Valorant Not Working on Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

Valorant not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it’s often fixable. The issues range from compatibility problems to driver conflicts. This guide provides comprehensive solutions to get you back in the game.

Common Causes of Valorant Issues on Windows 11

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why Valorant might be failing to launch or function correctly:

  • Compatibility Issues: Older drivers or conflicting software can cause problems.
  • Vanguard Anti-Cheat: Riot Vanguard, Valorant’s anti-cheat system, requires specific system settings to function.
  • Administrator Privileges: Lack of necessary permissions can prevent Valorant from running properly.
  • Firewall/Antivirus Interference: Security software might block Valorant’s access to the internet or system files.
  • Outdated Windows: An outdated Windows 11 installation can lack necessary updates or fixes.
  • Driver Problems: Incompatible or outdated graphics drivers are a frequent culprit.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Valorant on Windows 11

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix Valorant on your Windows 11 machine:

1. Run Valorant as Administrator

Granting administrator privileges ensures Valorant has the necessary permissions to run. To do this:

  1. Right-click on the Valorant desktop shortcut.
  2. Select “Properties”.
  3. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
  4. Check the box labeled “Run this program as an administrator”.
  5. Click “Apply” and then “OK”.

2. Ensure Riot Vanguard is Running

Riot Vanguard must be active for Valorant to launch. If it’s not running, you may need to restart it:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Look for “VGC” or “Riot Vanguard” in the Processes tab.
  3. If it’s not running, restart your computer. Vanguard should start automatically.
  4. If it still doesn’t start, try reinstalling Riot Vanguard. Navigate to the Riot Games\Riot Client folder and run uninstall.exe, then launch Valorant, which will prompt Vanguard to reinstall.

3. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can cause all sorts of issues. Update them to the latest version:

  • Nvidia: Download the latest drivers from the Nvidia website or using the Nvidia GeForce Experience app.
  • AMD: Download the latest drivers from the AMD website or using the AMD Radeon Software.
  • Intel: Download the latest drivers from the Intel website or using the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

After downloading, install the drivers and restart your computer.

4. Check Windows Updates

Ensure your Windows 11 installation is up to date. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

5. Disable Conflicting Applications

Some applications can conflict with Valorant or Riot Vanguard. These often include:

  • Overlays (Discord, Nvidia GeForce Experience, etc.)
  • Antivirus software
  • VPNs

Try disabling these applications one by one to see if it resolves the issue.

6. Configure Firewall and Antivirus

Your firewall or antivirus software may be blocking Valorant. Add Valorant and Riot Vanguard to the list of allowed applications:

  • Windows Firewall: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allowed apps. Click “Change settings”, then “Allow another app”, and browse to the Valorant and Riot Vanguard executables. Add them both.
  • Antivirus: Refer to your antivirus software’s documentation for instructions on adding exceptions.

7. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Fullscreen optimizations can sometimes cause problems. To disable them:

  1. Right-click on the Valorant desktop shortcut.
  2. Select “Properties”.
  3. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
  4. Check the box labeled “Disable fullscreen optimizations”.
  5. Click “Apply” and then “OK”.

8. Reinstall Valorant

If none of the above solutions work, try reinstalling Valorant. This will ensure you have the latest version of the game and all necessary files. Completely uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard before reinstalling.

9. Check System Requirements

While likely not the issue if you were previously playing Valorant on Windows 10 or an older version of Windows 11, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for Valorant:

  • OS: Windows 7/8/10/11 64-bit
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
  • GPU: Intel HD 4000

10. Repair Visual C++ Redistributables

Valorant relies on Visual C++ Redistributables. Repairing them can resolve dependency issues:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Find the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
  3. Right-click on each one and select “Change” or “Repair”.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Restart your computer after repairing.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting Valorant issues on Windows 11 can take time, but systematically working through these steps should help you identify and resolve the problem. If you’re still facing issues after trying these solutions, consider contacting Riot Games support for further assistance.