The Gamer’s Guide: Uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard the Right Way

Diving into the world of gaming, especially in a powerhouse like Valorant, is undeniably thrilling. The stunning graphics, the adrenaline-pumping actions, and the camaraderie among teammates make it an experience to cherish. But like all good things, sometimes there comes a moment when we need to take a break, declutter, or perhaps address some nagging concerns. It’s entirely natural, and every player, from novice to pro, has been at this crossroads at some point. At some point, you might think of how to uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard and get rid of this constant back and forth.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why would anyone want to uninstall such an amazing game?” It’s a valid query. Different players have different motivations. For some, it could be about reclaiming that precious storage space. For others, it might be a strategic hiatus, a time to reset and return with renewed vigor. And then there are those concerned about Riot Vanguard’s deep-rooted system access. Whatever your reason, this guide will break down how to uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard with relative ease and comfort. Let’s embark on this step-by-step journey together.

Why Should You Uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand the why. It could be a simple drive to free up storage or maybe you’re sidelining the game for a while. We’ve all been there, and there’s no shame in taking a step back.

Method #1: Using the Control Panel

Ah, the classic Control Panel method. If you’ve ever installed or uninstalled a program on a Windows PC, this route should feel like home.

Method #2: Add or Remove Programs

Feeling a bit modern? Windows’ Apps and Features got your back.

1. Access the Start Menu: Give the Start button (usually located in the bottom-left corner of your screen) a right-click to bring up its context menu.
2. Navigate to Apps and Features: From the context menu, locate and select the “Apps and Features” option. This will open a window displaying all the applications installed on your computer.
3. Search for Valorant: Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find ‘Valorant‘.
4. Access More Options: Once you’ve located Valorant, you’ll notice three dots (often referred to as an ellipsis) to the right of the game’s name. Click on these dots to view more options.
5. Uninstall the Game: In the dropdown menu that appears from the three dots, select the “Uninstall” option. Follow any subsequent prompts to complete the uninstallation process, and Valorant will be removed from your system.

Method #3: Start Menu Magic

Sometimes, it’s as easy as accessing the Start Menu.

1. Begin with the Start Menu: Either press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start button, typically found in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Locate Valorant: Scroll through your apps or simply use the search bar to type in and find “Valorant.”
3. Access the Uninstall Option: Once you’ve identified the Valorant icon, give it a right-click to bring up a context menu.
4. Initiate Uninstallation: From the context menu, simply choose the “Uninstall” option. Follow any on-screen prompts or instructions to complete the removal process, and before you know it, Valorant will be gone from your PC!

But Wait, What About Riot Vanguard?

Uninstalling Valorant is half the battle. Riot Vanguard remains, acting as a silent guardian against cheaters. Developed by the minds behind the massive hit League of Legends, Riot Vanguard serves as an anti-cheat system.

However, like many things in life, it’s not without its controversies. Riot Vanguard runs deep within your system, potentially monitoring activities. Though Riot Games is dedicated to fair play and not to sneaking around, the potential risk of a cyber breach always lurks.

Uninstalling Riot Vanguard

Honestly, uninstalling Riot Vanguard mirrors the Valorant uninstallation process. Whether it’s via the Control Panel, Apps and Features, or the Start Menu, it’s a familiar journey.

Encountered a Hiccup with Riot Vanguard?

Some Valorant players, in their quest to declutter, have stumbled upon challenges when erasing Riot Vanguard. This pesky vgk.sys file might resist your uninstallation efforts. Fret not; solutions abound!

1. Safe Mode Magic: Boot your PC in Safe Mode and navigate to the Riot Vanguard folder. From here, you can erase that stubborn vgk.sys file.
2. Rename to Trick the System: Rename the vgk.sys file (maybe vgk.txt?). This confuses the system, preventing Riot Vanguard from running during startup.
3. Command Prompt to the Rescue: Use the command prompt to forcefully erase vgk.sys from the system’s memory.

Maybe, Just Maybe, You Only Want to Disable Riot Vanguard?

Planning a Valorant comeback? Instead of a complete uninstall, simply disable Riot Vanguard. Riot Games introduced this feature after community feedback.

1. Access the System Tray: Ensure Riot Vanguard is active and then navigate to your System tray, usually located at the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Identify the Icon: Look for the Riot Vanguard icon amongst the various symbols in the tray.
3. Disabling the Software: Once you’ve spotted the Riot Vanguard icon, give it a right-click to reveal a dropdown menu.
4. Exit the Software: From the dropdown options, select “Exit Vanguard” to disable it.

What Happens If You Uninstall Riot Vanguard

Riot Vanguard, developed by Riot Games, serves as the protective shield against cheaters in the popular FPS game, Valorant. But what happens if you decide to uninstall it? While you might think that removing Vanguard would only affect the anti-cheat system, it has broader implications. Without Vanguard on your system, Valorant simply won’t run. The game leans heavily on its anti-cheat software to ensure a level playing field for all players, maintaining the integrity of the game environment. Should you try to dive into a match without Vanguard, the game will promptly remind you of its absence, urging you to reinstall. So, if you’re aiming for a few rounds in Valorant, ensure Vanguard remains intact. You have to uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard for peace of mind; no other way around it.

Blue Screen for Uninstalling Riot Vanguard?

Experiencing a blue screen when uninstalling Riot Vanguard can be due to software conflicts or corrupted system files. Vanguard, the anti-cheat system for Valorant, integrates deeply with your system. If there’s an interruption or issue during uninstallation, it might cause a system crash. To resolve this, ensure all game-related processes are closed, restart your PC, and try uninstalling again. If problems persist, consider seeking technical support or checking Riot’s official forums for specific troubleshooting steps.

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Wrapping Up

Whether you’re embarking on a digital detox, aiming to clear up some space or have reservations about Riot Vanguard’s deep-rooted system presence, it’s essential to know how to navigate uninstallation. The process to uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard, as detailed, is relatively straightforward and offers multiple pathways for different users.

In the ever-evolving digital world, it’s empowering to have control over what resides in our systems. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, giving you the peace of mind to move forward. Whether you return to the Valorant universe in the future or venture into new gaming horizons, always prioritize your system’s health and security.

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