How to Completely Uninstall Valorant in Windows 11

Valorant is one of the most popular tactical shooters, but it also installs Vanguard, Riot Games’ kernel-level anti-cheat system. And as many Windows 11 users have discovered, completely uninstalling Valorant isn’t as simple as removing the game folder — Vanguard runs deep inside the system.

If you’re here reading this guide, you’re likely trying to remove Valorant because:

• You no longer play the game
• Vanguard is interfering with drivers or software
• You want to free up disk space
• You’re troubleshooting gaming or performance issues
• You want to prepare for a clean reinstall

Whatever the reason, uninstalling Valorant the proper way means removing both the game AND Vanguard, along with leftover files, background services, and registry entries.

In this detailed guide, we walk you through every method to completely uninstall Valorant in Windows 11, ensuring nothing is left behind. Let’s get started!

Important Note Before You Begin

Vanguard runs at the kernel level, meaning:

• It loads before Windows
• It blocks certain drivers
• It must be fully removed before Valorant can uninstall correctly

The uninstall order must always be:

1. Uninstall Riot Vanguard → 2. Uninstall Valorant

1. Uninstall Riot Vanguard (The Anti-Cheat Engine)

Removing Vanguard first ensures Valorant can uninstall cleanly.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
3. Scroll down and find Riot Vanguard.
4. Click the three-dot menu (⋮).
5. Select Uninstall.
6. Confirm again when prompted.

Vanguard will now be removed from your system, and its background service will stop.

2. Uninstall Valorant From Windows Settings

Now you can safely remove the game.

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Search for Valorant.
3. Click the three-dot menu (⋮).
4. Select Uninstall.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

This removes the primary installation directory.

3. Delete Remaining Valorant & Vanguard Folders Manually

Even after uninstalling, Riot Games leaves behind configuration files, logs, and cached data.

Delete Vanguard folder:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

C:\ProgramData\Riot Vanguard

3. Press Enter.
4. Delete the entire Riot Vanguard folder.

Delete Riot Games folder:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

C:\Riot Games

or

C:\Program Files\Riot Games

3. Delete the VALORANT folder and any Riot Client leftovers.

Delete AppData files:

1. Press Windows + R → Type:

%localappdata%

2. Press Enter.
3. Delete these folders if present:
   • VALORANT
   • Riot Games
   • Vanguard

Repeat the process for:

%appdata%

Delete Riot-related folders if any exist.

4. Disable Vanguard Services (If Still Running)

Sometimes Vanguard services remain active even after uninstalling.

1. Press Windows + R, type:

services.msc

2. Press Enter.
3. Look for:
   • vgc
   • vgk
4. If found:
   • Right-click → Stop
   • Right-click → Properties
   • Set Startup type to Disabled

Restart your PC afterward.

5. Remove Vanguard Drivers From Windows

Vanguard installs kernel drivers named vgk.sys and vgrids.sys.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers

3. Delete:
   • vgk.sys
   • vgrids.sys (if present)

If Windows blocks deletion, restart your PC first — Vanguard should be inactive after uninstall.

6. Remove Valorant From Startup Apps

Ensure no Riot software launches during boot.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager).
2. Go to the Startup apps tab.
3. Disable:
   • Riot Client
   • Vanguard Launcher
   • Anything Riot-related

7. Clean Leftover Registry Entries (Advanced but Recommended)

This step removes deep-level remnants of Vanguard and Valorant.

1. Press Windows + R, type:

regedit

2. Hit Enter.

Search manually for:

• Riot Games
• Valorant
• Vanguard

Delete leftover registry keys carefully.

Recommended Registry Locations:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Riot Games
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Riot Games
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\vgc
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\vgk

Be careful not to delete unrelated entries. Always back up the registry before editing.

8. Restart Your PC to Finalize Removal

After removing all files, services, and registry keys:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Verify that:
   • No Riot services start
   • No Vanguard drivers reload
   • No Valorant folders reappear

Your system should now be completely free of Valorant and Vanguard.

Optional: Reinstall Valorant Cleanly

If you were uninstalling to fix bugs or issues:

1. Go to playvalorant.com.
2. Download a fresh installer.
3. Install Riot Client + Vanguard again.

A clean reinstall usually resolves:

• Launch failures
• FPS drops
• Vanguard errors
• Missing textures or corrupted files

Why Vanguard Requires a Full System Cleanup

Vanguard runs at kernel level and loads before Windows boots. That’s why:

• It installs special drivers
• It registers persistent services
• It remains running even after closing Valorant

This enhances anti-cheat protection but also explains why a full cleanup is required to uninstall it correctly.

Wrapping Up

Completely uninstalling Valorant from Windows 11 involves more than simply removing the game — you must fully remove Riot Vanguard, delete leftover files, stop services, and clear registry traces. While the process may feel technical, following the steps in this guide ensures your system is 100% clean and ready for whatever you want to do next.