Start by writing down the full error message or code and where setup stops. VALORANT installation failures can involve Windows dependencies, Riot Vanguard, system compatibility, or a separate launch issue; the right fix depends on which one you are seeing.
First, identify where the install fails
Before changing settings, note the exact wording or code, the step where installation stops, your Windows version, and whether this is a first installation or a reinstall. Use that information to choose the matching Riot troubleshooting guide rather than applying every fix at once.
- Dependency or Vanguard reboot message: follow the dependency and anti-cheat steps below.
- A VAN code: use Riot’s guide for that specific code; do not assume one code’s fix applies to another.
- No clear code, or a failed reinstall: use Riot’s clean uninstall and reinstall instructions.
- Installation completes but the game will not launch: that is a launch problem, not necessarily an installation failure. Use launch guidance only if its symptoms match.
Fix the documented dependency or Vanguard error
Riot’s instructions cover “We couldn’t install a required dependency” and “Vanguard Anticheat has encountered an error, please reboot.” For these messages, Riot recommends updating Windows first. If the error remains, uninstall Riot Vanguard and VALORANT, confirm both have been removed, restart the PC, then run the VALORANT installer with administrator privileges. See Riot Support for the current guidance and to submit a ticket if the steps do not resolve the error.
- Install available Windows updates and restart if Windows requests it.
- If the same error remains, uninstall Riot Vanguard and VALORANT.
- Check that both are removed, then restart the PC.
- Right-click the VALORANT installer and choose Run as administrator.
Use a clean reinstall when setup still fails
For a broader reinstall, follow Riot’s current uninstall and reinstall instructions in order. Riot’s guide uses Windows’ Installed apps, may require closing Riot Client, and gives directions for removing remaining VALORANT or Riot Client folders. Delete only the folders named in Riot’s instructions; do not remove unrelated files or folders.
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Check compatibility before repeating setup
Compare your PC with Riot’s current PC requirements. Riot’s surfaced requirements include 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, DirectX 11 support, and processor instruction requirements. Riot also says Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot, and that cloud gaming and virtual machines are unsupported. Requirements can change, so use Riot’s current page rather than relying on an old specification list.
Apply Vanguard fixes only when the code matches
VAN 9005
Riot’s VAN 9005 guide points to TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and Memory Integrity settings. Follow that guide for this code, restart as directed, and contact Riot Support with logs if the error persists.
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VAN 9002
Riot says VAN 9002 is usually associated with Windows Exploit Protection being disabled, which Vanguard requires. Use Riot’s VAN 9002 instructions for the settings steps rather than changing security options based on a different error.
When installation works but VALORANT will not launch
A Riot support index has surfaced a patch-specific launch issue recommending a PC restart first and, if needed, a clean graphics-driver reinstall. This is not a general installation fix: use it only if the failure is actually at launch and Riot still lists the issue as current. For a different message or code, return to the matching support article instead.
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Contact Riot Support if the official steps fail
Submit a ticket through Riot Support and include the complete error text or code, where the failure occurs, your Windows version, whether this is a new install or reinstall, and the logs Riot requests. Those details help support distinguish an installer problem from Vanguard, compatibility, or launch trouble.
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