Valorant not opening often ties to Vanguard, startup conflicts, or updates—repair the client, enable Secure Boot/TPM, and reboot.
Start Here: Quick Checks That Solve Most Launch Blocks
Launch problems usually come from a handful of culprits. Before deep dives, run through these basics. Reboot the PC to clear stuck services. Update Windows and your graphics driver. Close overlays and boosters. Then try launching again from the Riot Client, not a desktop shortcut.
If nothing changes, scan this quick map. It pairs common symptoms with likely causes and the fastest next move.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fast Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Riot Client opens, game never starts | Vanguard not loaded or blocked | Restart PC; check Vanguard service; repair client |
| Instant error about security on Windows 11 | Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 off | Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in BIOS/UEFI |
| Stuck on logo, then nothing | Overlay or injector conflict | Disable Discord/GeForce/Afterburner/RTSS overlays |
| Closes after anti-cheat pop-up | Vanguard install broken | Uninstall Vanguard, reboot, relaunch Riot Client |
| Works after clean boot only | Startup app blocks Vanguard | Trim startup list; add AV exclusions |
Fix Valorant Not Launching On Windows: Quick Steps
1) Check Server And Service Health
If the platform is having issues, your PC changes won’t move the needle. Confirm game status first. Use the official Riot service status page for your region, then retry the launch. If all services show green, move on.
2) Restart The PC To Load Vanguard Cleanly
Riot’s anti-cheat loads at boot. If it didn’t initialize, the game won’t start. A full restart clears stuck drivers and reloads Vanguard. After the reboot, open the Riot Client and hit Play. Still stuck? Continue.
3) Run A Full Repair In Riot Client
The Riot Client can rebuild files and services. Open the Riot Client, click your profile, go to Settings → the game entry, and run Repair. Let the tool finish, then reboot and try again. This step fixes many missing or damaged files without a full reinstall.
4) Toggle Vanguard: Reinstall The Anti-Cheat
When Vanguard is partially installed, launches stall. Close the Riot Client. In Windows “Apps,” uninstall Riot Vanguard. Reboot when prompted. Open the Riot Client; it will prompt to install Vanguard again. Accept, finish the setup, and restart the PC once more before launching.
5) Turn Off Conflicting Overlays And Injectors
Overlays, frame counters, and tuner tools hook into games. That hook can block startup. Disable Discord overlay, NVIDIA/AMD overlays, Steam overlay, MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner, Overwolf, ReShade, and similar. Fully exit them in the tray, then try again. If the game launches, add them back one by one to find the offender.
6) Add Antivirus And Firewall Exclusions
Security suites sometimes quarantine anti-cheat components. Add the Riot Client folder, the game folder, and the Vanguard folder to your antivirus allow list. Do the same for Windows Security: Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Exclusions. Launch again after a reboot.
Windows 11 Security Settings That Block Launch
On Windows 11, the game requires security features that run beneath the OS. If those are off, you may see VAN 9001/9003/9090 codes or the game simply won’t open. This section helps you enable the right switches safely.
7) Enable TPM 2.0
Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. If the window shows “TPM not found” or a disabled state, you need to switch it on in firmware. Reboot into BIOS/UEFI, find the security or CPU section, and enable “TPM 2.0,” “PTT” (Intel), or “fTPM” (AMD). Save and reboot.
8) Switch To UEFI And Turn On Secure Boot
Open System Information and check “BIOS Mode” and “Secure Boot State.” If you see Legacy or Off, you need UEFI with Secure Boot. Before flipping that switch, confirm your system drive uses GPT, not MBR. If your drive uses MBR, convert safely first or you risk a no-boot state. Once you’re on GPT, enable UEFI and Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI, save, and restart.
9) Turn On Memory Integrity (HVCI/VBS)
Open Windows Security → Device Security → Core isolation → Memory integrity. Toggle it on, then restart. If drivers block the toggle, update or remove the flagged drivers, then try again. This hardens kernel memory and aligns with anti-cheat expectations.
