Valorant, the tactical shooter sensation from Riot Games, has taken the gaming world by storm. But what happens when it’s time to say goodbye, even temporarily? Whether you’re troubleshooting, freeing up space, or simply moving on, this guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling Valorant, ensuring a clean break from the game on your system.
Why Uninstall Valorant?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore the “why.” Here are a few common reasons players choose to uninstall Valorant:
- Performance Issues: Lag, crashes, or other glitches can disrupt gameplay. Sometimes, a fresh install is the best remedy.
- Storage Space: Like many modern games, Valorant has a hefty footprint. Uninstalling can free up valuable gigabytes on your hard drive.
- Changing Gears: Tastes change. You might be ready to explore different games or dedicate your time to other activities.
- Troubleshooting: Persistent issues that regular fixes can’t resolve might necessitate a complete uninstall and reinstall.
Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered.
Step-by-Step Valorant Uninstallation Guide
Follow these steps to completely remove Valorant from your computer:
Step 1: Close Valorant and Riot Vanguard
Before uninstalling, make sure both Valorant and its anti-cheat system, Riot Vanguard, are closed.
- Exit Valorant: Close the game from the game menu or by clicking the “X” button.
- Close Riot Vanguard: Look for the Vanguard icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen). Right-click and select “Exit Vanguard.”
Step 2: Uninstall Valorant Using Control Panel
This is the most common uninstallation method:
- Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in your Windows search bar and open it.
- Go to Programs and Features: Find and click on “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
- Find Valorant: Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find “Valorant.” Click on it.
- Uninstall Valorant: Click the “Uninstall” button at the top of the window and follow the prompts.
- Uninstall Riot Vanguard: Repeat the process, locating and uninstalling “Riot Vanguard.”
Step 3: Remove Leftover Files and Folders
Even after using the Control Panel, some Valorant remnants might remain:
- AppData Folder:
- Press
Windows + R, type%appdata%, and press Enter. - Go back one directory to the main “AppData” folder.
- Open the “Local” folder and locate the “VALORANT” folder.
- Right-click on the “VALORANT” folder and select “Delete.”
- Press
- Program Files: Check both “Program Files” and “Program Files (x86)” directories on your system drive (usually C:) for any Valorant or Riot Games folders and delete them.
- Empty Recycle Bin: Right-click on your Recycle Bin and select “Empty Recycle Bin.”
Step 4: Clean the Registry (Optional)
This step is for advanced users and involves deleting Valorant entries from the Windows Registry:
- Open Registry Editor: Press
Windows + R, typeregedit, and press Enter. - Backup the Registry: Go to “File” > “Export” and save a backup copy of your registry.
- Find and Delete Valorant Entries: Use
Ctrl + Fto search for “Valorant” and “Riot Games.” Delete any related entries you find by right-clicking and selecting “Delete.” Be extremely careful in this step, as incorrect modifications can harm your system. - Close Registry Editor.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Finally, restart your computer to apply all changes and clear any residual processes.
Conclusion
You’ve now successfully uninstalled Valorant from your computer. Whether you’re making way for new adventures, troubleshooting issues, or just taking a break, these steps ensure a clean slate. Remember, if you reinstall Valorant in the future, be sure to download the game from the official Riot Games website.
Did you find this guide helpful? Share your experience in the comments below. And for more in-depth articles on gaming and technology, explore the rest of Skynet Era!