Uninstalling Valorant: A Comprehensive Guide for PC Users
Valorant, the popular first-person shooter game developed by Riot Games, has captivated a vast player base worldwide. However, circumstances may arise where you need to remove the game from your system. Whether you’re experiencing technical difficulties, running out of storage space, or simply no longer interested in playing, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to uninstalling Valorant completely from your PC.
Prerequisites for Uninstalling Valorant
Before embarking on the uninstallation process, it’s essential to ensure that you have the necessary prerequisites in place:
- Administrative privileges on the PC where Valorant is installed.
- A stable internet connection to download the uninstall utility.
- Sufficient storage space for the download and execution of the uninstall tool.
Step-by-Step Uninstallation Instructions
Method 1: Using the Control Panel (Windows)
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Access the Control Panel:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "control" (without the quotes) and click "OK" to launch the Control Panel.
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Locate Valorant:
- Select "Programs and Features" or "Apps & features" from the Control Panel options.
- Scroll through the list of installed programs and locate "Valorant".
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Initiate Uninstallation:
- Select Valorant and click on the "Uninstall" button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Method 2: Using the Riot Games Uninstaller (Windows/Mac)
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Download the Riot Games Uninstaller:
- Visit the Riot Games support website: https://support-valorant.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043802473-Uninstalling-VALORANT
- Download the appropriate uninstaller for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
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Run the Uninstaller:
- Open the downloaded uninstaller file.
- Grant administrative privileges if prompted.
- Select Valorant from the list of installed games.
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Complete Uninstallation:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the uninstallation process.
Deleting Residual Files and Folders
Once you have successfully uninstalled Valorant using one of the methods above, it’s advisable to remove any residual files or folders associated with the game. These remnants may occupy unnecessary storage space or cause conflicts with other applications.
Windows:
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Access the Program Files folder:
- Open the File Explorer and navigate to the following directory:
- "C:\Program Files"
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Delete the Riot Vanguard folder:
- Locate and delete the "Riot Vanguard" folder.
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Check the AppData folder:
- Open the following directory in the File Explorer:
- "%appdata%"
- Locate and delete the "Riot Games" and "VALORANT" folders.
Mac:
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Access the Applications folder:
- Open the Finder and navigate to the "Applications" folder.
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Delete the Valorant folder:
- Locate and drag the "VALORANT" folder to the Trash.
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Check the Library folder:
- Open the following directory in the Finder:
- ~/Library/Application Support
- Locate and delete the "Riot Games" and "VALORANT" folders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I uninstall Valorant if I don’t have administrative privileges?
A: If you don’t have administrative privileges on the PC, you can request the assistance of someone who has them. Alternatively, you can contact Riot Games support for further assistance.
Q: I uninstalled Valorant using the Control Panel, but it’s still showing up in my games list.
A: Restart your PC to complete the uninstallation process and remove the Valorant entry from your games list.
Q: Is it necessary to uninstall the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to uninstall Riot Vanguard along with Valorant. Leaving it installed may cause conflicts with other games or applications.
Q: Can I reinstall Valorant after uninstalling it?
A: Yes, you can reinstall Valorant at any time by downloading the game client from the official website: https://playvalorant.com/en-us/
Q: I’m experiencing problems uninstalling Valorant. What should I do?
A: Contact Riot Games support for assistance with troubleshooting and resolving any issues you encounter during the uninstallation process.