Installing Valorant on PC is fast, free, and straightforward — you go through the official Riot Games website, run a small installer that sets up the Riot Client, sign in with a Riot account, and let the client download the full game. The whole process typically takes under 30 minutes on a decent connection. This guide walks you through every step from checking your specs to your first match.
What you need before you start
Before downloading, keep the following ready:
- A Windows PC (7, 8, or 10 — 64-bit required). Valorant does not have a Mac or console version.
- At least 8 GB of free storage space (the full game is roughly 22 GB).
- A stable internet connection for the download.
- A free Riot Games account (you can create one during installation).
How to install Valorant: step by step
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Step 1: Check your system requirements
Valorant is designed to run on a wide range of hardware, but your PC must meet at least the minimum requirements. The minimum specs call for a 64-bit version of Windows 7, 8, or 10, a CPU equivalent to an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400, 4 GB of RAM, and an Intel HD 4000 GPU with at least 1 GB VRAM. For a smooth 60 fps experience Riot recommends an Intel i3-4150 or AMD equivalent with a dedicated GeForce GT 730. Both tiers need 8 GB of free disk space. If you are not sure how to check your specs, open the Start menu, search for dxdiag, and run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool — it lists your CPU, RAM, and GPU on the first two tabs.
Minimum specs get you into the game; recommended specs target a stable 60 fps. -
Step 2: Download the Valorant installer
Open your web browser and go to the official Valorant download page at playvalorant.com. Click the large Download button. This saves a small installer file (roughly 80 MB) to your Downloads folder. Do not download Valorant from any third-party site — the only legitimate source is playvalorant.com, since the real installer requires a Riot account and connects directly to Riot servers.
The official download page at playvalorant.com is the only safe source for the installer. -
Step 3: Run the installer
Locate the downloaded file (it is named something like VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe) and double-click it. Windows may show a SmartScreen warning because the file is freshly downloaded — this is normal. Click More info and then Run anyway. The installer will first set up the Riot Client, then automatically begin pulling down Vanguard (Riot's anti-cheat software). You will see a UAC prompt asking for administrator permission; click Yes to allow it. Vanguard runs at the kernel level to prevent cheating, so administrator access is required. Once the Riot Client is installed, it will open automatically.
Click "Run anyway" on the SmartScreen dialog, then approve the UAC prompt to proceed. -
Step 4: Sign in or create a Riot account
The Riot Client will prompt you to sign in. If you already have a Riot account from another game (such as League of Legends or Teamfight Tactics), enter your existing username and password — all Riot titles share the same account. If you are new to Riot Games, click Create a new account and follow the short registration flow: choose a username, set a password, verify your email address, and accept the terms of service. Account creation is free and takes under two minutes. Once you are signed in, the client will remember your credentials for future sessions.
Use an existing Riot account or create one free — the same account works across all Riot games. -
Step 5: Download Valorant and hit Play
After signing in, the Riot Client will show Valorant in your library and begin downloading the full game automatically (approximately 22 GB). Download time varies by connection speed — on a 100 Mbps line, expect around 30 minutes. You can see the progress bar and current download speed in the client. Once the download reaches 100%, the PLAY button becomes clickable. Click it, wait a few seconds for Vanguard to verify your system, and Valorant will launch into its main menu. You are ready to play your first match.
The Riot Client handles the full 22 GB download; hit Play once the progress bar is complete.
Tips for a smooth installation
- Disable your VPN. VPNs can slow the download or cause the Riot Client to fail to connect to the patch servers.
- Close other apps. Antivirus tools sometimes quarantine Vanguard files mid-install. Either whitelist the Riot Games folder or temporarily disable real-time scanning during the download.
- Install on an SSD. Valorant loads maps noticeably faster from a solid-state drive compared to a traditional hard disk.
- Choose the right region. The Riot Client selects a region automatically based on your IP address, but you can change it in Settings. Playing on the wrong region adds latency, so verify before you queue.
Troubleshooting common installation problems
The installer gets stuck or the progress bar freezes
Close the Riot Client completely, restart your PC, and re-open the client. If the problem persists, open Task Manager, end any remaining Riot or Vanguard processes, then delete the C:\Riot Games folder and run the installer again from scratch.
Vanguard error on startup
Vanguard requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled on Windows 11, and it requires that your system is not running a test-signed or modified kernel. Check your BIOS settings to ensure Secure Boot is on. If you recently switched from Windows 10 to 11, restart your PC once after the Valorant install to let Vanguard initialize properly.
"You are not authorized to play Valorant" error
This usually means Valorant is not yet available in your country or that your account has an active ban. Check your region settings in the Riot Client, and verify your account status at support.riotgames.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is Valorant free to download and play?
Yes. Valorant is completely free to download and play. The game earns revenue through cosmetic items (weapon skins, player cards, sprays) purchased with Valorant Points, but all agents and all maps can be accessed without spending any money.
How long does it take to install Valorant?
The initial installer (Riot Client) downloads in a few minutes. The full Valorant game is roughly 22 GB; on a 100 Mbps connection that is about 30 minutes. On slower connections, plan for 1–2 hours.
Can I install Valorant on Mac or console?
No. As of 2026, Valorant is available only on Windows PC. There is no official Mac client, mobile version, or console port. Running it through a compatibility layer or emulator is not supported and will be flagged by Vanguard.
Do I need to keep the Riot Client open to play?
Yes. The Riot Client (and Vanguard anti-cheat) must be running in the background whenever you play Valorant. Closing the client mid-session will disconnect you from the game.
Can I change my install location?
Yes. When the Riot Client installer runs for the first time, there is an option to choose the install directory. If you missed it, you can reinstall the client and select a different drive. The default location is C:\Riot Games\VALORANT.
Ready to play
Installing Valorant takes five steps: confirm your PC specs, download the installer from playvalorant.com, run it to get the Riot Client, sign in with a free Riot account, and let the client pull down the full game. Once the download finishes, click Play and you are in. Good luck on your first ranked climb.
