How to Fix the ‘Valorant Couldn’t Start’ Error?

When trying to launch Valorant, many players encounter the “couldn’t start” error, which prevents the game from starting. This issue is usually caused by conflicts between the game files and the system settings or software environment. Essentially, this error indicates that Valorant is unable to initiate properly, often linked to missing or corrupted files, outdated drivers, or insufficient permissions.

Common causes of this error include not running the game with administrative rights, having outdated graphics drivers, or even issues with the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system. Other factors such as conflicting background processes or insufficient disk space can exacerbate the problem.

This is a widespread issue, with numerous players sharing their experiences across forums and community discussions. Thankfully, there are several effective troubleshooting steps that can help resolve this error and get you back into the game quickly. In this guide, we will discuss these solutions in detail, providing you with the tools you need to fix the “couldn’t start” error in Valorant.

Method 1: Disable Admin Rights for Valorant-Win64-Shipping.exe

A common fix is to disable administrative rights for the game executable. This method can help because running as an administrator can sometimes cause issues with permissions, preventing the game from starting correctly.

1. Navigate to the installation folder, usually found at

   C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64

   
2. Right-click on Valorant-Win64-Shipping.exe and select Properties.
   
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Uncheck Run this program as an administrator.
   
5. Click Apply, then OK.

Method 2: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues that prevent games from launching.

1. Close all applications and save your work.
2. Restart your PC.

After rebooting, try launching Valorant again. This helps clear temporary files and refreshes system resources, which can resolve minor glitches.

Method 3: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a frequent cause of launch issues.

1. If you have an NVIDIA card, open GeForce Experience; for AMD cards, use Adrenalin software.
2. Check for updates and install any available driver updates.
   

You can also manually update through Device Manager:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
   
2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click your graphics card, and select Update driver.
   

Method 4: Run Valorant in Compatibility Mode

Running the game in compatibility mode can resolve conflicts with your operating system. This step helps by allowing Valorant to run under settings compatible with older versions of Windows, which may resolve startup issues caused by recent updates.

1. Right-click on the Valorant shortcut and select Properties.
2. Under the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select either Windows 8 or Windows 7 from the dropdown menu.
   
3. Click Apply, then OK, and try launching Valorant again.

Method 5: Close All Riot Related Processes

Sometimes, background processes can interfere with launching Valorant. After closing these processes, attempt to launch Valorant again. This clears any potential conflicts caused by leftover processes from previous sessions.

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Look for any processes related to Riot Games or Valorant (like Vanguard).
3. Select these processes and click End Task.

Method 6: Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus

Your antivirus software might mistakenly block Valorant from launching. To check if this is causing the issue:

Open your antivirus settings and look for an option to disable it temporarily (consult your antivirus documentation if needed).

Once disabled, try launching Valorant again. If it works, consider adding an exception for Valorant in your antivirus settings to prevent future issues without needing to disable protection entirely.

Method 7: Reinstall Valorant

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling Valorant may be necessary. Reinstalling can fix any corrupted files that might be causing startup issues, ensuring you have a fresh installation of the game.

1. Press Win + R, type control, and hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
2. Go to Programs and Features > Uninstall a Program.
3. Uninstall both Valorant and Riot Vanguard.
   
4. Visit the official Riot Games website to download and reinstall Valorant.

If you have followed these steps correctly, you should be able to resolve the “couldn’t start” error in Valorant effectively. Each solution targets common issues that players face when trying to launch the game.

If you’ve tried all these methods and still encounter problems, consider reaching out to Riot Games Support for further assistance or checking community forums like Reddit for additional insights from other players who may have faced similar challenges.

Remember that persistent issues can sometimes stem from deeper system conflicts or hardware problems, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed!