Valorant, Riot Games’ popular first-person shooter, has captivated millions with its intense gameplay and strategic team-based action. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall the game, whether to clear up space on your PC or because you’re taking a break from gaming. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to uninstall Valorant from your PC and how to delete your Valorant account should you decide to remove all traces of your presence in the game.
Uninstalling Valorant from Your PC
Removing Valorant from your computer is not as straightforward as uninstalling most programs due to its dedicated anti-cheat software, Vanguard. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth uninstallation process:
Step 1: Disable Vanguard
Before you can uninstall Valorant, you must first disable Vanguard, Riot’s anti-cheat system that runs at startup to prevent cheating. This software does not allow Valorant to be uninstalled while it is active.
- Navigate to the System Tray at the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Right-click on the Vanguard icon.
- Click ‘Exit Vanguard’ to disable the anti-cheat software.
Step 2: Uninstall Valorant
Once Vanguard is disabled, you can proceed to uninstall Valorant:
- Open the Windows search bar and type ‘Control Panel’.
- Click on ‘Control Panel’ and select the ‘Programs’ tab.
- Choose ‘Uninstall a program’ from the options listed under Programs.
- Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find Valorant.
- Click on Valorant and select ‘Uninstall’.
- Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
After these steps, Valorant will be removed from your PC, and Vanguard will no longer load at startup, freeing up system resources and disk space.
Reinstalling Valorant
If you decide to return to Valorant, reinstalling the game is straightforward. Simply:
- Visit the official Valorant website.
- Click the ‘Play Free’ icon on the homepage.
- Sign in with your existing Riot account or create a new one if necessary.
- After logging in, click the ‘Download’ button to start the installation process.
Follow the installation instructions to reinstall Valorant and Vanguard on your computer.
Deleting Your Valorant Account
For those who want to permanently delete their Valorant account, the process involves a few more steps, as this action is irreversible after 30 days. Here’s how to delete your account:
Step 1: Visit the Support Page
- Go to the Valorant support webpage provided by Riot Games.
Step 2: Account Deletion Process
- Select ‘Account Management, Data Requests, or Deletion’ from the drop-down menu.
- Navigate to ‘I Need Help With My Account’.
- Choose ‘I Would Like To Delete My Account’.
- Follow the prompts and specify why you wish to delete your account.
- Submit your request.
Once you initiate the deletion process, you have up to 30 days to reconsider and reverse the decision. If you do not contact Riot Games within this period, your account will be permanently deleted.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Valorant and deleting your account involves specific steps due to the presence of the Vanguard anti-cheat system and the irreversible nature of account deletion. Whether you are simply freeing up space or leaving Valorant for good, following the correct procedures ensures that your actions are effective and final. Remember, reinstalling the game is always an option if you choose to return to the thrilling world of Valorant.