Valorant is one of the most popular tactical shooters out there, but even the smoothest game can run into issues on Windows 11. Crashes, launch errors, FPS drops, or connectivity problems can ruin your gameplay experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy and effective methods to fix Valorant on Windows 11, step by step, so you can get back to climbing ranks without frustration.
Why Valorant Might Not Work on Windows 11
There are several reasons why Valorant might misbehave:
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Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers.
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Corrupted game files.
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Conflicts with Windows 11 updates.
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Riot Vanguard (the anti-cheat system) not running correctly.
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Background applications consuming resources.
Knowing the cause helps you choose the right fix.
Method 1: Restart Your PC
Sometimes the simplest solution works best.
Step-by-Step:
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Close Valorant and the Riot Client.
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Restart your PC.
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Launch Valorant again.
Tip: A fresh start clears temporary issues that may prevent the game from launching.
Method 2: Update Windows 11
Running an outdated OS can cause compatibility issues.
Step-by-Step:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Windows Update > Check for updates.
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Install all pending updates and restart your PC.
⚡ Keeping Windows 11 updated ensures smooth performance with Valorant and Riot Vanguard.
Method 3: Update Graphics Drivers
Valorant heavily relies on GPU performance. Outdated drivers can cause crashes or FPS drops.
Step-by-Step:
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Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
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Expand Display adapters.
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Right-click your GPU and choose Update driver.
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Select Search automatically for drivers.
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Follow the prompts and restart your PC.
Tip: For best results, download drivers directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
Method 4: Repair Valorant Game Files
Corrupted or missing files can prevent Valorant from launching.
Step-by-Step:
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Open the Riot Client.
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Click on Valorant and then the gear icon (Settings).
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Click Repair.
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Wait for the process to complete, then relaunch Valorant.
✅ This ensures all necessary files are intact.
Method 5: Reinstall Riot Vanguard
Riot Vanguard is the anti-cheat software that Valorant relies on.
Step-by-Step:
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Press Windows + S, type Apps & features, and open it.
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Find Riot Vanguard, click Uninstall, and restart your PC.
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Launch Valorant—the game will automatically reinstall Vanguard.
Tip: Vanguard issues are a common cause of Valorant launch errors.
Method 6: Run Valorant as Administrator
Permissions can sometimes block the game from running properly.
Step-by-Step:
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Right-click the Valorant shortcut on your desktop.
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Select Run as administrator.
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Launch the game and see if it works.
Method 7: Disable Background Applications
Other apps can conflict with Valorant, especially overlays and recording software.
Step-by-Step:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Close unnecessary applications (Discord overlay, OBS, web browsers).
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Launch Valorant.
Tip: Antivirus programs can also block Valorant. Temporarily disable them if necessary.
Method 8: Check Network Connection
A poor internet connection can cause lags or failed login issues.
Step-by-Step:
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Restart your router/modem.
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Use a wired connection for stability.
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Open Command Prompt and type:
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Relaunch Valorant.
✅ This resolves DNS and connectivity issues.
Method 9: Reinstall Valorant
If all else fails, reinstalling Valorant is often the ultimate fix.
Step-by-Step:
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Press Windows + S, type Apps & features, and open it.
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Uninstall Valorant.
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Go to the official Riot Games website and download the latest installer.
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Install the game and run it.
Conclusion
Valorant issues on Windows 11 are usually easy to fix once you know the right steps. By updating your system, repairing game files, managing Riot Vanguard, and ensuring proper network connectivity, you can get back to a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
Remember: Regular updates for Windows 11, your GPU, and Valorant itself will prevent most common problems in the future.
FAQs
1. Why won’t Valorant launch on Windows 11?
Common reasons include outdated drivers, corrupted game files, or Riot Vanguard not running correctly.
2. How do I fix Valorant crashes?
Update your GPU drivers, repair the game in Riot Client, and close background apps.
3. Can network issues cause Valorant errors?
Yes, unstable internet can cause login issues, lag, and disconnections.
4. Is running Valorant as administrator safe?
Yes, it gives the game proper permissions to access system files.
5. Should I reinstall Valorant if it keeps crashing?
If other fixes don’t work, reinstalling the game usually resolves persistent issues.