How to run VALORANT as administrator

VALORANT usually launches with standard Windows permissions. That works for most players, but it can fail when Windows blocks a file, a service, or a driver-level dependency. In those cases, “Run as administrator” can remove a permission barrier and let the Riot launcher complete its startup flow. In this guide, we explain how to run VALORANT as administrator and what types of errors you might face!

Why would players run VALORANT as administrator?

When you run an app as administrator, Windows grants increased rights through User Account Control (UAC). The app can write to protected folders, register or start certain services, and access system-level locations that standard mode can block. It maybe useful to overcome some of the VALORANT error codes or even help with the low FPS issue in the client.

For VALORANT, the practical impact often shows up during the launch chain, because you do not start the game in isolation. You start the Riot Client, which then launches VALORANT and interacts with Riot Vanguard. A permission mismatch between the launcher and the game process can cause unstable behavior or a failed launch

How to run VALORANT as administrator

Use one of the methods below. Start with the one-time launch, then move to “always run” only if the fix sticks.

Method 1: One-time launch (fastest)

1. Close VALORANT and Riot Client fully.
2. Right-click the Riot Client shortcut.
3. Click Run as administrator.
4. Approve the UAC prompt.
5. Launch VALORANT from the client.

Method 2: Always run as administrator

1. Right-click the Riot Client shortcut.
2. Click Properties.
3. Open the Compatibility tab.
4. Check Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

Method 3: Start Menu launch (quick alternative)

1. Open Start.
2. Type “Riot Client” or “VALORANT”
3. Choose Run as administrator.

When does running as an administrator help?

Admin mode helps when Windows blocks a required action during startup. It also helps when your system runs into permission-related friction after updates, security policy changes, or folder access controls.

Admin mode does not help when:

1. Your internet connection drops or routes poorly
2. Your server region causes high ping
3. Your PC hardware limits FPS
4. The issue sits inside a Riot outage or maintenance window

This is why running VALORANT as admin can “help,” but only for a specific class of problems.

Errors that “Run as administrator” can fix in VALORANT

You usually see wins in launch reliability and background service access. Common examples include:

1. Launch fails with generic “won’t open” behavior after you click Play
2. Riot Client starts, but VALORANT never appears
3. Vanguard-related startup checks fail due to blocked access
4. VALORANT cannot write cache or config files in its install path
5. Windows security prompts or access rules interfere with the launch chain

If your PC shows broader system integrity issues, Riot support guidance also points to elevated command tools for repairs like SFC and DISM, which often sit near Vanguard restriction troubleshooting.

Does running VALORANT as administrator help?

Yes, it can help when permissions cause the problem. It often improves launch success and reduces “nothing happens” failures. It does not act as a performance boost. If your game already launches cleanly, you should not expect a noticeable change.

Is “Run as administrator” safe for VALORANT?

It is generally safe when you install the game from official Riot sources and keep Windows updated. The risk sits in the permission level itself. Admin mode gives an app more power, so a compromised file would also gain more power. UAC exists to reduce that risk by default.

Is it better to run a game as administrator?

In most cases, no. Best practice favors least privilege. Use admin mode as a targeted fix, not a default habit. For VALORANT, keep it enabled only if you see a repeat, permission-based launch issue that stops after you switch it on.

Here are more VALORANT guides:

• VALORANT crosshair color codes
• Best crosshairs in VALORANT
• Dot crosshair VALORANT settings & codes
• Square crosshair VALORANT code & settings
• Why won’t my VALORANT open? Common causes and working fixes (2026)

Featured Image Credit: Riot Games