How to Fix Valorant Critical System Error

Valorant can display a “critical system error” or “a critical error has occurred” message that prevents the game from launching or crashes it mid-session. Here are all the methods to fix this error and get back into the game.

Method 1: Restart Your PC

A simple restart clears temporary system issues that can trigger the critical error, especially after Windows updates or driver changes.

1. Save any open work and close all applications.
2. Click Start, then Power, then Restart.
3. After the PC restarts, launch Valorant and check if the error is resolved.

Method 2: Run Valorant as Administrator

Valorant and its Vanguard anti-cheat require elevated permissions to function correctly. Running without admin rights can cause critical errors.

1. Find the Valorant shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.
2. Right-click it and select Properties.
3. Click the Compatibility tab.
4. Check Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Launch Valorant.

Method 3: Reinstall Vanguard Anti-Cheat

Riot Vanguard is Valorant’s anti-cheat system. If its files become corrupted, the game will throw a critical error on launch.

1. Open Windows Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps.
2. Find Riot Vanguard and click Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Launch Valorant. It will automatically reinstall Vanguard.
5. Restart your PC again after Vanguard installs.
6. Launch Valorant and test.

Method 4: Update GPU Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause critical errors in Valorant.

1. For NVIDIA: Open GeForce Experience and install the latest driver.
2. For AMD: Open AMD Software and check for updates.
3. Restart your PC after installing the new driver.
4. Launch Valorant.

Method 5: Update Windows

Vanguard anti-cheat requires specific Windows security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Missing Windows updates can cause compatibility issues.

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows Key + I.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install everything available.
4. Restart your PC after updating.
5. Launch Valorant.

Method 6: Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

Valorant on Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled. If these are disabled in your BIOS, the game will show a critical error.

1. Restart your PC and press the BIOS key during startup (usually F2, Delete, or F12 depending on your motherboard).
2. Navigate to the Security or Boot section in BIOS.
3. Find TPM and enable it (it may be listed as Intel PTT or AMD fTPM).
4. Find Secure Boot and enable it.
5. Save changes and exit BIOS.
6. Launch Valorant after Windows boots up.

Method 7: Clean Boot Windows

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services, helping identify if a third-party program is conflicting with Valorant.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Click the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services at the bottom.
4. Click Disable all.
5. Click the Startup tab, then Open Task Manager.
6. Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
7. Restart your PC and launch Valorant.
8. If the game works, re-enable services one at a time to find the conflicting program.

Method 8: Reinstall Valorant

A complete reinstall of both Valorant and Vanguard ensures all game files are clean and uncorrupted.

1. Uninstall Riot Vanguard from Windows Settings, then Apps.
2. Uninstall Valorant from Windows Settings, then Apps.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Download the latest Valorant installer from playvalorant.com.
5. Install the game and restart your PC once more after installation.
6. Launch Valorant.