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VALORANT

VALORANT Will Not Launch Without a VAN Code: Riot Client Repair and Next Checks

For VALORANT on PC that will not open after Play, or shows System/Critical Error or Failed to Launch without a VAN number. VAN9003 and VAN9001 have dedicated guides.

Edited by Gemnao Editorial Team (Japanese)Last checked 2026-10-13
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The short answer

Record the full message and failure stage, then restart the PC and Riot Client. Without a VAN number, try Riot Client Profile → Settings → VALORANT → Repair. If it continues, check optional apps and official GPU guidance one at a time. Use normal Vanguard reinstallation only when needed; do not disable protection or broadly delete caches.

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Key facts

Scope
Launch failure without a VAN number
Repair route
Riot Client: Profile → Settings → VALORANT → Repair
A VAN number appears
Switch to the code-specific guide

Find your symptom

Start with your symptom. Skip steps that do not apply to your setup.

What you seeWhat to checkGo to
No launch or System ErrorRecord the full message and stageStep 1
The client opensUse Riot’s repair toolStep 2
Same result after repairCompare optional apps and GPU informationStep 3
Still fails or a new code appearsSummarize results for supportStep 5

Fixes, in order

Continue this issue

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Step 1｜Check the full message and VAN number

Different launch failures need different checks.

Time: About 3–5 minutes to read and record · Risk: low

  1. Record what follows Play, the complete message, time and Windows version. Keep the full System/Critical/Failed to Launch wording.
  2. Save work, restart the PC and compare one launch from Riot Client. Wait for an update if it is still progressing.
  3. Use the Secure Boot guide for VAN9003 and TPM guide for VAN9001. Other VAN numbers also go to official code-specific guidance instead of accumulating general fixes.

Ask the administrator on managed PCs or without access. A launch failure alone is not a reason to change BIOS.

Step 2｜Repair VALORANT in Riot Client

Select the correct game for file repair.

Time: Duration depends on the task and device · Risk: low

  1. Close the game, sign in to Riot Client and open the top-right profile icon → Settings.
  2. Choose VALORANT, select Repair and follow the prompts. Compare the same launch after completion.
  3. If Repair is absent, the client cannot open or the process fails, record the full result and go to Step 5. Do not replace repair with folder deletion.

Repair may address missing or corrupted files. Completion alone neither identifies the cause nor guarantees a fix.

Step 3｜Check optional apps and GPU information

Record the starting state and change one thing at a time.

Time: Duration depends on the task and device · Risk: medium

  1. Save work in an optional recorder or overlay you opened, close only that app normally and compare. Reopen it if nothing changes.
  2. Record the GPU and driver version. Use Riot’s official guidance to find manufacturer updates. Follow the model’s instructions for any needed update and test it separately.
  3. If restoration is needed, consult the manufacturer’s official procedure for the recorded driver version. Stop if unclear; do not stop Windows services or antivirus.

This general procedure does not use clean boot, registry changes or security exclusions.

Step 4｜Reinstall Vanguard normally if needed

Use this when Riot guidance or support calls for reinstallation.

Time: Duration depends on the task and device · Risk: medium

  1. Close Riot games and the client. In Windows Add or Remove programs, select Riot Vanguard and use its normal uninstall. Ask the administrator on managed PCs.
  2. Restart the PC, then open Riot Client or VALORANT to complete legitimate Vanguard reinstallation. Follow any restart prompt.
  3. Compare launch after installation. If normal uninstall or reinstall fails, stop and contact Riot; do not use service-deletion commands or delete .sys files.

Vanguard must be installed to play. Restore it through legitimate reinstallation. Other Vanguard-dependent games are affected, so close them before starting.

Step 5｜Report the full remaining error and results

Switch scope if a new number appears.

Time: About 3–5 minutes to read and record · Risk: low

  1. Give Riot the Windows version, GPU/driver version, failure stage, full message and repair, app-comparison and reinstall results. Mark steps you did not perform.
  2. Use the dedicated guide if VAN9003 or VAN9001 appears. If no number appears, consult Riot support without speculatively switching TPM or boot mode.
  3. Share only requested logs or images and keep account/private information out of public article feedback.

Check a displayed VAN9003 error

Avoid

  • Do not broadly delete AppData or game folders
  • Do not disable antivirus or Vanguard as a workaround
  • Do not delete services or fetch/delete arbitrary DLL/.sys files

Important cautions

    FAQ

    Should I change TPM without a VAN number?

    Not from the launch symptom alone. First use Riot Client repair and read the full message, then follow the requirements actually shown.

    Should I remove Vanguard if repair cannot complete?

    Not automatically. Record the repair error and follow Riot guidance or support. If reinstalling, complete normal removal and legitimate installation; leaving it removed is not a workaround.

    Sources

    We checked these official pages and wrote the steps in our own words. Follow the publisher’s page if it has changed.

    Riot: Client Full Repair ToolRiot: game-launching errorsRiot: normal Vanguard uninstall and reinstallVALORANTJapanese version of this page