Valorant, developed by Riot Games, has quickly gained immense popularity in the eSports community and among casual gamers. However, there may come a time when you decide to uninstall Valorant for various reasons—be it to resolve performance issues, free up disk space, or simply to take a break from the game. This article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to effectively uninstall Valorant on Windows 11, along with some tips, troubleshooting methods, and FAQs that may arise during the uninstallation process.
Why Uninstall Valorant?
Uninstalling Valorant might become necessary due to different circumstances:
Preparations Before Uninstalling
Backup Game Data
Before you uninstall any game, it is wise to backup any game settings, skins, or custom configurations you might want to keep. While Valorant doesn’t store extensive player data locally, it’s helpful to ensure that you can retrieve your configurations if you decide to reinstall the game later.
-
Settings
: If you’ve made specific adjustments to your gameplay controls or graphical settings, you might want to record these before uninstallation. -
Screenshots and Clips
: If you capture gameplay or have screenshots, ensure they’re saved elsewhere.
Check Disk Space
To make the uninstallation process as seamless as possible, check how much space Valorant occupies on your hard drive. This will help you assess how much space you will reclaim after uninstallation.
Steps to Uninstall Valorant on Windows 11
Method 1: Using Settings
Method 2: Uninstall from Control Panel
Method 3: Using Riot Client
Since Valorant is primarily managed through the Riot Client, you can also uninstall the game through it:
Method 4: Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software
If you prefer a more thorough approach, third-party uninstaller applications offer the capability to remove all associated files and registry entries. Tools like Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, or Geek Uninstaller can be useful.
Deleting Remaining Valorant Data & Files
After uninstalling Valorant, you may still have leftover files on your computer. These files can consume disk space and clutter your system. Here’s how to ensure everything related to Valorant is deleted:
Manual Deletion
Clearing Temporary Files
Cleaning Up the Registry (Optional)
Editing the registry can be risky, so ensure you create a backup before making any changes. If you are comfortable:
Troubleshooting Uninstallation Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter problems during the uninstallation process. Here are common issues and their solutions:
Uninstaller Fails to Start
If the uninstaller doesn’t initiate, it may require you to run it as an administrator.
-
Run as Administrator
: Right-click on the uninstall option and select
Run as administrator
.
Unable to Find Valorant in the List
If Valorant is not showing in the settings or Control Panel, it could mean:
-
Corrupted Installation
: Attempt to repair the installation via the Riot Client instead of directly uninstalling. -
Check Hidden Files
: Make sure hidden files are visible by adjusting folder options.
Uninstallation Stuck
If the uninstallation is stuck, try the following:
Errors During Uninstallation
Specific errors can pop up during the uninstallation process:
-
Error Code 100
: This often occurs due to issues with the Riot Client. Try repairing the Riot Client or reinstalling it to facilitate the uninstallation. -
Permission Denied
: If you face permission issues, ensure you are logged in as an administrator or consult your system administrator.
FAQ About Uninstalling Valorant
Will I lose my account data by uninstalling Valorant?
Uninstalling Valorant does not affect your Riot Games account or any game data stored in the cloud. Your progress, skins, and friends list remain intact for any future installations.
Can I uninstall Valorant without uninstalling the Riot Client?
Yes, you can uninstall Valorant while leaving the Riot Client installed. This way, you can reinstall Valorant at any time without needing to re-download the Riot Client.
How much disk space does Valorant take up?
The disk space required for Valorant varies with updates and game modes, but typically, it would occupy around 20-30 GB. This may increase with additional updates.
Can I do a partial uninstallation?
Valorant does not support partial uninstallation of individual game modes or features. Uninstalling the game removes it entirely from your system.
What should I do if I want to reinstall later?
If you plan to reinstall, ensure that your account credentials are stored securely. Simply download the Riot Client from the Riot Games website, log in, and select Valorant to install it.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Valorant from your Windows 11 system is a straightforward process that can be done through various methods, including the Settings app, Control Panel, or directly via the Riot Client. Ensuring that you follow the right steps could help you avoid any potential issues during the uninstallation process. With the detailed guides provided, you should be well-equipped to uninstall Valorant effectively, reclaim disk space, and resolve any gameplay or performance issues. Remember to back up any needed settings or data ahead of time, and make sure to clear left-over files to maintain a clean system. Whether you’re taking a break or making room for new games, uninstallation can be executed swiftly and efficiently.