Valorant Won't Launch: Troubleshooting Guide Without Error Messages

We have previously shared various errors related to launching or crashing in Valorant with our readers. However, this time we will discuss a problem that does not display on your screen, causing significant confusion among players. Without identifying the error, diagnosing and attempting to fix it can be quite challenging. In this article, we will explore the main causes of this issue and provide a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot it.

Why Valorant Won't Open or Launch?

Background Processes
Outdated or Corrupted Game Files
System Incompatibility
Conflicts with Riot Vanguard
Insufficient Permissions
Graphics Driver Issues

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

One Reddit user detailed the problem they encountered:

When I click 'play' in the Riot Client, the button grays out as if the game is about to start, but after a few seconds, the button lights up again, and Valorant doesn't launch. There are no error messages or anything like that.

We delved into this issue and found several solutions for you to avoid experiencing the same fate as this player.

End Unnecessary Background Processes

It’s common for various background processes to be running on your device, whether it's an antivirus, an overlay, or even a downloaded tracker that conflicts with Vanguard anti-cheat. To resolve this issue, you’ll only need a few clicks and some attention, and then you’ll likely be able to return to Valorant.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Find unnecessary programs running in the background that may conflict with Valorant (e.g., overlays, third-party programs).
Right-click on them and select "End Task."
Try launching Valorant again.

Run Valorant as an Administrator

Typically, the game requests such permissions during the first launch after downloading, but the system may need assistance. We recommend launching Valorant with administrative rights by following these steps:

Find the Valorant shortcut on your desktop.
Right-click on it and select "Run as Administrator."
If the game successfully launches, right-click on the shortcut, go to "Properties," then to the "Compatibility" tab, and check the "Run this program as an administrator" box to make this permanent.

Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Keeping your software up to date is crucial for Valorant players. Riot Games regularly releases patches and updates that may require you to have the latest drivers.

Visit the website of your graphics processor manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
Download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card.
Restart your computer and try launching Valorant again.

Restore Valorant Files

Sometimes, due to frequent updates, the game folder gets cluttered with various files that may start conflicting with each other. There's no need to worry, as Riot Games has already taken care of this by adding a very convenient button inside the launcher called "Repair."

Open the Riot Games launcher.
Click on the profile icon in the top right corner and go to "Settings."
In the "Game Settings" section, select "Valorant" and click "Repair."
Wait for the process to complete, then try launching the game.

Check Riot Vanguard

Many Valorant players are unaware that without an active Riot Vanguard, the game will not allow you to play. For some reason, the anti-cheat may not start along with your PC.

Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Look for "Vanguard Tray Notification" or "VGC" under the "Processes" tab.
If you don't see them, try restarting your computer.
If they still don't appear, uninstall Riot Vanguard: Open the Control Panel > Programs and Features. Find Riot Vanguard, right-click, and select "Uninstall."
Restart Valorant, which will trigger a reinstallation of Vanguard.

Disable Overlays and Third-Party Software

We've mentioned before that Valorant tends to conflict with other programs. Nowadays, many devices have numerous applications that may cause issues with launching Valorant. Many players use third-party programs like Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or Steam with overlays that can interfere with Valorant.

Disable these overlays:

For Discord: Go to User Settings > Overlay > Enable in-game overlay and turn it off.
For GeForce Experience: Open the application, go to "Settings," and turn off "In-game overlay."

Try launching Valorant again after disabling these features.

Change Screen Resolution

Try changing your computer's screen resolution. Often, issues with launching Valorant can be related to incorrect screen settings, especially if you have an older graphics card. To lower the screen resolution in Windows, follow these steps:

Press Windows + S to open file search.
Type "Screen resolution" in the search box.
Select "Change screen resolution" to access the graphics settings.
In the "Screen resolution" drop-down menu, choose a lower resolution.

Check for Windows Updates

This step might seem unimportant to many, but we assure you, Riot is very demanding when it comes to the up-to-dateness of your software, so always keep an eye on Windows updates. The system usually updates itself regularly, but if for some reason you have this feature disabled, follow these instructions:

Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click "Check for updates" and install any pending updates.
If necessary, restart your computer and try launching Valorant again.

Reinstall Valorant

If nothing else has worked, a fresh installation might resolve the issue.

Open the Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Find Valorant, right-click, and select "Uninstall."
After the uninstallation process is complete, visit the official Valorant website to download and reinstall the game.

Conclusion

The issue of Valorant not launching without an error message can be frustrating, but it can usually be resolved with patience and systematic troubleshooting. The steps above cover the most common causes and solutions, and by following them, you should be able to get back into the game. If the problem persists even after following these steps, consider reaching out to Riot Games support for further assistance. Remember, keeping your system and game updated is key to avoiding such issues in the future. Happy gaming!