How to play VALORANT on Windows

Written By Onur Demirkol Writer
Last UpdatedJune 10, 2023 at 03:06PM
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Riot Games' VALORANT is a popular 5v5 character-based tactical shooter game. To generate engaging and strategic gameplay, it blends precise gunplay with distinct Agent abilities. To join the millions of gamers that enjoy VALORANT, you must first learn how to play it on Windows. It is your lucky day because today, we will tell you everything you need to know about how to play VALORANT on Windows!

VALORANT: Windows compatibility

VALORANT is a fun and tough game that runs smoothly on Windows. All you need is a PC that supports the game, a Riot Games account, and a stable internet connection. VALORANT may be downloaded and installed on the official website or from Xbox Game Pass if you have it. You may then select your mode, Agent, and loadout and begin playing.

Compatibility is crucial in establishing the gaming ecosystem. Windows PCs have a broader selection of hardware options, allowing gamers to select components that meet their needs and budgets. In contrast, Macs have restricted customization options, which typically result in fewer options when it comes to gaming. The VALORANT Windows partnership might be heavier, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t play the game on Mac. Well, it is not possible for M1 and M2 Macs, but there are third-party apps that will help you play VALORANT if your Mac is a little bit older than the current generations. If you are running a Windows PC, then you will not have to bother with any additional software as the VALORANT Windows version is already working fine.

The VALORANT Windows version is the most preferred out of all players, as you technically can't play it on Mac. Credit: Riot Games
The VALORANT Windows version is the most preferred out of all players, as you technically can't play it on Mac. Credit: Riot Games

How to play VALORANT on Windows PC

Let’s say you have a Windows PC. Do you know how to play VALORANT on Windows? If your answer is no, don’t worry at all. It is very easy to install the game and enjoy the VALORANT Windows version. If you are familiar with basic computer skills, you will definitely find it very easy! Here is how to play VALORANT on Windows; simply follow the steps below:

  1. Navigate to the VALORANT website and press the Play Now button.
  2. Sign in with your Riot Games account, or sign up for one if you don't already have one.
  3. The VALORANT gaming client may be downloaded from the website or through your library.
  4. Run the downloaded file and follow the steps to select an installation location.
  5. VALORANT will be installed on your Windows computer.
  6. After installing VALORANT, you may access it through a desktop shortcut or the Start menu.

Related: Can you play VALORANT with a controller?

VALORANT not working on Windows fix

Is your VALORANT not working on Windows? Well, there are thousands of people who face these kinds of issues on a daily basis, but luckily, there are a couple of solutions that you can try out. These solutions may or may not help you get rid of the issue of VALORANT not working on Windows. Here are a couple of fixes to try:

Reinstall VALORANT

The most classic but effective solution is reinstalling the game. It may sound useless, but sometimes corrupted game files cause these kinds of issues, and reinstalling the whole program will refresh all of the files you have on your computer.

Uninstall the game and just like you did in the beginning, install it back again and see if the issue persists. If you don’t know how to download VALORANT on Windows, scroll up and we got you covered under one of the headings!

Allow VALORANT through your firewall

Because your firewall is currently configured to prohibit the game's incoming and outgoing connections, the "VALORANT not working on Windows" issue may arise while you play in online mode.

Check your firewall's settings to ensure that the game may pass through it. After you've finished the procedures, restart your computer and play VALORANT online to determine whether the disconnect problem remains. Here are the measures you take to fix it.

  1. Type "firewall & network protection" into the Windows search box.
  2. Navigate to the firewall page.
  3. Click "Allow an app."
  4. Choose VALORANT from the options.
  5. Permit access.

Restart your router

Routers can create internet-related problems because they are technical gadgets that have weaknesses. And, things might go wrong on your console or PC. To resolve the "VALORANT not working on Windows" issue, restart your router.

If the device had been shut off, left alone for 10 to 30 seconds, and then turned back on, it may have avoided crashes, IP conflicts with other connected devices, or even overheating. As a result, the most basic technical advice typically produces the best outcomes.

If VALORANT is not working on Windows, you can try several fixes to get rid of all the issues. Credit: Riot Games
If VALORANT is not working on Windows, you can try several fixes to get rid of all the issues. Credit: Riot Games

Can you play VALORANT on Windows?

