If you’re looking for how to uninstall VALORANT on Windows 11, you may have already discovered that removing the game is not always as straightforward as uninstalling an ordinary application. VALORANT uses Riot Vanguard, its anti-cheat software, alongside the game itself, so you may need to remove both components for a complete uninstall.
Whether you’re freeing up disk space, troubleshooting VALORANT, reinstalling the game, or simply no longer want it on your PC, the process is manageable. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to uninstall VALORANT from Windows 11, remove Riot Vanguard when necessary, restart your computer at the right time, and deal with common problems if Windows refuses to uninstall the game.
What Is VALORANT and Why Is It Different to Uninstall?
VALORANT is a competitive tactical shooter developed by Riot Games. Like many modern PC games, it installs supporting software in addition to the main game files.
The important component to know about is Riot Vanguard.
Vanguard is Riot Games’ anti-cheat system and works closely with VALORANT. Because of this relationship, uninstalling VALORANT can sometimes leave Vanguard installed.
Think of VALORANT as the main application and Vanguard as a supporting security component. Removing the game and removing its supporting software are related, but they aren’t necessarily the exact same operation.
Can You Uninstall VALORANT From Windows 11?
Yes. You can uninstall VALORANT from Windows 11 through the Installed apps section in Settings.
However, if you want to completely remove Riot’s software associated with the game, you should also check whether Riot Vanguard remains installed.
A typical complete cleanup involves:
- Closing VALORANT and Riot-related processes.
- Uninstalling VALORANT.
- Uninstalling Riot Vanguard if you no longer need it.
- Restarting Windows 11.
- Checking that the game and unwanted supporting components are gone.
What Should You Do Before Uninstalling VALORANT?
Before removing the game, close VALORANT and other Riot applications.
If the Riot Client or Vanguard is currently running, Windows may prevent some components from being removed.
Save Anything You Need
VALORANT’s important account information is associated with your Riot account rather than simply being stored as a local game file.
If you’re planning to reinstall the game later, make sure you know your Riot account credentials.
Close the Riot Client
Look at the Windows system tray near the clock.
If you see the Riot Client icon, right-click it and choose the appropriate exit option.
You can also close VALORANT normally before beginning the uninstall process.
How to Uninstall VALORANT on Windows 11 Using Settings
The easiest method is through Windows 11 Settings.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Press:
Windows + I
This opens the Windows Settings application.
You can also right-click the Start button and select Settings.
Step 2: Open Installed Apps
Select:
Apps → Installed apps
Windows will display applications currently installed on your computer.
Step 3: Find VALORANT
Use the search box and type:
VALORANT
You should see VALORANT in the list.
Step 4: Open the Uninstall Menu
Click the three-dot menu next to VALORANT.
Select:
Uninstall
Windows may display a confirmation message.
Follow the prompts to continue.
Step 5: Wait for the Uninstallation
Windows or the Riot uninstaller will remove the game’s installed components.
Depending on your PC’s storage speed and the size of the installation, this may take some time.
Don’t shut down the computer while the uninstall process is running.
How Do I Uninstall VALORANT From Control Panel?
Windows 11 still provides the traditional Control Panel method for programs that support it.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Press the Windows key and search for:
Control Panel
Open the application.
Step 2: Select Programs
Choose:
Programs → Programs and Features
You’ll see a list of installed desktop programs.
Step 3: Find VALORANT
Look through the list for VALORANT.
Step 4: Start the Uninstall Process
Select VALORANT and choose:
Uninstall
Follow the instructions displayed on screen.
If VALORANT doesn’t appear in the list, use the Windows 11 Installed apps method instead.
Why Won’t VALORANT Uninstall on Windows 11?
If VALORANT refuses to uninstall, the most common reason is that one or more Riot processes are still running.
The Riot Client, VALORANT, or Riot Vanguard may still have active processes.
Try closing the game and Riot Client completely before attempting the uninstall again.
You can also restart Windows and immediately try the uninstall process before launching VALORANT.
A restart can clear processes that didn’t close correctly.
How Do I Uninstall Riot Vanguard?
If you’re completely removing VALORANT and don’t plan to play another Riot game that requires Vanguard, you may also want to uninstall Riot Vanguard.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Press:
Windows + I
Then go to:
Apps → Installed apps
Step 2: Search for Riot Vanguard
Enter:
Riot Vanguard
in the search field.
Step 3: Select Uninstall
Click the three-dot menu beside Riot Vanguard.
Choose:
Uninstall
Follow the prompts.
Step 4: Restart Windows
After uninstalling Vanguard, restart your computer.
A restart is important because Vanguard includes components that interact closely with Windows.
Should You Uninstall Riot Vanguard Too?
It depends on what you want to accomplish.
