Fix Valorant Error VAN 79 - Reinstall Vanguard & Services

Valorant error VAN 79 is a connection issue that happens when your computer fails to start or communicate with the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat service. You are likely seeing this because the Vanguard files have become corrupted or a third-party background process is blocking the service from running correctly.

Why this happens

The error occurs when the anti-cheat engine fails to initialize properly during the game launch. This is often caused by outdated installation files or conflicts with other software services running in the background.

Steps

1. 01
   Open the Start menu, type Add or remove programs, and press Enter.
2. 02
   Search for Riot Vanguard in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Uninstall to remove the potentially corrupted installation.
3. 03
   Restart your computer, then launch the Valorant game client; it will detect the missing files and automatically begin re-installing Vanguard.
4. 04
   After the installation finishes, restart your computer again to ensure the service initializes correctly with Windows.
5. 05
   If the error persists, press the Windows key + R, type msconfig into the box, and press Enter to open System Configuration.
6. 06
   Navigate to the Services tab, check the box labeled Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all to turn off non-essential third-party background processes.
7. 07
   Scroll down the list, find the vgc service, and make sure its box is checked so that Vanguard remains enabled.
8. 08
   Click Apply, select OK, and restart your computer to apply the clean boot settings.
9. 09
   Launch Valorant to test if the connection error is resolved, then return to msconfig and select Normal startup to restore your background services.

Still not working?

If you are still receiving VAN 79 after these steps, there may be a deeper incompatibility between your OS and the anti-cheat driver. Collect your system logs and any screenshots of the error, then submit a support ticket directly through the Riot Games support portal to have their team investigate your specific configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my game data by uninstalling Riot Vanguard?

No, uninstalling Riot Vanguard only removes the anti-cheat driver and service. Your Valorant account progress, settings, and game files remain safely stored on Riot's servers.

Is it safe to disable background services?

Yes, using the Hide all Microsoft services option in msconfig ensures that critical Windows functions remain active while you troubleshoot, making it a safe way to identify conflicting software.

Why does the vgc service matter?

The vgc service is the primary executable for Riot Vanguard; if this service is disabled or blocked by another application, Valorant will refuse to launch and trigger the VAN 79 error.