How to Fix Valorant Error Code 0 (Connection Failure)

The Error Code: 0 in Valorant can appear randomly, whether you are waiting in a queue for a match or in the middle of a crucial round. This error clearly signals a connection failure between your game and Riot’s servers. In other words, a stable or proper connection could not be established.

The most common reasons behind this error include corrupted Vanguard files, Vanguard failing to launch automatically, firewall restrictions, or interference from the Windows Error Reporting Service. In some cases, even a faulty Valorant client startup can be the root cause.

Now that you understand the likely causes, let’s move on to several tested solutions that have helped many players fix this issue.

1. Restart the Riot Client and Your Computer

At times, the Riot Client or Vanguard does not start correctly because of a stuck process or a failed service startup. Restarting both the Riot Client and your computer helps resolve these background issues, including Vanguard services like vgc or vgtray.

A system restart not only forces these services to reload properly but also applies pending Windows updates and re-establishes a clean connection with Riot’s servers.

2. Disable Windows Error Reporting Service

The Windows Error Reporting Service constantly monitors processes on your PC. However, it may interfere with Riot Vanguard’s low-level services, delaying or even blocking its startup. Disabling this service removes that interference and allows Vanguard to start smoothly.

1. Press Win + R, then type:

   services.msc

   

2. In the Services window, locate Windows Error Reporting Service.
3. Right-click it and choose Properties.
4. Under Startup type, select Disabled.
5. Click Apply and then OK.
6. Restart your PC and try launching Valorant again.

3. Update All Component Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common reason for Error Code: 0. Updating your GPU, chipset, and motherboard drivers eliminates conflicts that block Vanguard from starting. Once your drivers are updated, reinstalling Vanguard ensures a fresh anti-cheat installation.

Update GPU Drivers

1. For NVIDIA users, go to the official NVIDIA website and download the latest drivers.
2. For AMD users, go to the official AMD website and download the latest drivers.

Update Chipset and Motherboard Drivers

1. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s official website (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc).
2. Download and install the latest chipset, BIOS, and LAN drivers.

4. Reinstall Valorant and Vanguard, Then Add Firewall Exception

If none of the earlier fixes work, performing a clean reinstall of Valorant and Vanguard is often the most reliable solution. A single corrupted game file can break the game, and manually identifying it is nearly impossible. Reinstallation guarantees fresh files. Afterward, adding firewall exceptions ensures smooth communication with Riot’s servers.

1. Press Win + R, then type:

   appwiz.cpl

   

2. Locate Valorant, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
3. Uninstall Riot Vanguard as well.
4. Delete leftover files from:

   C:\Program Files\Valorant C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard

   

5. Restart your PC to clear all traces.
6. Reinstall Valorant normally.

Add Firewall Exception

1. Search for Windows Defender Firewall in the Start menu and open it.
2. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Change settings.
4. Click Allow another app….
5. Click Browse… and add the following apps one by one:
   • C:\Riot Games\Riot Client → add RiotClientServices
   • [Drive Letter]:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live → add VALORANT
   • C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard → add vgc

   

6. Restart your PC and test Valorant again.