How to Uninstall Valorant: A Step-By-Step Guide
So, you’ve played your fair share of Valorant matches, landed some incredible headshots (god knows how), and maybe even been called “cracked” a few times, but now it’s time to say goodbye and uninstall Valorant - whether it’s to free up space, take a break from the ranked grind, or move on to new adventures. Whatever your reason, uninstalling Valorant isn’t as straightforward as dragging it into the recycle bin.
Let’s dive into an easy step-by-step guide to help you uninstall Valorant, remove Riot Vanguard, and even delete your account if you’re ready to move on completely.
Why Uninstall Valorant?
Before we jump into the action per-se, let’s acknowledge some common reasons players choose to uninstall:
- Burnout or Stress: The ranked grind can be exhausting. Sometimes, you just need a break.
- Technical Issues: Facing error codes like VAN 9001 or glitches? A fresh reinstall can help.
- Free Up Space: Games are massive, and maybe you need room for something new.
- Console Transition: If you're jumping from PC to console to play Valorant's beta on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, uninstalling might make sense.
Sound familiar? Great, let’s get started.
How to Uninstall Valorant on PC
Uninstalling Valorant on PC isn’t your usual one-click process because of Riot’s anti-cheat software, Vanguard. But don’t worry, it’s easy once you know what to do:
First Step: Exit Riot Vanguard
- Look at your system tray (the icons near the clock on your taskbar).
- Find the Riot Vanguard logo (a little shield icon).
- Right-click it and select ‘Exit Vanguard.’
- Confirm when prompted—this will shut down Vanguard.
💡 Why this step? Vanguard prevents Valorant from being uninstalled while it’s running.
Second Step: Open Control Panel
- Hit the Windows key and type ‘Control Panel.’ Open it.
- Click on ‘Programs’ and then ‘Uninstall a Program.’
Third Step: Remove Valorant
- Scroll through the list of programs to find Valorant.
- Click on it and hit ‘Uninstall.’
- Follow the prompts to remove it.
Fourth Step: Clean Up Vanguard
- Still in the Control Panel, find ‘Riot Vanguard.’
- Uninstall it as well.
🎉 All done! After restarting your computer, Vanguard won’t appear when you boot up anymore, and Valorant will be gone for good.
How to Uninstall Valorant on PS5 and Xbox
If you’ve been enjoying Valorant’s open beta on consoles but want to move on, here’s how to uninstall it.
On PS5:
- Navigate to Valorant on your home screen or library.
- Press the Options button on your controller.
- Select ‘Delete.’
On Xbox Series X/S:
- From the home screen, press the Xbox button on your controller.
- Go to ‘My Games & Apps.’
- Select ‘See All’ and find Valorant.
- Press the menu button (three horizontal lines) on your controller.
- Choose ‘Uninstall.’
It’s that easy!
How to Delete Your Valorant Account
Ready to wipe the slate clean? Deleting your Riot account is a bold step, but here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Riot Support Page.
- Select ‘Account Management, Data Requests, or Deletion’ from the dropdown menu.
- Click ‘I Need Help With My Account.’
- Choose ‘I Would Like to Delete My Account.’
- Specify your reason and submit the form.
⚠️ Heads up! You have a 30-day window to change your mind. After that, your account is gone for good.
What If You Want to Reinstall Valorant Later?
Missing the thrill of clutching a 1v4? Reinstalling Valorant is super simple:
On PC:
- Head to the official Valorant website.
- Click ‘Play Free.’
- Log into your Riot account or create a new one.
- Download and install the client.
On PS5 & Xbox:
- Go to your library.
- Select Valorant.
- Hit ‘Download.’
Final Thoughts
Uninstalling Valorant might feel like the end of an era, but it’s just another chapter in your gaming story. Whether you’re stepping away for a while or making space for new games, now you know exactly how to uninstall Valorant without breaking a sweat.
And hey, if you ever decide to return, the world of spike plants and aces will still be waiting for you. GG, WP!
Feature image credits: Riot Games
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VALORANT Agent Tier List: Best Agents to Climb in Ranked