Fix Valorant Won’t Uninstall Because Riot Client Is Running

If Valorant won’t uninstall because the Riot Client is still running, the fix is to close every Riot process in Task Manager, then uninstall through Windows Settings or the Control Panel. This article explains exactly how to do that, why the error happens, and what to do if the standard steps don’t work.

Why the Error Happens

Valorant and the Riot Client are tightly linked. The Riot Client is a launcher that manages Valorant and other Riot games, and it runs in the background even when you’re not actively playing. When you try to uninstall Valorant through the Windows “Add or remove programs” list, Windows asks the Riot Client to perform the uninstall. If the Riot Client is still running, it can’t delete its own files, so it aborts the process and shows the “Riot Client is running” error.

This is a common conflict because the Riot Client doesn’t always appear in the system tray. It may be running as a background process that you don’t notice, which is why simply closing the visible window doesn’t fix it.

How to Close All Riot Processes

The most reliable way to stop the Riot Client is to use Task Manager. Here’s how:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Processes tab (or Details if you’re on an older Windows version).
3. Look for any process with “Riot” or “Valorant” in the name. Common ones include RiotClientServices.exe, RiotVanguard.exe, and VALORANT.exe.
4. Right-click each one and select End Task (or End Process). Do this for every Riot-related process you see.
5. Close Task Manager and try uninstalling Valorant again.

If you don’t see any Riot processes in Task Manager, the client may be running as a background service. Check the Services tab in Task Manager and look for “Riot Vanguard” or “Riot Client”. Right-click and select Stop if they’re running.

What to Do If the Error Persists

If closing processes doesn’t work, the Riot Client may be stuck or corrupted. Try these steps in order:

• Restart your computer. This clears all background processes and often resolves the issue.
• Run the uninstaller as administrator. Right-click the Valorant entry in the Start menu or the uninstall file (usually in C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\) and select “Run as administrator”.
• Use the Riot Client repair tool. Open the Riot Client, click the gear icon, and choose “Repair”. This may fix a corrupted launcher that’s blocking uninstallation.
• Uninstall Riot Vanguard first. Valorant’s anti-cheat, Riot Vanguard, sometimes interferes. Uninstall it via “Add or remove programs” (look for “Riot Vanguard”), then try uninstalling Valorant again.

How to Uninstall Valorant Correctly

Once all Riot processes are closed, use the standard Windows uninstall method:

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on older Windows).
3. Search for “Valorant” and click the three-dot menu next to it.
4. Select Uninstall and follow the prompts.

If you prefer the Control Panel, open it, go to Programs > Programs and Features, find Valorant, and click Uninstall. Both methods should work as long as the Riot Client isn’t running.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is thinking that closing the Riot Client window is enough. The client often runs in the background with no visible window. Always check Task Manager.

Another misconception is that you need to delete the game files manually. That’s not recommended because it leaves behind registry entries and can cause issues if you reinstall later. Use the official uninstaller.

Some users try to uninstall Valorant from the Riot Client itself. That’s not a standard option; the Riot Client doesn’t have an uninstall button for individual games. You must use Windows.

What to Do If Uninstall Still Fails

If you’ve tried everything and the error persists, you can use a third-party uninstaller tool that forces removal of stubborn programs. These tools are safe when downloaded from reputable sources, but be careful: they can delete files that are still in use. Always create a system restore point before using one.

Alternatively, you can manually delete the Riot Games folder after closing all processes. Navigate to C:\Riot Games and delete the Valorant and Riot Client folders. Then open the Registry Editor (regedit) and delete any entries under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Riot Games and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Riot Games. This is a last resort and should be done with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Riot Client keep running even after I close it?
The Riot Client is designed to run in the background to update games and keep them ready. It may also restart itself if it detects a game is still installed. Closing it through Task Manager is the only way to stop it temporarily.

Can I uninstall Valorant without uninstalling Riot Client?
Yes, you can uninstall Valorant alone, but the Riot Client will remain. The error occurs because the client is running, not because it needs to be uninstalled first.

Will uninstalling Valorant remove my account or purchases?
No. Uninstalling the game only removes local files. Your account, skins, and progress are tied to your Riot account and will remain if you reinstall later.

What if I can’t find Valorant in the installed apps list?
If it’s not listed, it may have been partially uninstalled. Try running the installer from the Riot Client and then uninstalling again, or use the manual deletion method described above.

Is it safe to delete the Riot Games folder manually?
It’s safe if you’ve closed all Riot processes and you’re sure you want to remove the game completely. However, it can leave registry entries, so it’s better to use the official uninstaller if possible.

Why does the error say “Riot Client is running” even when I don’t see it?
Because the client runs as a background process, not a visible window. Task Manager is the only way to see and close it.

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