Why won’t my VALORANT open? Common causes and working fixes (2026)

If VALORANT will not open, the problem usually sits in one of three places: Riot’s services, Vanguard, or your Windows setup. Most cases look the same at first. You click Play, the Riot Client flashes, and then nothing happens.

The good news is that you can fix most launch issues in minutes if you follow a clear order. Start with quick checks, then apply a small set of proven fixes. You avoid random tweaks, and you get back in-game faster.

Common causes of your VALORANT won’t open

Several problems show up again and again, and they leave clear clues. If you can see an error code, that means you are lucky. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Vanguard fails to load at boot: You might see the client open and then stop, or you might see a restriction or VAN error later.
• Windows 11 security blocks the launch path: Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and related settings can stop the game before it reaches the main menu.
• Corrupted local cache or config: The game can stall at launch, crash early, or refuse to start after a patch. Cache clears often fix this.
• Background conflicts and stuck processes: A hidden VALORANT or Riot task can block a new launch, even after you “close” the game.
• File damage in the install: A repair pass often resolves missing or broken files without a full reinstall.

8 fixes that work for “VALORANT won’t open” on PC

Start with the first one and follow this list of fixes:

Fix 1: Check Riot server status first

If Riot runs maintenance, no local fix will help until services recover.

1. Open Riot’s service status page.
2. Check VALORANT and your region.
3. If you see an incident, wait and retry later.
4. If status looks normal, move to Fix 2.

Fix 2: Force-close stuck Riot and VALORANT tasks (use this when Alt+F4 won’t work)

Alt+F4 can fail when the app freezes or a hidden task keeps running.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click Processes.
3. End tasks in this order: 4. VALORANT 5. Riot Client 6. RiotClientServices
4. Restart your PC.
5. Launch Riot Client again, then launch VALORANT.

Fix 3: Run VALORANT as administrator

Admin mode removes permission blocks that stop VALORANT from writing files or starting services.

1. Right-click the VALORANT shortcut.
2. Click Run as administrator.
3. Click Yes on the prompt.
4. If the game opens, keep admin mode for future launches.

Fix 4: Reset local VALORANT config and cache

A broken local cache often blocks launch after patches or crashes.

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type %LocalAppData% and press Enter.
3. Find the VALORANT folder.
4. Delete the folder.
5. Launch VALORANT so it rebuilds fresh files.

Fix 5: Repair VALORANT inside Riot Client

Repair fixes missing or damaged files without a full reinstall.

1. Open Riot Client.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select VALORANT.
4. Click Repair.
5. Wait for the tool to finish, then launch the game.

Fix 6: Reinstall Riot Vanguard the correct way

Vanguard loads at system level, so you need restarts for a clean reinstall.

1. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Uninstall Riot Vanguard.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Launch VALORANT to trigger Vanguard install.
5. Restart your PC again.
6. Launch VALORANT.

Fix 7: Enable Windows 11 security requirements (Secure Boot + TPM 2.0)

1. Windows 11 can block launch when you disable these settings, and you often see VAN codes.
2. Open Windows Security.
3. Check device security status and TPM availability.
4. If you use Windows 11 and you see missing Secure Boot or TPM, enable them in BIOS/UEFI.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Launch VALORANT again.

Fix 8: Address VAN: RESTRICTION and system integrity blocks

Riot can block launch when system security checks fail, and recent Vanguard changes increased enforcement on some systems.

1. Read the exact error text and code on screen.
2. Update Windows fully, then restart.
3. Update your BIOS if Riot flags your current version.
4. Re-check Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 on Windows 11.
5. Retry launch after each change so you spot the real cause.

After the fix: Keep VALORANT launching clean

• Small habits reduce repeat failures.
• Keep Windows updated, especially on Windows 11 security paths.
• Use Riot Client Repair after big patches if you see repeated launch stalls.
• Avoid stacking overlays and “game booster” tools if you see frequent freezes.

Fast checks before launching the game

Run these checks before you open the game. They often explain the launch failure with no extra work.

• Check Riot’s service status. If Riot runs maintenance or an incident hits, VALORANT can refuse to launch or fail after the splash screen.
• Confirm Windows 11 security readiness. Windows 11 can block VALORANT when Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 is off, and you will often see VAN errors.
• Look for a Vanguard restriction message. Riot uses “Vanguard Restrictions” and “VAN: RESTRICTION” to flag system security gaps, BIOS issues, or missing protections.
• Note what opens. If Riot Client opens but the game does not, focus on repair, cache, and Vanguard. If nothing opens at all, focus on permissions and background conflicts.

What to do if Alt+F4 doesn’t work

Alt+F4 can fail when the game or Riot Client freezes or leaves a stuck process.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. End tasks in this order: 3. VALORANT 4. Riot Client 5. RiotClientServices 6. Any Vanguard process you can identify
3. Reboot if tasks return right away or refuse to close.
4. After the reboot, run Riot Client as admin and try again.

If your whole PC locks up, use Ctrl + Alt + Delete to reach the security screen, then restart from there.

VALORANT launch problems feel random, but they usually follow a pattern. You either hit a service issue, a Vanguard block, or a broken local setup on Windows. Start with the fast checks, then apply fixes in order. If the game still refuses to open, capture the exact error code, like error 57, and your Windows version, then you can target the right fix instead of guessing.

Featured Image Credit: Riot Games