Uninstalling a game might seem simple – until you meet Valorant. For many players, removing Riot’s tactical shooter feels more like navigating an in-game maze than clicking “Uninstall.” Between Vanguard’s stubborn grip and hidden files lurking in system folders, this process isn’t as straightforward as deleting other games.
Whether you’re freeing up space, troubleshooting issues, or just craving a break from intense ranked matches, this guide walks you through every necessary step to completely remove Valorant (and Riot Vanguard) from your PC – no loose ends, no guesswork.
Why Uninstall Valorant?
Let’s face it – sometimes you just need out. Maybe you’re dealing with persistent error messages like VAN9001 or Secure Boot headaches. Maybe the grind has drained the fun, or the game’s becoming more of an obsession than a pastime.
Whatever your reason – technical hiccups, mental health, or reclaiming hard drive space – this guide is here to help you wipe Valorant clean off your system, whether you’re planning a comeback later or moving on for good.
Common Errors During Uninstall (And How to Fix Them)
Trying to uninstall Valorant like you would any other app might leave you scratching your head. That’s because the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat runs deep – really deep. You’ll need to deal with it first.
Top Error Codes & Fixes:
| Error Code | Message | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| VAN 140 | Connection error | Upgrade to Windows 10/11. If issue persists, uninstall and reinstall both Vanguard and Valorant. |
| VAN9001 | TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot not enabled | Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in BIOS/UEFI. |
| VAN9002 | CFG (Control Flow Guard) not enabled | Turn on CFG under Exploit Protection in Windows Security. |
| VAN9003 | Secure Boot disabled | Check and enable Secure Boot in your BIOS/UEFI settings. |
These aren’t just startup annoyances – they can also block you from fully uninstalling the game if not handled correctly.
Step-by-Step: How to Fully Uninstall Valorant (2025 Edition)
🔹 Step 1: Disable Riot Vanguard
Find the Vanguard icon in your taskbar (bottom-right).
Right-click it and choose “Exit Vanguard.”
Confirm the prompt to disable the anti-cheat.
🔹 Step 2: Uninstall Vanguard
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
Find Riot Vanguard, click it, and hit Uninstall.
🔹 Step 3: Uninstall Valorant
While still in Settings > Apps, find Valorant.
Click Uninstall and follow the instructions.
🔹 Step 4: Delete Leftover Files
Open File Explorer.
Go to:
C:\Riot GamesDelete any remaining folders related to Riot or Valorant.
Repeat with:
%AppData%\Riot Games%LocalAppData%\Riot Games%ProgramData%\Riot Games
Optional but recommended: Use a trusted tool like CCleaner to remove leftover registry entries (but proceed with caution).
Alternative Method: Command Prompt (If the Normal Way Fails)
If the standard method fails, don’t panic. Try this backup method:
🔸 Using CMD as Admin
Exit Vanguard from the system tray.
Press Start, type CMD, and choose “Run as Administrator.”
Enter these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
Restart your PC.
Navigate to
C:\Program Files\and delete the Riot Vanguard folder manually.
Will I Lose My Progress?
Nope. All your game data – rank, skins, stats – is stored in the cloud via your Riot account. When you reinstall and log back in, everything will be right where you left it.
Why Can’t I Uninstall Valorant from the Riot Client?
That’s by design. The Riot client doesn’t offer an uninstall option for Valorant. That’s why using Windows Settings or Command Prompt is necessary for full removal.
Troubleshooting Tips
✔ Removing Residual Files
Open Run (
Windows + R)Type:
%AppData%,%LocalAppData%, and%ProgramData%one by oneDelete any folders labeled Riot Games
For a full sweep, follow up with a registry cleaner – but always back up your registry first to avoid mishaps.
✔ Reinstalling Valorant Later?
Easy:
Visit playvalorant.com
Log in or create your Riot account
Download the installer and follow the on-screen setup
Log in and enjoy – your account data will still be intact
Final Thoughts
Uninstalling Valorant in 2025 is more complex than dragging it to the trash, but it’s totally doable – with the right steps. Whether you’re uninstalling to fix issues, escape the pressure of ranked, or just make room for something new, this guide gives you everything you need for a clean break.
The skills you’ve picked up here – like dealing with anti-cheat services, command-line tools, and registry cleaning – aren’t just for Valorant. They’ll serve you well any time a program refuses to go quietly.
FAQs
Q: What’s the correct order to uninstall Valorant and Vanguard?
A: Exit Vanguard → Uninstall Vanguard → Uninstall Valorant → Delete residual files.
Q: Can I reinstall later without losing progress?
A: Yes! All your data is cloud-synced via your Riot account.
Q: Why isn’t Valorant uninstalling?
A: Vanguard may still be active. Disable and uninstall Vanguard first.
Q: Can I use the Riot client to uninstall?
A: No. Use Windows Settings or Command Prompt instead.
Whether you’re stepping away temporarily or saying goodbye for good, you now have the power to uninstall Valorant – cleanly, thoroughly, and confidently.
