Mastering Valorant Uninstallation: A Comprehensive Guide
Valorant, Riot Games’ tactical shooter, has taken the esports world by storm. However, as with any software, there comes a time when you might need to uninstall it. Whether you’re freeing up disk space, troubleshooting performance issues, or simply moving on to other gaming experiences, knowing how to properly uninstall Valorant is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a clean removal and a fresh start.
Understanding the Uninstallation Process
Uninstalling Valorant is not as simple as just deleting the game’s folder. The game comes with its own anti-cheat software, Vanguard, which also needs to be properly uninstalled. Failure to do so can lead to residual files and potential conflicts with future software installations. Therefore, a systematic approach is recommended to ensure a complete and clean uninstallation.
Step 1: Uninstalling Vanguard First
Before uninstalling Valorant itself, it’s essential to disable and uninstall Riot Vanguard.
* Navigate to your Windows search bar and type “Add or remove programs.”
* Click on the search result to open the “Apps & features” or “Programs and Features” window.
* Locate “Riot Vanguard” in the list of installed applications.
* Click on Riot Vanguard and select “Uninstall.”
* Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation. You may need to restart your computer after this step.
Step 2: Uninstalling Valorant
Once Vanguard is removed, you can proceed with uninstalling the main Valorant client.
* Open the “Add or remove programs” window again.
* Find “VALORANT” in the list of installed applications.
* Click on VALORANT and select “Uninstall.”
* Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.
Did you know? Riot Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat, meaning it runs with high system privileges. This is why it’s critical to uninstall it properly to avoid potential system conflicts.
Manual Cleanup for a Pristine System
While the standard uninstallation process removes most of Valorant’s files, some residual data might remain. For a truly clean slate, a manual cleanup can be beneficial.
Locating and Deleting Remnant Files
* Open File Explorer and navigate to your Valorant installation directory. This is typically `C:Riot GamesVALORANT`. Delete this entire folder if it still exists.
* Press `Windows Key + R` to open the Run dialog box.
* Type `%appdata%` and press Enter. In the Roaming folder, look for and delete any Riot Games or Valorant-related folders.
* Repeat the Run dialog process with `%localappdata%` and delete any similar folders.
* Check your Recycle Bin and empty it to permanently remove deleted files.
Fact: Leaving behind game-related registry entries or leftover files can sometimes cause issues with future game installations or general system performance.
Troubleshooting Common Uninstallation Issues
Occasionally, you might encounter problems during the uninstallation process. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:
* **Vanguard not uninstalling:** Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer. If the uninstaller fails, you may need to manually remove Vanguard’s services through the Services management console.
* **Valorant client missing from “Add or remove programs”:** You might need to manually delete the game’s installation folder and then use a registry cleaner cautiously to remove associated entries.
* **Installation errors after uninstalling:** If you encounter errors when trying to reinstall Valorant or other Riot Games, a corrupted system file or lingering registry entry might be the cause. Running a system file checker (`sfc /scannow` in an elevated command prompt) can help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will uninstalling Valorant remove my game settings?
A1: Yes, a complete uninstallation, including manual cleanup, should remove all game settings and player data associated with the installation.
Q2: Can I just delete the Valorant folder to uninstall it?
A2: No, this is not recommended as it leaves behind essential components like Riot Vanguard, which can cause issues. Always use the official uninstallation method.
Q3: How much disk space does Valorant typically take up?
A3: The required disk space can vary with updates, but Valorant and its associated software generally require around 30-40 GB.
Q4: What should I do if Vanguard won’t uninstall at all?
A4: If standard uninstallation fails, you can try disabling Vanguard’s services manually. Open the Services application, find Riot Vanguard, stop its service, and then attempt uninstallation again. As a last resort, search online for specific troubleshooting guides for Vanguard’s stubborn uninstallation.
