Can’t Run Valorant on Windows 11? Here’s the Solution
If you’re one of the many gamers who can’t run Valorant on Windows 11, you’re not alone. Many users have reported encountering issues with the game on the latest Windows operating system. In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of the problem and provide you with a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue.
What’s the Problem?
Valorant is a popular tactical first-person shooter game developed by Riot Games. However, some users have reported that the game won’t launch or runs poorly on Windows 11. The issue is not specific to a particular version of the game, but rather seems to be related to the operating system itself.
Possible Causes
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a look at some possible causes of the problem:
- Graphics Card Issues: Valorant requires a powerful graphics card to run smoothly. If your graphics card is outdated or not compatible with Windows 11, you may encounter issues with the game.
- Windows 11 Compatibility: Valorant may not be fully compatible with Windows 11, which can cause issues with the game’s launch or performance.
- Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause problems with the game’s performance or launch.
- System Configuration: Valorant requires a specific system configuration to run smoothly. If your system configuration is not meeting the game’s requirements, you may encounter issues.
Solution
To resolve the issue, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check System Requirements
Before trying to run Valorant, make sure your system meets the game’s minimum system requirements:
| System Requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-4150 or AMD FX-6300 (or equivalent) |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 (or equivalent) |
| Storage | 20 GB available space |
Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause issues with the game’s performance or launch. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version:
- NVIDIA: Go to the NVIDIA website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
- AMD: Go to the AMD website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
Step 3: Disable Hardware Acceleration
Disabling hardware acceleration can help resolve issues with the game’s launch or performance:
- Valorant Settings: Go to the Valorant settings and disable hardware acceleration.
- Windows Settings: Go to the Windows settings and disable hardware acceleration for the game.
Step 4: Run the Game as Administrator
Running the game as administrator can help resolve issues with the game’s launch or performance:
- Right-Click: Right-click on the Valorant executable and select "Run as administrator".
Step 5: Check for Updates
Make sure your system and graphics drivers are up to date:
- Windows Update: Go to the Windows update settings and check for updates.
- Graphics Driver Update: Go to the graphics driver website and check for updates.
Additional Tips
- Close Other Resource-Intensive Programs: Close other resource-intensive programs to free up system resources for the game.
- Disable Antivirus Software: Disable antivirus software to prevent conflicts with the game.
- Check for Conflicting Programs: Check for conflicting programs that may be causing issues with the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can’t I run Valorant on Windows 11?
A: Valorant may not be fully compatible with Windows 11, or your system may not meet the game’s minimum system requirements.
Q: What are the minimum system requirements for Valorant?
A: The minimum system requirements for Valorant are: Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i3-4150 or AMD FX-6300 (or equivalent), 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 (or equivalent), and 20 GB available space.
Q: How do I update my graphics drivers?
A: You can update your graphics drivers by going to the graphics driver website and downloading the latest drivers for your graphics card.
Q: Why do I need to run the game as administrator?
A: Running the game as administrator can help resolve issues with the game’s launch or performance by giving the game full access to system resources.
Q: Can I play Valorant on a lower-end graphics card?
A: Valorant requires a powerful graphics card to run smoothly. If you have a lower-end graphics card, you may encounter issues with the game’s performance or launch.
Q: Can I play Valorant on a 32-bit operating system?
A: No, Valorant requires a 64-bit operating system to run.
Q: Why do I need to close other resource-intensive programs?
A: Closing other resource-intensive programs can help free up system resources for the game, which can improve its performance or launch.
Q: Can I play Valorant on a virtual machine?
A: Yes, you can play Valorant on a virtual machine, but you may encounter issues with the game’s performance or launch.
By following these steps and tips, you should be able to resolve the issue and run Valorant on your Windows 11 system. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may want to consider reaching out to the game’s support team or seeking further assistance from a gaming community or forum.