If you’re simply removing VALORANT but expect to install or use another Riot title that requires Vanguard, you may not want to remove Vanguard immediately.
If your goal is to remove VALORANT and its associated anti-cheat software, uninstalling Vanguard is appropriate.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
| Your goal | What to remove |
|---|---|
| Remove VALORANT only | VALORANT |
| Remove VALORANT and Vanguard | VALORANT + Riot Vanguard |
| Reinstall VALORANT later | Usually remove VALORANT and troubleshoot before removing other components |
| Free up as much related storage as possible | VALORANT + unwanted Riot components |
How Do I Completely Remove VALORANT From Windows 11?
A complete removal generally involves more than deleting the game’s folder manually.
Start with the official uninstall process.
Recommended order
- Close VALORANT.
- Exit the Riot Client.
- Uninstall VALORANT through Windows Settings.
- Check whether Riot Vanguard remains installed.
- Uninstall Vanguard if you no longer need it.
- Restart Windows.
- Check your installed applications again.
This approach is safer than simply deleting the VALORANT folder because uninstallers can remove registered components that manual deletion may leave behind.
Should I Manually Delete the VALORANT Folder?
You generally shouldn’t begin by manually deleting the game’s installation folder.
Why?
A game installation isn’t just a collection of files sitting in one folder. Windows and the Riot software may also create application entries, services, configuration data, and other supporting components.
If you delete the main folder first, you could potentially leave behind an uninstall entry or supporting software.
Use the normal uninstall process first.
If folders remain afterward, you can investigate them rather than deleting everything blindly.
How Do I Check How Much Storage VALORANT Is Using?
If you’re uninstalling VALORANT because your Windows 11 PC is running low on storage, you can check its installed size before removing it.
Open:
Settings → Apps → Installed apps
Search for VALORANT.
Windows may display information about the installed application, depending on the version and installation configuration.
You can also check your available storage through:
Settings → System → Storage
This gives you a broader picture of what’s consuming disk space.
What Happens to My VALORANT Account After Uninstalling?
Uninstalling VALORANT from your computer does not mean you’ve deleted your Riot account.
The game installation and your online account are separate things.
Removing the game from Windows primarily removes local software from your PC.
If you reinstall VALORANT later and sign in with the same Riot account, your account-related information can remain associated with that account.
In other words, uninstalling the game isn’t the same thing as deleting your Riot account.
Will Uninstalling VALORANT Delete My Progress?
Uninstalling the Windows application does not generally mean you’re deleting your Riot account.
Your game-related account information is associated with your Riot account rather than being dependent on keeping the Windows game files installed.
However, uninstalling a game can remove local configuration files or settings, so don’t assume every local customization will survive an uninstall and reinstall.
How Do I Remove VALORANT If the Uninstaller Doesn’t Work?
If the standard uninstall process fails, try these troubleshooting steps.
Restart Your PC
This is the simplest solution and is surprisingly effective.
Restart Windows 11 and try:
Settings → Apps → Installed apps → VALORANT → Uninstall
again.
Close Riot Processes
Make sure VALORANT and Riot Client aren’t running.
You can check Task Manager if necessary.
Press:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Then look for Riot or VALORANT-related processes.
Avoid ending random Windows processes. Only close processes you recognize as belonging to the Riot software you’re troubleshooting.
Try Control Panel
If Settings doesn’t work, open:
Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features
Then look for VALORANT.
Remove Vanguard Separately
If the game is gone but Vanguard remains, uninstall Riot Vanguard separately through Windows’ installed-app list.
How Do I Use Task Manager During a VALORANT Uninstall?
Task Manager can help determine whether VALORANT or Riot software is still active.
Press:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
The Task Manager window will open.
Look under the running processes for recognizable Riot or VALORANT entries.
If VALORANT is still running, close the application normally first.
If the Riot Client is open, exit it before attempting the uninstall.
The goal is to release files that the uninstaller may need to modify—not to randomly terminate system processes.
What If Riot Vanguard Keeps Running?
Vanguard is designed to operate as an anti-cheat component, so it can behave differently from a normal application.
If you’ve already uninstalled VALORANT but Vanguard remains, use the normal Windows uninstall option for Riot Vanguard.
If Windows asks you to restart, do so.
After restarting, check Settings → Apps → Installed apps again.
If Vanguard is no longer listed, the uninstall was successful.
How Do I Remove Leftover VALORANT Files?
After uninstalling the game and restarting Windows, you can check your storage locations for leftover folders.
However, don’t delete folders simply because they contain the word “Riot.”
Some Riot components may belong to other Riot software you still use.
Before deleting a leftover folder, make sure you know what it belongs to.
A safer cleanup strategy is:
- Uninstall the application normally.
