Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to reinstall Riot Vanguard for Valorant.
A Gamer's Guide to Reinstalling Vanguard for VALORANT
Hey, fellow Agents! Are you facing frustrating error codes like VAN 1067, VAN 68, or any of those pesky messages about Vanguard not initializing? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many players encounter issues with Riot Vanguard, the powerful anti-cheat system for VALORANT. A clean reinstallation is often the most effective way to solve these problems and get you back into the action.
Let's get this done and get you back to clutching those rounds. Ready to dive in? Let's begin!
Step 1: The Grand Uninstallation - Saying Goodbye to the Old Vanguard
The key to a successful reinstall is a clean uninstallation. This means completely removing Vanguard from your system. Don't just uninstall VALORANT; Vanguard is a separate program and will remain on your PC even if the game is gone.
Sub-Step 1.1: Exit Vanguard from the System Tray
First, you need to ensure Vanguard isn't running in the background.
Look for the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray. This is the small group of icons in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar, near the clock. It looks like a red "V" shield.
Right-click on the Riot Vanguard icon.
Select the option to "Exit Vanguard" or "Exit".
A pop-up will appear asking for confirmation. Click "Yes" to close the program.
Pro-Tip: If you can't find the icon, click the small up-arrow (^) to show hidden icons. Sometimes it hides there!
Sub-Step 1.2: Uninstall Riot Vanguard from Windows Settings
Now that it's closed, you can uninstall it. This is the recommended method.
Press the Windows key on your keyboard, and then type "Add or remove programs" and hit Enter. This will open the Apps & features or Installed apps settings.
In the search bar, type "Riot Vanguard".
Click on the entry for "Riot Vanguard" and then select "Uninstall".
Confirm the uninstallation by clicking "Uninstall" again in the pop-up window.
You might be asked for administrator permission. Click "Yes".
Sub-Step 1.3: A Deeper Clean - Manual Removal (Optional but Recommended)
Sometimes, a standard uninstall leaves behind lingering files that can cause issues. For a truly clean slate, you can manually delete the remaining files.
After the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer. This is a crucial step to ensure all processes related to Vanguard are terminated.
Once your PC is back on, open File Explorer (you can press Windows key + E).
Navigate to the following directory:
C:\Program Files.Look for a folder named "Riot Vanguard". Right-click on this folder and select "Delete".
If you get a message saying the folder is in use, it means you need to restart your computer again.
Finally, empty your Recycle Bin to permanently remove the files.
Don't forget this step! Leaving leftover files can defeat the purpose of a clean reinstall.
Step 2: The Reinstallation - Bringing Vanguard Back
The good news is that you don't need to download a separate installer for Vanguard. The VALORANT client handles it for you automatically.
Sub-Step 2.1: Launch the VALORANT Client
Open the Riot Games client or double-click your VALORANT desktop shortcut.
The client will detect that Riot Vanguard is missing from your system.
Sub-Step 2.2: The Automatic Installation
You will see a message on the VALORANT client screen indicating that Vanguard is being installed or that an update is required.
The client will automatically download and install the latest version of Vanguard. This process is usually quick and happens in the background.
Once the installation is complete, the client will prompt you with a message that says, "Your system needs to be restarted to complete the installation."
Sub-Step 2.3: The Final Restart
Click on the "Restart" button in the VALORANT client or manually restart your computer.
This restart is absolutely essential for Vanguard to initialize properly and integrate with your system's kernel.
Step 3: Verification and Back to the Game!
After your computer has restarted, you're ready to check if everything is working as it should.
Open the Riot client and launch VALORANT.
If the installation was successful, you should see the Riot Vanguard icon back in your system tray.
The game should launch without any error messages related to Vanguard.
Congratulations! You have successfully reinstalled Riot Vanguard. If you continue to face issues, it's a good idea to check for conflicting software, such as an overzealous antivirus or firewall.
10 Related FAQs: How to...
How to check if Riot Vanguard is running?
Look for the Riot Vanguard icon (a red "V" shield) in your system tray, located in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar. If you see it, Vanguard is active.
How to disable Riot Vanguard temporarily?
Right-click the Vanguard icon in the system tray and select "Exit Vanguard." You will need to restart your computer to reactivate it before playing VALORANT.
How to fix Vanguard installation errors?
Ensure you have administrative privileges, temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall, and perform a clean uninstall and reinstall. Check for Windows updates as well, as an outdated OS can cause conflicts.
How to make sure Vanguard is set to run automatically?
Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find the "vgc" service, right-click it, go to Properties, and make sure the "Startup type" is set to "Automatic."
How to fix a "Vanguard has crashed" error?
Restart your computer. If the error persists, uninstall and reinstall Vanguard following the steps above. You might also need to update your graphics drivers.
How to reinstall Vanguard without reinstalling VALORANT?
Follow Step 1 to uninstall Vanguard. Then, simply launch the VALORANT game client, and it will automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard.
How to check for corrupted Vanguard files?
A clean reinstall is the best way to deal with corrupted files. You can't easily check for them, but if you're getting errors, reinstallation is the recommended fix.
How to fix "Vanguard not initialized" error?
This error often means Vanguard didn't start with Windows. Follow the guide to reinstall it, and ensure the "vgc" service is set to "Automatic."
How to check if your PC meets the minimum requirements for Vanguard?
Riot Vanguard runs on Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit). You also need to have Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled on Windows 11 systems. Check your BIOS settings for these features.
How to contact Riot Support for Vanguard issues?
If all else fails, you can submit a support ticket to Riot Games. Visit the official Riot Support website, select VALORANT, and describe your issue in detail, including any error codes you received.