Network And Account Steps That Clear Hidden Snags
10) Flush DNS And Reset Network Stack
Network filters and stale DNS cache can block login. Open Command Prompt as admin and run these commands in order: ipconfig /flushdns, netsh winsock reset, and netsh int ip reset. Reboot, launch the Riot Client, and try again.
11) Sync Time And Region
Out-of-sync clocks break secure handshakes. Right-click the clock, open Date & time settings, toggle “Set time automatically,” and hit “Sync now.” Match the region in your Riot Account profile to your actual play region, then retry.
Deep Repair: When Nothing Else Works
12) Clean Start: Boot With Minimal Startup Apps
Use msconfig (System Configuration). On the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” then click “Disable all.” In Task Manager → Startup apps, disable non-essentials. Reboot and try to launch. If the game opens, re-enable items in small batches to spot the conflict.
13) Rebuild Game Files And Vanguard From Scratch
Uninstall the game and Riot Vanguard. Reboot. Delete any leftover folders in Program Files, ProgramData, and AppData related to Riot and Vanguard. Empty the recycle bin. Install fresh through the Riot Client. Reboot once more before hitting Play.
14) Repair Windows Core Files
Open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannow. When it finishes, run two more commands: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Reboot and try the launch again. Corrupt system files can prevent driver-level services from loading.
15) Update BIOS/UEFI And Chipset Drivers
Old firmware can misreport TPM or block Secure Boot. Check your motherboard or laptop model page. Update BIOS/UEFI and install the newest chipset drivers. Re-enable security features after the update if they reset.
Common Error Codes: What They Mean And What To Do
These codes show up during launch or right after login. The fixes below steer you to the fastest first steps. If a code repeats after you try the linked action, return to the deep repair section and work through it once more.
| Error Code | Meaning | First Actions |
|---|---|---|
| VAN 9001 / 9003 | Windows 11 security off | Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot; reboot twice |
| VAN 9090 | TPM needs setup | Run tpm.msc, click “Prepare the TPM,” then reboot |
| VAN 128 | Connection or Vanguard not loaded | Restart PC, reinstall Vanguard, repair client |
| VAN -102 / -104 | Connection blocked | Reboot, add AV exclusions, reset network stack |
| No code, silent exit | Overlay or injector | Disable overlays and tuners; clean boot test |
Make These Settings Stick So The Game Opens Next Time
Keep Vanguard Happy At Boot
Leave Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 on. Keep Memory Integrity enabled. Avoid registry “tweaks” from random guides that disable virtualization features. Those switches are tied to anti-cheat health on Windows 11.
Trim Startup Apps
Each extra tool that hooks the GPU or network adds risk. Keep only drivers, chat, and the game platform. Delay tuners until after the session starts. When a tool offers “start with Windows,” set it to manual.
Update On A Schedule
Patch Tuesday updates, GPU drivers, and chipset packages fix crashes and driver signing issues. Set a monthly reminder. After updates, restart twice to reload drivers and services cleanly.
Use The Official Repair And Status Tools
The Riot Client repair tool restores core files and services better than manual copying. When the client reports success, reboot once before the test launch. If the game won’t open and the status page shows issues, wait for the all-clear instead of stacking changes that you’ll need to unwind later.
When To Reinstall Windows
This is a last resort for systems with long histories of tool installs, registry edits, or driver packs. If the game still won’t open after the deep repair list, back up your files and use Windows’ Reset this PC feature while keeping personal data. Install chipset drivers, GPU drivers, the Riot Client, and the game. Enable security features, reboot, and try again before adding any tuning apps or overlays.
Trusted Resources For Safe Steps
For security settings and anti-cheat requirements, follow the official guidance. The best references are the live service page and Riot’s setup guide for security features. Use the Vanguard restrictions guide for Windows 11 requirements and the Riot status page when you suspect platform issues.
Bottom Line: A Short Launch Routine That Works
Here’s a lean sequence that clears most blocks: reboot; check the status page; repair in the Riot Client; disable overlays; add AV exclusions; reinstall Vanguard; enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot; restart twice; launch from the Riot Client. If the game opens after any step, stop there and enjoy the session.