Source-checked · About 15 minutes, plus restart time
Answer
Save your work and restart Windows once from the Start menu. If VALORANT immediately asks for another restart, record the exact VAL or VAN code. Use Riot's error-code page for that code; if Riot directs you to reinstall Vanguard, uninstall Vanguard through Windows, restart, launch Riot Client to reinstall it, and restart again when prompted.
Before you continue
RestartUse one normal Windows restart after saving work.
CodeRecord the exact VAL or VAN message if it returns.
Close open work, open Start > Power, and choose Restart. Do not use Shut down if Fast Startup may preserve the previous session.
2
Launch Riot Client normally
After signing back in, open Riot Client and VALORANT. Give Vanguard time to start before launching the game a second time.
3
Record the exact message and code
If the restart request returns, take a screenshot or write down the full VAL or VAN code. Different codes have different fixes.
4
Use Riot's matching error-code step
Open Riot's Vanguard error-code page and follow only the action listed for the exact code. Do not change firmware, services, firewall rules, or Windows security settings based on a different error.
If the matching Riot step calls for reinstalling Vanguard, use Windows Installed apps to uninstall Riot Vanguard, restart Windows, launch Riot Client so Vanguard installs again, and restart when prompted.
Keep the code and restart times, collect Riot logs, and attach them to a support request. This is safer than repeatedly editing the vgc service or startup entries without a code-specific instruction.
If the message appears after a Vanguard update, one complete Windows restart may be required even if Riot Client reopened normally.
If the code mentions Secure Boot, TPM, virtualization, or another security requirement, follow the exact Riot page for that code or ask the PC manufacturer. Do not change firmware settings by guesswork.
If Vanguard will not reinstall, keep the exact installer message and free-space details for Riot Support instead of downloading Vanguard separately from another website.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: VALORANT and Riot Vanguard on Windows PC.
The written steps follow the current help pages linked below. The saved video is an older walkthrough and may show different labels.
