If VALORANT will not update, first check Riot’s live service status, then completely close the Riot Client and restart Windows. If the update still fails, use the client’s repair option, clear only Riot/VALORANT cache data, and check your firewall, antivirus and connection. Vanguard or a clean reinstall comes later. This guide is for Windows PC players.
First, identify what “not updating” means
Record the exact message or error code before changing anything. These symptoms do not always have the same cause:
- The Update button does nothing.
- “Updating…” stays on screen indefinitely.
- The download remains at 0%.
- The download starts, then returns to the Play button.
- The update loops repeatedly.
- A file is reported as being in use.
- The client says it could not install a required dependency.
- Vanguard requests a restart or displays a VAN error.
- The update completes, but VALORANT will not launch.
- VALORANT asks for another update immediately after updating.
Check whether Riot is having an outage
Open Riot Games Service Status and check the VALORANT region you use. Also look at the official patch-notes archive to see whether a new patch has just released.
Patch-day congestion or a backend incident can make an update stall or loop. If Riot reports an incident, wait for service to recover rather than reinstalling; a reinstall cannot repair a server-side problem.
#1 Best Overall
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
The safest first fix: close everything and restart Windows
- Exit VALORANT.
- Close the Riot Client from the notification-area/system-tray icon.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- End remaining Riot Client or VALORANT processes only if they are still running.
- Restart Windows.
- Open Riot Client and retry the update.
A previous game session, installer or Vanguard service may still have a file locked. Do not kill unrelated Windows processes or delete folders before trying this restart.
Use Riot Client repair when it is available
Riot Client revisions may expose a Repair or Repair Game control in different locations, and some update failures show no repair control at all. Use it before reinstalling when it appears.
Repair can verify or replace damaged files, but it cannot fix an outage, blocked network traffic, inadequate disk space or a broken Windows/Vanguard dependency. If repair itself remains at 0%, stop repeatedly clicking it and continue with cache, security and network checks. Players have reported repair loops, but those reports are anecdotal rather than an official diagnosis: community report.
Rank #2
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
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- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
Clear Riot and VALORANT cache data
Close Riot Client and VALORANT completely. Press Win + R, enter %localappdata%, and press Enter. This opens C:Users<your-Windows-username>AppDataLocal.
Delete only clearly named Riot Games and VALORANT cache folders that are present. Do not delete unrelated AppData directories or the main installed game folder at this stage. Riot’s launch guidance covers this local-cache cleanup: Riot troubleshooting guide.
Windows may recreate these folders automatically. Cached configuration or local settings can be reset, and shared Riot Client data may affect other Riot games or require another login. Restart Windows and try the update again.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Check firewall, antivirus and network access
Allow the client through Windows Firewall
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Firewall & network protection.
- Choose Allow an app through firewall.
- Ensure Riot Client and VALORANT are allowed on the appropriate private network.
Riot identifies firewall exceptions and third-party antivirus as possible causes of blocked client activity. If you use third-party antivirus, pause its web or file protection briefly for a controlled test, then re-enable it immediately. If the update works only while protection is paused, create a precise exception instead of leaving security disabled. See Riot’s firewall and antivirus guidance.
Refresh Windows networking
Open Command Prompt and run these commands one at a time:
Recommended Free Tools
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdnsipconfig /release temporarily disconnects the adapter before renewal. Restart Windows afterwards. These commands do not repair corrupted game files, and changing DNS is not automatically better. Riot documents this procedure in its network troubleshooting guide.
Rank #4
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Unstable Wi-Fi, captive portals, school or work restrictions, router faults and ISP routing can all interfere. As a diagnostic test, try another connection such as a phone hotspot. If the update works there, investigate the home network; do not treat a hotspot or VPN as a guaranteed fix. Do not bypass school or workplace network policies.
Check Windows prerequisites and available space
- Install pending Windows updates and restart if Windows requests it.
- Confirm you have enough free storage for the download and temporary patch files; the displayed download size is not a guaranteed total requirement.
- Use a stable internet connection and verify the system date and time.
- If the update completes but the game will not launch, update your graphics driver. Riot recommends this for launch-related problems, not as a general cure for a download stuck at 0%: Riot launch guidance.
When Vanguard is involved
Use this branch for “We couldn’t install a required dependency,” Vanguard errors, VAN codes or a message requiring a restart. Update Windows first and restart when prompted. Riot’s support flow covers reinstalling VALORANT and Vanguard with administrator privileges when those dependencies remain broken: Riot Vanguard support flow.
VAN 9002
Riot says VAN 9002 generally means Windows Exploit Protection is disabled. Open Windows Exploit protection, restore relevant system settings to Use default, remove Riot-related custom program entries, and restart the PC. Follow Riot’s exact VAN 9002 instructions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBest Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
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Do not routinely run undocumented commands such as sc delete vgc or sc delete vgk. They circulate in community posts, but are not Riot’s preferred first-line procedure and can leave Vanguard inconsistent: community discussion.
Handle “file is currently in use” errors
- Exit Riot Client and VALORANT.
- End remaining Riot or VALORANT processes in Task Manager.
- Restart Windows.
- Retry the update.
- If it persists, test whether antivirus is locking the file and use Repair if available.
Do not manually delete a file identified as “in use” unless Riot’s instructions specifically name that file.
Reinstall only after the non-destructive fixes fail
Reinstall when repair, cache cleanup, security checks and network troubleshooting have failed, when files remain corrupted or inaccessible, or when Riot Support requests a clean reinstall. It is time-consuming and will require another large download.
- Uninstall VALORANT and Riot Client through Windows.
- Delete the VALORANT and Riot Client folders named by Riot’s instructions, including relevant local Riot/VALORANT folders.
- Restart Windows.
- Download the installer again from Riot’s official site.
The exact location depends on the drive and folder you selected. Do not delete folders for other Riot games unless Riot specifically tells you to. Use Riot’s clean uninstall and reinstall guide. Reinstalling will not solve an active outage or blocked connection.
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Escalation order
| Stage | Action | Risk and time | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check Riot status | Very low | The failure began suddenly or after a patch |
| 2 | Exit the client and restart Windows | Very low | The client is stuck, looping or may have locked a file |
| 3 | Retry from Riot Client | Very low | A basic process issue is likely |
| 4 | Run Repair if available | Low | Files may be damaged |
| 5 | Clear Riot/VALORANT local cache | Low to moderate | Repair fails or the update loops |
| 6 | Check firewall, antivirus and network | Moderate | The download is blocked, stalls or works on another network |
| 7 | Update Windows and investigate Vanguard | Moderate | A dependency, VAN or restart error appears |
| 8 | Clean reinstall | High | Persistent corruption or Vanguard failure remains |
| 9 | Contact Riot Support with logs | Low user effort, slower resolution | All local fixes fail |
Contact Riot Support with useful evidence
Include the exact error text or code, screenshots, your Windows and system details, the date and time of the failure, your region, and whether another network changed the result. Riot directs users to collect logs with the Riot Repair Tool; use Riot’s official download rather than a third-party mirror: Riot support request page. The download URL shown by Riot is https://cdn.playersupport.riotgames.com/riot-repair-tool/Riot%20Repair%20Tool.exe.
The Bottom Line
Check Riot’s status first, then restart the Riot Client and Windows. Repair, targeted cache cleanup, firewall/network checks and Vanguard troubleshooting should come before a clean reinstall.
Quick Recap
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