Of course, you can. All of the professional players and a big majority of the general players within the gaming community prefer to play VALORANT on Windows. The widespread availability of games is one of the key reasons for Windows' supremacy. Because Windows has such a large market share, game makers mostly generate titles for it. This has resulted in a thriving industry of games tailored exclusively to Windows users.

That is one of the biggest reasons why you are able to play VALORANT on Windows. As mentioned, VALORANT has been specifically tailored for Windows PCs and even Mac users have to set up Bootcamp and run Windows on their systems to enjoy Riot Games’ popular FPS title.

Related: How to appear offline in VALORANT

VALORANT TPM 2.0 error Windows fix

The “VALORANT TPM 2.0 error Windows” is one of the most annoying issues that players from all around the face as it is not easy to find a fix to it on the internet. However, we got you covered again! If you are facing the error, try the solution below:

Enable TPM and Secure Boot on BIOS

This is mostly caused because you have TPM and Secure Boost of in your BIOS settings.

  1. Open the BIOS menu. (You have to restart your computer and press the key that your motherboard accepts at the start-up)
  2. Navigate to Advanced Mode.
  3. Enable TPM/PTT. (TPM for AMD, PTT for Intel)
  4. Enable Secure Boot. (Usually found under the Boot tab)
  5. Set it to Standard.
  6. Save the changes and exit BIOS.

If you can’t open BIOS, please try the steps below:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Hit Update and Security.
  3. Go to Recovery.
  4. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.
  5. Wait for your PC to reboot to a new menu.
  6. Choose Troubleshoot.
  7. Go to Advanced options.
  8. Click UEFI Firmware Settings.
  9. Hit Restart.
To fix the VALORANT TPM 2.0 error on Windows, you need to enable some features on BIOS. Credit: Riot Games
To fix the VALORANT TPM 2.0 error on Windows, you need to enable some features on BIOS. Credit: Riot Games

Can’t play VALORANT on Windows, what to do now?

If you still can’t play VALORANT on Windows, then there has to be an error that you are facing or something on your PC isn’t working right. We have listed a couple of solutions above but if you are simply not able to play VALORANT on Windows, check out further steps you can take below:

Test your internet connection

Another thing to think about is your internet connection. This may appear to be a simple repair, but occasionally individuals bypass the easy aspects in order to discover a solution that will need more work and concentration. They are, however, unaware that they are experiencing internet problems, which their internet service provider (ISP) may cause.

If you can’t play VALORANT on Windows, it might be caused by difficulties with your ISP or local internet speed. First, ensure that you have a stable internet connection. If there is an issue, perform an internet speed test and notify your service provider. Here's how to test your internet speed.

  1. Open your web browser.
  2. Go to Speedtest.
  3. Click Go in the center of the screen.
  4. Wait for the results.
  5. Check and see if there is anything wrong with your internet connection.

Check VALORANT status

Have you considered that the problem might be caused on Riot’s end? It is always useful to check the current VALORANT status, as sometimes the servers might go down due to maintenance or errors. Here is how to check VALORANT status:

  1. Launch your web browser.
  2. Go to the official VALORANT status page
  3. Look for VALORANT on the page.
  4. Choose your region and language.
  5. Check if VALORANT servers are down.

Check for driver updates

It's always worth making sure that your GPU drivers are up to date. Old drivers will reduce the performance of your PC, and you will ultimately need to update them to get the most out of it. This not only causes the VALORANT Windows problem, but it also affects all other games and apps on your computer. There are two different brands and here are the links for both of their driver pages:

Onur Demirkol here, Content Writer for THESPIKEGG. You will see his name on a bunch of different articles here, whether they are breaking news or evergreen guides and content.

His journey in the industry has been marked by influential roles at esteemed platforms such as Flank Esports and 5Mid, where he served as editor-in-chief. Onur made significant contributions to their success in written content and social media, including a notable impact on an issue of the Turkish Esports Federation magazine. Currently, he serves as the Lead Editor for Gamelevate, taking pride in managing a global team of 12 talented writers. Additionally, Onur regularly contributes to Softonic, gHacks, Dataconomy, and Techbriefly. He has written thousands of articles, and that number continues to go up.

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