Gaming · VALORANT on Windows 11

Fix VALORANT Not Launching After an Update

Source-checked About 15 minutes

Answer

First check Riot's service status, then fully close and reopen the Riot Client and restart Windows. If VALORANT still will not launch, install pending Windows and graphics-driver updates, run the Riot Client repair tool, and follow the exact Vanguard or VAL error shown on screen. Do not make firewall exceptions unless security software is actually blocking Riot.

Before you continue
  • Check Riot firstA service incident cannot be repaired on your PC.
  • Restart cleanlyClose every Riot and VALORANT process, then restart Windows.
  • Use the exact errorA VAN or VAL code needs its own Riot instructions.
Check Riot's service statusOpen Riot's client repair guide
Guide steps7 steps
  1. Write down what happens
  2. Check Riot's service status
  3. Close Riot and restart Windows
  4. Install ordinary updates
  5. Repair the Riot Client
  6. Follow the exact code
  7. Collect logs if it still fails
  8. If it still does not work

Write down what happens

Try one launch and note whether nothing opens, the client closes, or a VAN or VAL code appears. Take a screenshot of the complete message.

Check Riot's service status

Choose VALORANT and your region. If Riot lists an incident or maintenance, wait for its update before changing Windows.

Check Riot's service status

Close Riot and restart Windows

Open Task Manager, end Riot Client and VALORANT tasks that are still running, then restart the PC. Open only Riot Client after signing back in.

Install ordinary updates

Open Windows Update and install pending updates. Update the graphics driver from Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, or the computer maker, then restart if requested.

Repair the Riot Client

Open Riot Client Settings, select VALORANT, and use Repair if it is offered. Let the check finish before trying another launch.

Follow Riot's repair steps

Follow the exact code

If the message begins with VAN or VAL, find that exact code in Riot's current error pages. Reinstall Vanguard only when Riot's code-specific instructions call for it.

Find the displayed VALORANT codeCheck Vanguard error codes

Collect logs if it still fails

Run Riot Repair Tool, attach its log file to a Riot Support ticket, and include the update time, Windows version, and full error.

Collect VALORANT logs

If it does not work

  • If VALORANT launches after a clean restart, reopen background apps one at a time; an overlay or utility may be conflicting.
  • If security software names a blocked Riot file, use Riot's firewall guide for that exact file instead of disabling protection.
  • If Windows is managed by work or school, do not remove security controls. Ask the administrator to review the Riot error and logs.
Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on . Scope: VALORANT on Windows 11.

The written steps follow the current official pages linked below. The saved video is an older walkthrough and may show different labels.

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