VALORANT not opening? Steps to Fix Launch Errors

If VALORANT won’t start on your PC or console, you’re not alone—this is a common frustration for many players. As an online game, it can occasionally run into unexpected glitches that prevent it from launching. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to resolve these launch problems.

VALORANT might fail to launch on your device for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, minor glitches resolve themselves, but repeatedly clicking the game’s executable won’t fix deeper issues that may be preventing it from starting. Regardless of the cause, being unable to jump into your favorite tactical shooter is definitely frustrating.

Steps to Resolve VALORANT Not Launching on PC

If VALORANT won’t launch, you might notice the Play button appears greyed out. This issue can be especially confusing, as it often doesn’t come with any error message explaining what went wrong.

Some players encounter an even more frustrating scenario: the Play button appears red and clickable at first, but once you press it, it temporarily turns grey before switching back to red. No matter how many times you click it, VALORANT still refuses to start.

Here’s a look at the common reasons VALORANT might fail to launch on your device, along with the solutions you can try to get it running.

VALORANT Server Status

Before attempting any fixes, make sure VALORANT’s servers are online. If Riot is performing maintenance or addressing an outage, the game won’t launch, and you might even see an error indicating the servers are unavailable.

Open VALORANT as Administrator on Windows

It might seem like a basic solution, but running VALORANT as an administrator has solved the launch issue for me several times. Simply right-click the game’s executable and select Run as administrator.

After confirming the launch, give it at least 30 seconds to start. The game can sometimes take a little time to open, and repeatedly pressing the Play button won’t help—in fact, it could make things worse.

Reboot Your Computer

Another simple yet effective solution is to fully restart your PC. Surprisingly, this can resolve VALORANT launch issues when other methods, like running the game as an administrator, don’t work. It’s a quick step that’s often worth trying.

Close VALORANT and Riot Games Using Task Manager

Occasionally, you might see an error stating that VALORANT is already running and cannot be launched again. To fix this, open the Task Manager by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL, locate VALORANT in the running processes, right-click it, and select End task. Repeat the same steps for the Riot Games app, then try launching the game again.

How to Allow VALORANT Through Windows Firewall

One common reason VALORANT might not start is interference from your antivirus software. To see if this is the issue, temporarily disable your antivirus and try launching the game. If it opens successfully, you’ve found the cause.

You don’t have to give up your antivirus protection to play VALORANT. Simply allow the game through your antivirus or firewall. For Windows Defender users, follow these steps:

1. First, locate and pin the folder where VALORANT is installed so you can easily find its executable file.
   
2. Open the Windows Security app, then navigate to Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall. Alternatively, go through the Control Panel via System and Security > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
   
3. In the list of apps, find the VALORANT executable and allow it through the firewall.
   
4. Restart your PC and try launching the game again.
   

This ensures your antivirus protection stays active while preventing it from blocking VALORANT.

Likewise, for third-party antivirus programs, locate the firewall settings within the application and make sure to allow the VALORANT executable through.

Activate the VGC Service to Fix VALORANT Launch Issues

Many players have fixed the VALORANT not opening issue by enabling the vgc service, which is essential for Vanguard to run properly. Follow these steps to do it:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
   
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
   
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
   
4. Important: Check Hide all Microsoft services to avoid accidentally disabling critical system processes.
   
5. Click Disable All.
   
6. Locate vgc in the list and enable it. Then click Apply and OK.
   
7. Restart your PC and try launching VALORANT again.
   

This ensures Vanguard is running correctly, which often resolves launch problems.

Verify Your Internet Connection

Sometimes, hidden network issues can prevent VALORANT from launching. Test your internet connection using tools like Cloudflare or similar services, and consider restarting your router and modem to refresh the network. If you continue experiencing high ping or connectivity problems, contacting your ISP may provide a long-term solution.

Change Your DNS Settings to Fix VALORANT Connection Issues

Many players have resolved VALORANT launch problems by switching from their ISP’s DNS to a public DNS. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu, type Control Panel, and open it. Navigate to Networks and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
   
2. In the left panel, right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
   
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
   
4. Change Obtain DNS server address automatically to Use the following DNS server addresses, then enter:
   
   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
     
   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
     
5. Save your changes and close the window.
   
6. Finally, try launching VALORANT again as an administrator.
   

Switching to a public DNS can improve connectivity and often helps with game launch issues.

Fix VALORANT Problems by Updating Windows and GPU Drivers

Outdated system software is a frequent cause of VALORANT errors. Keep your operating system up to date to prevent such issues and maintain smooth performance.

Updating your graphics drivers is equally important. You can either download the latest drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website or use the automatic update tools provided by your graphics card software.

Steps to Fix VALORANT Not Launching on PS5 or Xbox

While console players rarely report VALORANT launch problems, Xbox and PlayStation users can still encounter them. If the game won’t start, try the following steps:

1. Restart your console.
   
2. Ensure your internet connection is stable.
   
3. Verify that your console’s system software is up to date.
   
4. Perform a hard reset: turn off the console, unplug it for a few minutes, then plug it back in and power it on.

If none of these solutions resolve your issue, the next step is to contact Riot Support with a detailed message.

Be sure to include the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried. While it may take a few hours to get a reply, Riot’s support team is typically very helpful and can provide tailored guidance to fix the VALORANT launch problem on your PC or console.