Valorant is one of the most popular FPS games in the world, but many Windows 11 users have recently faced an annoying issue — Valorant not opening on Windows 11. Whether you’re launching the game from Riot Client or through a desktop shortcut, nothing happens, or worse, the system throws an error. In this guide, we will walk you through the best solutions to fix Valorant not launching on your Windows 11 PC.
Common Causes: Why Valorant Won’t Open on Windows 11
Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand what could be causing this issue. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Incompatible TPM and Secure Boot settings
- Outdated graphics drivers
- Conflicting third-party apps
- Riot Vanguard anti-cheat issues
- Missing or corrupt game files
- Running the game without admin privileges
Identifying the root cause is the first step toward solving the problem.
1. Check TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot Compatibility
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to run properly, and Valorant strictly follows this requirement due to its Vanguard anti-cheat system. Here’s how to check:
- Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
- If TPM is not detected, your system may not support Valorant under Windows 11.
- To enable Secure Boot, restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Under “Security” or “Boot” tab, turn on Secure Boot.
Enabling these features often resolves the Valorant won’t launch on Windows 11 problem.
2. Run Valorant as Administrator
Right-click on the Valorant icon and choose “Run as administrator.” Sometimes, background services or system permissions block the launch. Giving it full admin access may bypass that.
Also ensure the Riot Client is also launched with admin privileges for best results.
3. Restart Vanguard Anti-Cheat Service
Vanguard is essential to run Valorant. If it malfunctions or fails to load, Valorant won’t open. Follow these steps:
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find vgc, right-click, and select “Restart.”
- If the service isn’t running, right-click and select “Start.”
You can also uninstall and reinstall Vanguard via Riot Client if restarting doesn’t help.
4. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers are a common reason for Valorant crashing or freezing. You can update your GPU drivers from:
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience (for NVIDIA GPUs)
- AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition (for AMD GPUs)
- Intel Driver Support Assistant (for Intel GPUs)
Make sure your drivers are compatible with Windows 11. Restart your system after updating.
5. Disable Full-Screen Optimization
Valorant may refuse to launch due to full-screen optimization issues on some systems.
- Right-click on the Valorant shortcut.
- Go to Properties > Compatibility.
- Check “Disable Full-Screen Optimizations.”
- Click Apply and OK.
This tweak has helped many gamers resolve Valorant launch issues on Windows 11.
6. Repair Game Files via Riot Client
If the installation is corrupted, Valorant may not open at all. You can repair it using the Riot Client:
- Open Riot Client.
- Click on Valorant.
- Click the gear icon for settings.
- Select “Repair” under game settings.
This will verify and replace any missing or corrupted files.
7. Perform a Clean Boot
Sometimes background apps interfere with the game. A clean boot ensures that only essential services run during startup.
Steps to perform a clean boot:
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- Go to the “Services” tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services.”
- Click “Disable all.”
- Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
- Disable all startup items.
- Restart your PC.
Try launching Valorant after this process. If it opens normally, then one of your third-party apps is likely causing the conflict.
8. Reinstall Valorant and Riot Client
If none of the above fixes work, the ultimate solution is to completely uninstall and reinstall Valorant along with Riot Client.
- First uninstall Riot Vanguard and Valorant.
- Then go to the installation directories and remove leftover files manually.
- Reboot your system.
- Download and install the latest version of Riot Client and Valorant from the official website.
Tips to Prevent Valorant Launch Issues on Windows 11
- Always keep Windows 11 updated with the latest patches.
- Use trusted antivirus software but whitelist Valorant and Vanguard.
- Avoid using unauthorized third-party Valorant mods or hacks.
- Don’t disable TPM or Secure Boot unless you plan to play on a different OS.
Final Thoughts
Facing issues like Valorant not opening on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to jump into the game. Fortunately, most of these problems are fixable with a few tweaks. From TPM settings to driver updates and Vanguard services, every detail matters. Follow the above steps carefully, and you should be back in the game in no time.
Also Read: Valorant Mobile India Launch: Release Timeline 2025