If VALORANT opens to a black screen, restart your PC first. Riot’s guidance for a black-screen issue reported after patch 10.05 recommends restarting, then cleanly reinstalling the graphics driver if the restart does not help. That notice is patch-specific; it does not establish one cause or one fix for every black screen. The steps below distinguish that advice from Riot’s broader launch and crash troubleshooting.
Why does VALORANT launch to a black screen?
A black screen can have several possible sources. Riot’s general launch-crash guidance discusses outdated or corrupted game files, graphics-driver problems and interference from background software. Without an error code, logs or details about your PC, the symptom alone does not identify which applies.
Riot’s black-screen notice refers specifically to reports after patch 10.05. Its restart-then-driver-reinstall advice is useful context, but should not be treated as a diagnosis for every current launch problem. The remaining steps draw on Riot’s general PC crash and launch-crash guidance, plus Microsoft’s Windows blank-screen advice; they are troubleshooting options, not guaranteed VALORANT fixes.
Try these steps in order
-
Restart the PC
Save your work and use Windows’ Restart option, rather than just closing the game. Once Windows is back, open Riot Client and launch VALORANT. Restarting is Riot’s first recommendation in its patch 10.05 black-screen notice.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
-
Reset the graphics driver if Windows is also blank
If the desktop itself is blank or unresponsive, press Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B. Microsoft says this keyboard shortcut resets the graphics driver. It is a Windows recovery step, not a VALORANT-specific fix; if the desktop works and only the game window is black, it may not address the underlying issue.
-
Update or cleanly reinstall the graphics driver
If restarting did not help, Riot’s patch-specific notice recommends a clean graphics-driver reinstall. Riot’s general crash guidance also identifies outdated drivers as a possible source of visual problems. Get the current driver from your GPU manufacturer’s official support channel and follow its instructions. A clean reinstall is different from simply checking for an update; do not assume a third-party driver-cleaning utility is required.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
-
Install available Windows updates
Riot includes updating Windows in its general PC crash guidance. Check Windows Update, install available updates, and restart if Windows asks you to. This is general compatibility troubleshooting, rather than a fix Riot identifies specifically for every black screen.
-
Use a clean boot to check for background interference
Riot recommends a clean boot as a way to reduce interference from background processes. Follow Microsoft’s current clean-boot procedure for your Windows version. If VALORANT behaves differently in that state, re-enable services and startup items selectively to find a conflict. Do not leave essential security services disabled as a permanent workaround.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
-
Reset graphics software settings
Riot notes that GPU software settings can override in-game settings and recommends resetting graphics software to defaults as a general stability step. Use your GPU software’s own reset-to-default option. This may not help if you cannot reach VALORANT’s settings, and it is not a black-screen-specific remedy.
-
Check firewall or third-party antivirus interference
Riot’s launch-crash guidance includes checking firewall exceptions and whether third-party antivirus software is interfering. Do not leave antivirus protection switched off. If you temporarily test whether it is involved, restore protection promptly; use Riot’s official exception guidance where applicable rather than adding broad or permanent exclusions.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
-
Reinstall VALORANT and Vanguard as a later step
Riot lists reinstalling VALORANT and Vanguard among later launch-crash troubleshooting steps. Try this only after the less disruptive checks above, and follow Riot’s current uninstall and reinstall instructions. Reinstallation takes longer and is not a guaranteed fix.
-
Lower video settings if you can reach them
If VALORANT gets past startup and you can open its settings before the problem occurs, lower video settings and see whether stability changes. Riot includes reducing graphics settings in its general PC crash guidance. This cannot help while the game remains inaccessible on the initial black screen.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
-
Send logs to Riot Support if the problem continues
If the steps do not resolve the issue, submit a ticket to Riot Player Support and include the logs Riot requests. Logs can give support information that the black-screen symptom alone cannot provide; do not infer a specific cause from the screen alone.
Which steps apply most directly to a startup black screen?
| Step | How directly it applies | When it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| Restart the PC, then consider a clean graphics-driver reinstall | Riot specifically recommends these for the black-screen issue described after patch 10.05. | Start here, while keeping in mind that the notice is patch-specific. |
| Windows graphics reset shortcut | Microsoft’s general blank-screen recovery step, not a VALORANT-specific fix. | When Windows itself is blank or unresponsive. |
| Windows updates, clean boot, graphics-software reset, security checks, and reinstalling the game and Vanguard | Riot’s broader PC crash or launch-crash troubleshooting, not confirmation of a particular black-screen cause. | Use after simpler checks, following the cautions for each step. |
| Lower video settings | Riot’s general crash advice; it requires access to the game’s settings. | Only if the game reaches its settings screen before crashing. |
When should you contact Riot Support?
Contact Riot Player Support if the black screen persists after the ordered checks, or if an error appears that could help narrow down the problem. Include the logs requested by Riot when submitting your ticket. A support investigation is more useful than trying unrelated registry changes, leaving security software disabled, or buying hardware without evidence that it is involved.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
