Valorant, Riot Games’ popular tactical first-person shooter, has captivated gamers worldwide. However, some players encounter frustrating issues when trying to run Valorant on Windows 11. This guide delves into the common reasons why you might be facing this problem and offers comprehensive troubleshooting steps to get you back in the game.
Compatibility And System Requirements
Before diving into specific solutions, let’s address the fundamental aspect of compatibility. Windows 11, while being a significant upgrade, has specific system requirements. Valorant also has its own set of requirements. A mismatch between these two can be a primary reason for the game’s failure to launch or run smoothly.
Meeting Windows 11’s Minimum Requirements
Windows 11 requires a compatible 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage space. Most importantly, it mandates TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. If your system doesn’t meet these requirements, you might experience a host of problems, not just with Valorant but with the operating system itself.
Valorant’s System Requirements
Valorant’s minimum requirements are relatively modest, aiming for accessibility. However, running the game at higher settings and frame rates demands more powerful hardware. Ensure your system meets or exceeds the recommended specifications for the desired performance level.
Generally, you’ll need at least an Intel Core i3-4150 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card like a GeForce GT 730 or Radeon R7 240. To aim for 60 FPS or higher, even better hardware is required. Always consult the official Valorant website for the most up-to-date system requirements.
Common Culprits: Software And Driver Issues
Many issues preventing Valorant from running on Windows 11 stem from software conflicts, outdated drivers, or problems with the game’s installation.
Outdated Or Corrupted Graphics Drivers
Graphics drivers are crucial for translating game instructions into visuals on your screen. Outdated or corrupted drivers are a frequent cause of game crashes, performance issues, and outright refusal to launch.
To update your graphics drivers, visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Download and install the latest drivers specifically designed for Windows 11. A clean installation (uninstalling the old drivers first) is often recommended to avoid conflicts.
Incompatible Or Conflicting Software
Certain software can interfere with Valorant’s operation. This can include antivirus programs, overlay applications, or even other games and utilities.
Try closing any unnecessary applications running in the background. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software (while understanding the security risks) can help determine if it’s the culprit. Some overlays, like Discord or NVIDIA GeForce Experience, might also cause conflicts; try disabling them as well.
Problems With Vanguard Anti-Cheat
Riot Vanguard, Valorant’s anti-cheat system, is notorious for its strict requirements and potential conflicts. It’s deeply integrated into the system and can sometimes cause false positives or prevent the game from launching if it encounters an issue.
Ensure Vanguard is properly installed and running. You can check its status in the system tray. Sometimes, a simple restart of your computer is enough to resolve Vanguard-related problems. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling Vanguard (instructions provided later).
Corrupted Game Files
Like any software, Valorant’s game files can become corrupted, leading to crashes, errors, and launch failures. This can happen due to incomplete updates, disk errors, or other unforeseen issues.
Valorant has a built-in repair tool. You can try repairing the game through the Riot Client. This will scan the game files and replace any corrupted or missing ones.
Windows Security Settings
Windows Security can sometimes mistakenly flag Valorant or Vanguard as a threat, preventing them from running properly.
Check your Windows Security settings and ensure that Valorant and Vanguard are added to the list of allowed apps. This will prevent Windows Security from blocking their execution.
Troubleshooting Steps: A Systematic Approach
Here’s a systematic approach to diagnosing and fixing the issues preventing you from playing Valorant on Windows 11.
Verify Game File Integrity
Start by verifying the integrity of your game files through the Riot Client. Open the Riot Client, navigate to Valorant, and look for the “Repair” option. This process scans your existing game files and downloads any missing or corrupted ones. This is a quick and easy first step that can often resolve many common issues.
Update Graphics Drivers (Clean Installation)
As mentioned earlier, outdated graphics drivers are a common cause of problems. However, a simple update may not always be enough. A clean installation ensures that no remnants of previous drivers are interfering with the new ones.
Download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website. During the installation process, look for an option to perform a “clean installation.” This will remove all previous driver files before installing the new ones.
Reinstall Riot Vanguard
Riot Vanguard can be a source of frustration, but it’s essential for playing Valorant. Reinstalling it can often resolve conflicts and ensure it’s running correctly.
