Fix: Can’t uninstall Valorant Riot client is still running Windows 11/10

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Fix: Can’t Uninstall Valorant – Riot Client is Still Running on Windows 11/10

Uninstalling a program on your computer should ideally be a straightforward process. Unfortunately, sometimes we run into issues that can leave us feeling frustrated, particularly when dealing with popular gaming clients like the Riot Client associated with Valorant. If you’re encountering difficulties in uninstalling Valorant because the Riot Client is still running, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to rectify this issue effectively.

Understanding the Problem

When attempting to uninstall Valorant, you may receive messages indicating that the Riot Client is still active or running. This is often due to the Riot Client’s processes continuing to operate in the background, which can prevent you from removing the game entirely. Before we delve into how to resolve the issue, it’s essential to understand why this happens.

Why Does the Riot Client Keep Running?

  1. Background Processes: The Riot Client may continue to run in the background even after you close the game. This is a common behavior among gaming clients to keep user settings or updates ready.

  2. Service Interference: Certain services related to graphics or in-game overlays can also prevent the uninstallation. For example, overlay services like Discord or GeForce Experience can sometimes conflict with uninstalling the client.

  3. Corrupted Files: Occasionally, files can become corrupted, leading the system to believe that the game is still in use, even when it is not.

  4. Updates & Installers: Automatic updates can also be a culprit, as the Riot Client might be trying to connect to its servers simultaneously, blocking the uninstallation process.

Now that we have outlined the problem, let’s move onto the steps to fix the issue effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Valorant Uninstallation Issues

Step 1: Close All Riot Client Applications

The first step in resolving your issue should be to ensure that any instances of the Riot Client are closed:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. In the Task Manager, look for any processes under the Processes tab that mention "Riot Client" or "Valorant".
  3. If you find any related processes, select them and click on End Task.

Step 2: Close Background Processes

Even after closing the main application, background processes may still be running:

  1. While in the Task Manager, click on the Details tab.
  2. Scroll through the list and look for any processes such as RiotClientServices.exe or VALORANT.exe.
  3. If any of these processes are still running, right-click them and select End Task.

Step 3: Uninstall Valorant from the Control Panel

Once you have confirmed that all related processes are closed, attempt to uninstall Valorant again:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings or press Windows + I.
  2. Navigate to Apps and then to Apps & features.
  3. Scroll through the list of programs until you locate Valorant.
  4. Click on Valorant and then select Uninstall.

Step 4: Use the Riot Client Uninstaller

If the standard uninstallation fails, you can use the Riot Client itself for uninstallation:

  1. Open the Riot Client.
  2. Navigate to the games library.
  3. Locate Valorant and click on it.
  4. Find the option to uninstall and confirm your choice.

Step 5: Removing Valorant Using Command Prompt

If you are proficient with advanced tools, you can manually uninstall Valorant using the Command Prompt:

  1. Press the Windows key and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to list all installed programs: 
    wmic product get name
  4. Look for "Riot Vanguard" or "Valorant" in the list and note the exact name.
  5. To uninstall, type: 
    wmic product where name="Valorant" call uninstall

    (Replace "Valorant" with the exact name noted from the list).

  6. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Step 6: Clean Your Registry

Sometimes leftover registry entries can cause issues:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to: 
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWARERiot Games

    and

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARERiot Games
  4. Carefully delete any folders related to Valorant or the Riot Client.
  5. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

Step 7: Checking for Graphics Overlay Programs

As previously mentioned, services such as Discord or GeForce Experience can interfere with uninstallation. Disabling overlays can be beneficial:

  1. For Discord, open the app and navigate to User Settings > Game Overlay and disable it.
  2. For GeForce Experience, open the application, go to Settings, and toggle off In-Game Overlay.

Step 8: Restart Your Computer

After going through the above steps, restart your computer. This ensures that any changes made take effect and clears any lingering processes still operating in the background.

Step 9: Use a Third-party Uninstaller

If you still cannot uninstall Valorant using conventional methods, consider using a third-party uninstaller tool:

  1. Popular tools include Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, or CCleaner.
  2. Download and install one of these applications.
  3. Open the tool and search for Valorant or the Riot Client.
  4. Use the software to uninstall it entirely, including residual files.

Step 10: Check for Software Updates

If you continuously encounter issues, it’s advisable to check if your operating system is up-to-date:

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click on Check for updates.
  3. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the uninstallation process continues to fail, consider these additional tips:

  • Safe Mode: Boot your Windows in Safe Mode and try the uninstallation process. Safe Mode can limit background processes, potentially allowing you to uninstall the client.

  • Disable Antivirus: Sometimes, antivirus programs may interfere with uninstallations. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and try again.

  • Riot Games Support: If all else fails, you might want to check the Riot Games support site. They may have additional resources or tools specifically for uninstallation issues.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Valorant due to the Riot Client still running on Windows 10/11 can be frustrating. However, by following the steps outlined above, you should be able to successfully complete the uninstallation process. It’s essential to ensure that no processes are running, you’re using the appropriate uninstall methods, and that your system is free from any conflicting software. If issues persist, consider reaching out to player support for further guidance.

By resolving these issues, you’ll be better equipped to manage your gaming library and ensure a smooth gaming experience in the future. Whether you plan on reinstalling Valorant or simply need to free up space on your device, these troubleshooting steps will aid in getting your system back to its optimal state.

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