Valorant, a popular tactical first-person shooter game developed by Riot Games, has gained a massive following since its release. However, there may be instances where you want to uninstall the game from your Windows 10 system, whether it's to free up space, resolve issues, or simply because you've lost interest. Uninstalling Valorant can be a bit tricky due to its integration with Riot Games' ecosystem, but don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll walk you through four easy ways to uninstall Valorant from Windows 10.
Method 1: Uninstalling Valorant through the Control Panel
Uninstalling Valorant through the Control Panel is a straightforward process. Here's how you can do it:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "appwiz.cpl" and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
3. Scroll down and find "Riot Games" or "Valorant" in the list of installed programs.
4. Click on it and select "Uninstall" to initiate the uninstallation process.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
It's essential to note that uninstalling Valorant through the Control Panel may not completely remove all associated files and registry entries. To ensure a thorough removal, you may want to consider using a third-party uninstaller or manually deleting residual files.
Residual Files and Registry Entries
After uninstalling Valorant, some residual files and registry entries may still remain on your system. These can take up space and potentially cause issues with future installations. To manually remove these:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the following directories:
%ProgramFiles%\Riot Games
%AppData%\Riot Games
2. Delete any remaining Valorant or Riot Games folders.
3. Press the Windows key + R, type "regedit," and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
4. Navigate to the following registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Riot Games
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Riot Games
5. Delete any Valorant or Riot Games-related keys.
Method 2: Uninstalling Valorant using the Riot Games Uninstaller
Riot Games provides a dedicated uninstaller for Valorant, which can be accessed through the game's installation directory. Here's how:
1. Navigate to the Valorant installation directory (usually located at C:\Program Files\Riot Games\Valorant).
2. Find and run the "unins000.exe" file.
3. Follow the prompts to uninstall Valorant.
This method ensures that all Valorant-related files and registry entries are properly removed.
Using the Riot Games Uninstaller
The Riot Games Uninstaller is a convenient tool for removing Valorant and other Riot Games titles. To use it:
1. Open the Riot Games Uninstaller by running "unins000.exe" as an administrator.
2. Select Valorant from the list of installed games.
3. Click "Uninstall" to begin the process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
| Uninstallation Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Control Panel | Uninstall Valorant through the Control Panel, but may leave residual files. |
| Riot Games Uninstaller | Use the dedicated uninstaller for a thorough removal of Valorant and associated files. |
| Third-Party Uninstaller | Utilize a third-party uninstaller for advanced features and complete removal. |
| Manual Removal | Manually delete residual files and registry entries for a clean uninstall. |
Key Points
- Uninstalling Valorant can be done through the Control Panel, but may leave residual files.
- The Riot Games Uninstaller provides a thorough removal of Valorant and associated files.
- Third-party uninstallers offer advanced features for a complete uninstall.
- Manual removal of residual files and registry entries ensures a clean uninstall.
- Proper uninstallation is essential for maintaining system performance and preventing future issues.
Method 3: Uninstalling Valorant using a Third-Party Uninstaller
Third-party uninstallers, such as Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller, can provide a more comprehensive removal of Valorant and its associated files. These tools often include advanced features like registry cleaning and file shredding.
Here's a general outline of the process:
1. Download and install a reputable third-party uninstaller.
2. Launch the uninstaller and select Valorant from the list of installed programs.
3. Follow the prompts to uninstall Valorant and remove associated files.
Benefits of Third-Party Uninstallers
Third-party uninstallers offer several benefits, including:
1. Advanced scanning and removal capabilities.
2. Registry cleaning and repair.
3. File shredding and secure deletion.
4. Batch uninstallation and automation.
Method 4: Uninstalling Valorant using PowerShell
For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, PowerShell provides a powerful tool for uninstalling Valorant. Here's how:
1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Run the following command to uninstall Valorant:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "Valorant"} | ForEach-Object { $_.Uninstall()}
This method provides a quick and efficient way to uninstall Valorant, but may require additional steps to remove residual files.
What are the potential issues with uninstalling Valorant?
+Uninstalling Valorant may leave residual files and registry entries, potentially causing issues with future installations or system performance.
Can I reinstall Valorant after uninstalling it?
+Yes, you can reinstall Valorant after uninstalling it. Simply download the game from the official Riot Games website or launch it through the Riot Games client.
Do I need to uninstall Valorant through the Control Panel or use a third-party uninstaller?
+While uninstalling Valorant through the Control Panel is a straightforward process, using a third-party uninstaller or the Riot Games Uninstaller can provide a more comprehensive removal of associated files and registry entries.