First, completely uninstall Riot Vanguard from your system through the Windows “Apps & Features” settings. Then, restart your computer. After restarting, launch Valorant. The game will automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. A restart is required after reinstalling Vanguard.
Check TPM 2.0 And Secure Boot
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. While you may have been able to install Windows 11 without them (through workarounds), they can still cause issues with certain applications, including Valorant.
To check if TPM 2.0 is enabled, press Windows Key + R, type “tpm.msc,” and press Enter. If TPM is enabled, you’ll see information about it. If not, you’ll need to enable it in your BIOS settings.
To check if Secure Boot is enabled, press Windows Key + R, type “msinfo32,” and press Enter. Look for the “Secure Boot State” entry. If it says “Enabled,” Secure Boot is active. If not, you’ll need to enable it in your BIOS settings.
Accessing and modifying BIOS settings varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Consult your motherboard’s manual for specific instructions.
Disable Conflicting Applications
Background applications can sometimes interfere with Valorant. Try disabling unnecessary applications to see if that resolves the issue.
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to the “Startup” tab. Disable any non-essential applications that launch automatically when you start your computer. Then, restart your computer and try launching Valorant again.
Run Valorant As Administrator
Running Valorant as an administrator grants it elevated privileges, which can sometimes resolve permission-related issues.
Right-click on the Valorant shortcut and select “Run as administrator.” If this works, you can configure the shortcut to always run as administrator by right-clicking on it, selecting “Properties,” going to the “Compatibility” tab, and checking the “Run this program as an administrator” box.
Check For Windows Updates
Ensure your Windows 11 installation is up to date. Microsoft releases regular updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements.
Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer.
Adjust Compatibility Settings
In some cases, running Valorant in compatibility mode for an older version of Windows can resolve compatibility issues.
Right-click on the Valorant shortcut, select “Properties,” go to the “Compatibility” tab, and check the “Run this program in compatibility mode for” box. Experiment with different versions of Windows, such as Windows 8 or Windows 10, to see if it resolves the issue.
Firewall And Antivirus Exceptions
Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Valorant or Vanguard. Add exceptions for both programs in your firewall and antivirus settings.
The process for adding exceptions varies depending on your firewall and antivirus software. Consult the documentation for your specific software for instructions.
Create A New User Account
In rare cases, your user profile might be corrupted, causing issues with Valorant. Creating a new user account can help determine if this is the case.
Create a new user account in Windows 11 and try launching Valorant from that account. If the game runs without issues, it suggests that your original user profile is corrupted. You can then migrate your data to the new user account.
Reinstall Valorant (Last Resort)
If all else fails, reinstalling Valorant is the final step. This will ensure a clean installation and eliminate any potential corruption or configuration issues.
Uninstall Valorant through the Windows “Apps & Features” settings. Then, download the latest version of the game from the official Valorant website and install it.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If you’ve exhausted all the standard troubleshooting steps and still can’t play Valorant on Windows 11, here are some advanced troubleshooting tips that may help.
Check Event Viewer For Errors
The Event Viewer logs system errors and warnings. Check the Event Viewer for any errors related to Valorant or Vanguard. This can provide valuable clues about the cause of the problem.
To open Event Viewer, press Windows Key + R, type “eventvwr.msc,” and press Enter. Look for errors in the “Windows Logs” section, particularly under “Application” and “System.”
Monitor System Resources
Use Task Manager or Resource Monitor to monitor your system resources (CPU, memory, disk, and network) while launching and playing Valorant. This can help identify any bottlenecks or resource constraints that might be causing the game to crash or perform poorly.
BIOS Update
An outdated BIOS can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for BIOS updates. However, updating the BIOS is a risky procedure; proceed with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Reaching Out For Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and still can’t resolve the issue, don’t hesitate to contact Riot Games Support. They have dedicated support agents who can provide personalized assistance. Provide them with detailed information about your system, the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried, and any error messages you’ve encountered.
Why Does Valorant Keep Crashing On My Windows 11 PC?
Valorant crashes on Windows 11 can stem from several sources, including outdated drivers, compatibility issues, corrupted game files, or insufficient system resources. Start by updating your graphics drivers to the latest version available from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Also, ensure your Windows 11 installation is fully updated with the latest patches and fixes.
