easier navigation:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software- Look for any subkeys named "Riot Games" or "Riot Vanguard."
- If you find them, right-click and select "Delete."
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE- Look for any subkeys named "Riot Games" or "Riot Vanguard."
- If you find them, right-click and select "Delete."
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services- Look for services named "vgc" and "vgk." These are the Vanguard services you deleted earlier via CMD. Their registry entries should ideally be gone, but it's good to check.
- If you find them, right-click and select "Delete."
-
Be incredibly careful not to delete anything unrelated. If you are unsure, do not delete it.
5.4 Close Registry Editor
- Once you're done, close the Registry Editor window.
Final Verification
After completing all the steps, particularly restarting your PC after the Command Prompt steps, Riot Vanguard should be completely removed. You can do a quick search in your C:\Program Files folder and your AppData folders to ensure no "Riot Vanguard" or "Riot Games" folders (unless you kept other Riot titles) remain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard if it's not showing in "Apps & features"?
If Riot Vanguard isn't listed, proceed directly to Step 3 (manual file deletion) and Step 4 (Command Prompt service deletion). The program might have been partially uninstalled, leaving only leftover files and services.
How to know if Riot Vanguard is truly gone?
After following all the steps, especially restarting your PC, check your system tray for the Vanguard icon, verify in Task Manager (no vanguard.exe or vgtray.exe processes), and search your C:\Program Files and AppData folders for any "Riot Vanguard" folders.
How to remove Riot Vanguard without uninstalling Valorant?
You cannot remove Riot Vanguard without impacting Valorant. Riot Vanguard is the anti-cheat system for Valorant, and Valorant requires it to run. If you uninstall Vanguard, Valorant will not launch.
How to fix "Riot Vanguard prevents uninstallation" errors?
This usually means Vanguard is still running. Ensure you've followed Step 1 to exit Vanguard from the system tray and restart your PC. If the issue persists, try the Command Prompt method in Step 4.
How to reinstall Riot Vanguard after uninstalling it?
If you launch a Riot Games title (like Valorant) that requires Vanguard after uninstalling it, the Riot Client will usually prompt you to reinstall Vanguard automatically. Simply follow the on-screen instructions, and it will download and install itself.
How to deal with Riot Vanguard error messages after uninstall?
If you encounter errors after uninstalling Vanguard, especially when trying to launch other games or programs, it's often due to leftover registry entries or corrupted system files. Reinstalling any affected Riot game (which will reinstall Vanguard) and then following this guide again for a cleaner uninstall can help. For persistent issues, a system file check (sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt) or contacting Riot Support might be necessary.
How to prevent Riot Vanguard from starting with Windows?
Riot Vanguard is designed to start with Windows by default due to its anti-cheat nature. There isn't an easy in-app setting to disable this while keeping it installed and functional for games. The only reliable way to prevent it from starting is to uninstall it entirely, as detailed in this guide.
How to find the Riot Vanguard folder location?
The primary installation folder for Riot Vanguard is typically C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard. Other related files may be in %appdata%\Riot Games, %localappdata%\Riot Games, and %programdata%\Riot Games.
How to remove Riot Vanguard registry entries safely?
The safest way is to follow Step 5 carefully, only deleting the specific keys mentioned, and always creating a System Restore Point beforehand. If you're uncomfortable, it's best to skip this step, as the manual file and service deletions often suffice.
How to troubleshoot if Riot Vanguard won't delete?
If you're facing persistent issues where Vanguard refuses to delete, consider:
- Restarting in Safe Mode: Sometimes, third-party drivers or software can interfere. Trying to uninstall in Safe Mode can help.
- Reinstalling and Re-uninstalling: A corrupted installation can sometimes be fixed by reinstalling Vanguard (by launching Valorant) and then immediately performing a clean uninstall using this guide.
- Contacting Riot Games Support: For very stubborn cases, Riot's official support team can provide specific tools or guidance.