- Restart Windows.
- Check Installed apps.
- Confirm that VALORANT is gone.
- Check whether Riot Client or Vanguard is still needed.
- Only then investigate remaining folders.
Can I Reinstall VALORANT After Uninstalling It?
Yes.
If you uninstall VALORANT because you’re troubleshooting a problem, you can reinstall it later.
A clean reinstall can sometimes help with problems involving:
- Corrupted game files
- Installation errors
- Launch problems
- Missing files
- Certain configuration problems
However, uninstalling and reinstalling isn’t always the solution to every VALORANT issue. If the problem is caused by Windows, drivers, networking, or another component, reinstalling the game may not fix it.
What Should I Do Before Reinstalling VALORANT?
If you’re uninstalling VALORANT specifically because you want a fresh installation, restart Windows after the uninstall.
Then check whether the previous installation has actually been removed.
Once the computer is in a clean state, download and install the game again using Riot’s current official installation process.
Avoid downloading game installers from unofficial third-party websites.
Common VALORANT Uninstallation Mistakes
Here are some mistakes worth avoiding.
Deleting the Game Folder First
Don’t make manual folder deletion your first step.
Forgetting Vanguard
If you want all associated Riot anti-cheat software removed, check for Riot Vanguard separately.
Not Restarting Windows
A restart can be important after removing Vanguard or when uninstalling software that has active services.
Ending Random Processes
Task Manager is useful, but don’t terminate Windows processes just because they look unfamiliar.
Removing Every Riot Folder
If you use other Riot products, deleting every Riot-related folder could create unnecessary problems.
Assuming Uninstalling Deletes Your Account
Removing the local game doesn’t mean your online Riot account has been deleted.
What Is the Safest Way to Uninstall VALORANT?
For most Windows 11 users, the safest workflow is simple:
- Close VALORANT.
- Exit the Riot Client.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps → Installed apps.
- Find VALORANT.
- Select Uninstall.
- Remove Riot Vanguard separately if you no longer need it.
- Restart Windows.
- Verify that the unwanted software has been removed.
This avoids unnecessary manual deletion and gives Windows and the Riot uninstallers an opportunity to clean up their registered components properly.
Quick Checklist for Uninstalling VALORANT
Use this checklist before finishing:
- VALORANT is closed.
- Riot Client is closed.
- VALORANT has been uninstalled.
- Riot Vanguard has been checked.
- Vanguard has been removed if no longer needed.
- Windows has been restarted.
- VALORANT no longer appears in Installed apps.
- Remaining folders have been checked carefully.
- Important Riot account information is still accessible if you plan to reinstall.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I uninstall VALORANT on Windows 11?
Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find VALORANT, select the three-dot menu, choose Uninstall, and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Do I need to uninstall Riot Vanguard with VALORANT?
If you want to remove Riot Vanguard as well, uninstall it separately from Windows’ Installed apps list. If you still use software that requires Vanguard, consider whether you actually need to remove it.
3. Why can’t I uninstall VALORANT?
VALORANT or Riot Client may still be running. Close Riot applications, restart Windows, and try uninstalling VALORANT again.
4. Does uninstalling VALORANT delete my Riot account?
No. Removing the game from Windows is different from deleting your Riot account.
5. Can I reinstall VALORANT after uninstalling it?
Yes. You can reinstall VALORANT later using Riot’s official installation process.
Conclusion
Learning how to uninstall VALORANT on Windows 11 is relatively simple once you understand the relationship between VALORANT, Riot Client, and Riot Vanguard.
The best approach is to start with Windows’ built-in uninstall options rather than immediately deleting game folders manually. Close VALORANT and the Riot Client, remove VALORANT through Settings → Apps → Installed apps, and then check whether Riot Vanguard is still installed.
If you’re completely removing Riot’s software, uninstall Vanguard as well and restart your computer. If you’re troubleshooting and planning to reinstall VALORANT, restarting Windows before beginning the fresh installation can help ensure the previous installation has been properly cleared.
Most importantly, don’t confuse uninstalling the game with deleting your Riot account. Removing the Windows application removes local software from your computer; it doesn’t automatically erase your online account.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 provides a straightforward way to uninstall VALORANT.
- Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps to begin.
- Close VALORANT and Riot Client before uninstalling.
- Riot Vanguard may need to be uninstalled separately.
- Restart Windows after removing Vanguard or when troubleshooting uninstall problems.
- Avoid manually deleting the VALORANT folder as your first step.
- Don’t delete Riot-related folders blindly if you use other Riot software.
- Uninstalling VALORANT does not automatically delete your Riot account.
- You can reinstall VALORANT later if you change your mind.
- A careful uninstall is better than simply deleting game files because supporting components may remain.