How to Uninstall Valorant: A Complete Guide

Uninstalling a popular game like Valorant can feel daunting. This game has captured the hearts of many, but you might find yourself facing issues like low FPS or needing more storage space. Whether you’ve moved on to other games or just don’t have the time to play, knowing how to properly uninstall Valorant is essential.

Many players decide to uninstall games due to a lack of time, frustration, or simply wanting to explore new titles. The process, however, can seem tricky for some. In this guide, we’ll break down how to uninstall Valorant on various platforms, primarily focusing on Windows, as it’s the most common.

Method 1: Uninstalling Valorant Through the Control Panel (Windows)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Control Panel: Press Windows + R, type “control,” and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to Programs: Click on “Programs,” then “Programs and Features.”
3. Find Valorant: Scroll through the list until you find Valorant.
4. Uninstall: Right-click on Valorant and select “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to complete the process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Incomplete Uninstallation: If Valorant appears after uninstalling, it might be due to leftover files. You can manually search for these in the installation folder.
• Error Messages: Sometimes, you may encounter messages preventing uninstallation. Ensure that Valorant isn’t running in the background.

Verifying Complete Removal

To confirm Valorant has been fully uninstalled:

• Check C:\Program Files\ and C:\Program Files (x86)\. Delete any remaining Valorant folders if they exist.

Method 2: Uninstalling Valorant Using the Valorant Launcher (If Applicable)

Accessing the Uninstaller

1. Open the Valorant Launcher: Start up the launcher just like you would to play.
2. Settings: Look for the settings or options menu, usually represented by a gear icon.
3. Uninstall Option: Follow the prompts within the launcher to uninstall the game.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages: This method often ensures a cleaner uninstall by removing all associated files.
• Disadvantages: Not everyone may find the option due to launcher updates or bugs.

Post-Uninstall Steps

After using the launcher, check the installation directories to ensure all related files are gone.

Method 3: Manually Deleting Valorant Files (Advanced Users Only)

Identifying Valorant Files and Folders

Common locations where Valorant files may reside include:

• C:\Riot Games\
• C:\Users\[Your User Name]\AppData\Local\Riot Games\

Using File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer: Press Windows + E.
2. Navigate: Go to the locations listed above.
3. Select and Delete: Carefully delete any Valorant folders or files.

Cautionary Notes

Deleting system files can lead to issues. Always back up important data before making changes.

Method 4: Uninstalling Valorant on Mac (If Applicable)

Steps for Mac Users

1. Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon.
2. Applications Folder: Look for Valorant in the Applications folder.
3. Drag and Drop: Move Valorant to the Trash, then empty the Trash to finalize the uninstallation.

Differences from Windows

Mac users may find a more straightforward process through the Finder, lacking the same depth of uninstallation options.

Troubleshooting Mac-Specific Issues

If you run into permission issues, check system settings to allow file modifications.

Cleaning Up After Uninstall: Removing Leftover Files and Registry Entries

Registry Cleaning (Windows Only)

To safely clean Registry entries related to Valorant:

1. Press Windows + R, type “regedit,” and hit Enter.
2. Search: Look for any entries tied to Valorant or Riot Games.
3. Backup First: Right-click on the registry and choose “Export” to save a backup before making changes.

Removing Leftover Files

Use built-in disk cleanup tools to clear any residual files or search:

• %localappdata%\Riot Games\
• %appdata%\Riot Games\

Using Third-Party Cleaners (Optional)

Software like CCleaner can help, but ensure you choose reputable tools to avoid malware.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Best Practices

Uninstalling Valorant is a simple process when you follow the right steps. Whether you choose the Control Panel, launcher method, or manual deletion, being cautious will help avoid future issues. Always double-check for leftover files and consider using disk cleanup tools.

To keep your system running smoothly, reclaim hard drive space regularly and seek help from Valorant support resources for any lingering issues.