Uninstalling Valorant in 2025 is more complicated than removing most games due to its embedded anti-cheat system, Riot Vanguard. Many players attempt to delete the game and encounter issues where the uninstallation either fails completely or leaves behind system-level components. These complications stem from how Vanguard integrates with Windows at a kernel level, often requiring elevated permissions and manual intervention to fully remove it.

This guide outlines every possible method to uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard, including step-by-step instructions, alternative force-removal tactics, and cleanup recommendations. It is designed for both casual players looking to free up space and advanced users aiming for a clean system.

Why Valorant May Not Uninstall Normally?

When you remove most games via Control Panel or Windows Settings, they vanish from your system in seconds. Valorant, however, installs Riot Vanguard alongside the main game files — a driver-based anti-cheat that runs even before Windows fully boots.

If Riot Vanguard isn’t properly shut down or removed first, you’ll likely run into errors such as:

• Valorant not uninstalling
• Unable to uninstall Valorant
• Can't delete Valorant

And this guide will help you to correct all the mistakes.

Standard Uninstall Method

Start with the recommended approach to remove the game through the Windows interface.

Basic Method via Settings

If this method doesn’t work and Valorant stays installed, additional steps are needed.

Extended Uninstall Methods

Some systems block normal uninstallation due to background services or system-level permissions. Use the methods below to force removal.

Using Command Prompt (Advanced)

1. Search cmd, right-click and select "Run as Administrator"
2. Enter the following commands: sc delete vgc, sc delete vgk

1. Reboot your PC
2. Go to C:\Program Files and delete the Riot Vanguard folder
3. Uninstall Valorant via Settings or manually delete the Valorant folder

Manual Deletion via File Explorer

1. Press Win + R, type C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard, press Enter
2. Delete the folder manually
3. Repeat for C:\Riot Games\Valorant
4. Open %AppData%, %LocalAppData%, and %ProgramData% and delete any Riot Games folders

If Vanguard refuses to close or delete while Windows is running normally:

1. Restart your PC in Safe Mode
2. Delete Vanguard and Valorant folders manually
3. Remove registry entries using RegEdit or CCleaner
4. Restart in normal mode

This bypasses Vanguard’s active services and allows full deletion.

Common Uninstall Errors and Fixes

If you're still stuck and asking “why can't i uninstall Valorant”, one of these issues is likely blocking the process.

File and Registry Cleanup

To ensure no leftover files remain on your system:

• %AppData%\Riot Games
• %LocalAppData%\Riot Games
• %ProgramData%\Riot Games
• C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard
• C:\Riot Games

Reinstall Valorant Safely

If you’re uninstalling to fix bugs or errors, follow these steps after cleanup:

1. Visit official Valorant site 
2. Download the installer and run it
3. Log into your Riot account
4. Let the launcher reinstall Vanguard and Valorant
5. Start playing — your rank, inventory, and stats are saved in the cloud

Final Thoughts

Removing Valorant isn’t as straightforward as uninstalling a regular game. Its deep system-level integration with Riot Vanguard means that a failed attempt can leave your system with active services, registry entries, and unusable files.

This guide has outlined multiple ways to remove the game, from standard system methods to command-line and third-party uninstallers. If you’ve followed these steps, you should no longer experience issues like unable to uninstall Valorant or can't delete Valorant from your PC.

Stay updated with our latest guides and tips to keep your system clean and your gaming experience smooth.