Furthermore, background applications competing for system resources can cause Valorant to crash. Close any unnecessary programs running in the background, especially those known to be resource-intensive, such as streaming software or other games. Verifying the integrity of your Valorant game files through the Riot Games client can also repair corrupted files that might be contributing to the crashes.
Is Valorant Compatible With Windows 11?
Yes, Valorant is officially compatible with Windows 11. Riot Games has released updates and patches to ensure the game runs smoothly on the operating system. However, compatibility doesn’t guarantee a flawless experience, and issues can still arise due to specific hardware configurations or software conflicts.
To maximize compatibility, ensure you meet the minimum or recommended system requirements for Valorant on Windows 11. These requirements include specific processor, RAM, and graphics card specifications. Regularly updating your drivers and the game client will also contribute to a smoother and more compatible gaming experience.
I Get A Vanguard Error Message When Launching Valorant On Windows 11. What Does This Mean?
Vanguard is Riot Games’ anti-cheat system, and an error message indicates that it is either not running correctly or experiencing compatibility issues. This is a common issue, especially after upgrading to a new operating system like Windows 11. Ensure Vanguard is properly installed and running, and that it hasn’t been blocked by any security software.
To resolve Vanguard errors, try restarting your computer, as this often allows Vanguard to initialize correctly. If the issue persists, try reinstalling Vanguard. You can do this by uninstalling Riot Vanguard from your system’s “Add or Remove Programs” panel and then restarting Valorant, which will prompt a fresh installation of Vanguard. Also, ensure Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled in your BIOS settings, as Vanguard often requires these security features.
My FPS In Valorant Is Significantly Lower On Windows 11 Compared To Windows 10. How Can I Fix This?
Lower FPS in Valorant after upgrading to Windows 11 is often due to driver incompatibilities or settings that aren’t optimized for the new operating system. Begin by updating your graphics drivers to the latest versions designed for Windows 11. These drivers often include performance enhancements and bug fixes that can improve FPS.
Adjusting your in-game graphics settings can also significantly impact FPS. Lowering settings like texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing can reduce the load on your GPU and increase your frame rate. Additionally, ensure your power plan is set to “High Performance” to allow your CPU and GPU to operate at their maximum clock speeds.
Does Valorant Require TPM 2.0 On Windows 11?
Riot Vanguard, Valorant’s anti-cheat system, does require TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) to be enabled on Windows 11 in many instances, especially for newer builds of the game. TPM 2.0 helps to ensure the integrity of the system and prevents cheating. If TPM 2.0 is not enabled, you may encounter errors preventing you from playing Valorant.
To check if TPM 2.0 is enabled, press Windows key + R, type “tpm.msc”, and press Enter. If TPM 2.0 is present and enabled, the TPM Management window will display its status. If it’s not enabled, you’ll need to access your BIOS settings (usually by pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup) and enable TPM 2.0. Be cautious when modifying BIOS settings and refer to your motherboard’s manual for specific instructions.
How Do I Update My Graphics Drivers For Valorant On Windows 11?
Updating your graphics drivers is crucial for optimal Valorant performance on Windows 11. There are multiple ways to update them: through Windows Update, the graphics card manufacturer’s software, or by manually downloading the drivers from their website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Using the manufacturer’s website is generally recommended for the most up-to-date drivers.
To manually update, identify your graphics card model and visit the manufacturer’s website. Download the latest Windows 11 driver for your specific card. Close all running programs, including Valorant, before starting the installation. After the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the new drivers are properly loaded.
Why Does Valorant Say My Driver Is Outdated Even After I Updated It On Windows 11?
Even after updating your graphics drivers on Windows 11, Valorant might still report that they’re outdated due to several reasons. Sometimes, Windows Update might automatically install a different, older driver version that overrides the one you manually installed. Furthermore, the game may not be recognizing the updated driver if you didn’t properly restart your PC after the installation.
To resolve this, first, ensure you’ve restarted your PC after updating the drivers. Then, check the driver version installed by right-clicking on the Windows Start button, selecting “Device Manager,” expanding “Display adapters,” right-clicking on your graphics card, and selecting “Properties.” Go to the “Driver” tab to confirm the version. If the version is not the latest, you might need to disable automatic driver updates through Windows Update settings to prevent Windows from reverting to an older driver. You can also use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely remove old drivers before installing the new ones.