VALORANT Couldn't Start Error: Causes and Fixes

VALORANT is a popular tactical FPS played by millions of players worldwide. However, users can sometimes run into various errors, such as the game failing to start. One error that has come up frequently in 2024 is the "VALORANT Couldn't Start" error. This error can stem from a variety of system or software causes. Fixing it may require trying a few different methods. Let's take a look at what causes this error and how to fix it.

VALORANT Couldn't Start Error 2024

The Couldn't Start error can stem from the following causes:

Causes of the VALORANT Couldn't Start Error: System Incompatibility

One of the most common reasons VALORANT fails to start is system incompatibility. To run the game smoothly, your PC needs to meet certain hardware and software requirements. On a computer that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements, you may run into various errors when launching VALORANT. That's why it's important to check the game's system requirements first.

Once you've confirmed the system requirements are met, we can move on to other possible causes of the Couldn't Start error.

Causes of the VALORANT Couldn't Start Error: Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers directly affect a game's performance and stability. Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can prevent the game from launching properly. If VALORANT won't start, try updating your graphics drivers to fix the issue.

Steps to Update Graphics Drivers:

• Press Win + R to open the Run window.
• Type "devmgmt.msc" and press Enter to launch Device Manager.
• Expand the Display Adapters section.
• Right-click your graphics card and select Update Driver.
• Follow the driver update steps Windows offers, or download the latest driver from the manufacturer's website.

After updating your graphics driver, try launching the game again.

Causes of the VALORANT Couldn't Start Error: Missing or Corrupted DirectX Components

DirectX is an important software component that the Windows operating system uses to boost game performance. Missing or corrupted DirectX files can prevent VALORANT from starting. Missing runtime libraries required by the game can lead to graphics-related issues.

Checking DirectX Components:

• Type dxdiag into the Run window and press Enter to launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
• Check whether there are any errors or incompatibilities in the DirectX components.
• If missing or corrupted components are detected, download and install the latest version of DirectX from Microsoft's official site.

Causes of the VALORANT Couldn't Start Error: Missing or Corrupted vcruntime140_1.dll File

The vcruntime140_1.dll file is a Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable component required for the game to run correctly. This file being missing or corrupted can cause the game to fail to start. In this case, you can reinstall or update the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages to fix the issue.

VALORANT Couldn't Start Error

Corrupted VALORANT Installation Files

Files can become corrupted while installing or updating VALORANT. In such cases, the corrupted files prevent the game from launching. To fix this problem, you can try repairing or reinstalling the game.

• Launch the Riot Games client and verify the files where the game is installed.
• If the problem persists, completely remove the game and reinstall the latest version.

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Background Software

VALORANT can sometimes be affected by software or applications running in the background. In particular, game boosters, virtual machines, or other software that interacts with the game can prevent it from launching.

After disabling this kind of software, try launching the game again.

Antivirus or Firewall Interference

Antivirus software or firewalls can sometimes flag games like VALORANT as a threat and block the game's files as a result. To fix this, you may need to check your antivirus or firewall settings.

• Open your antivirus program and go to the Exceptions section.
• Add VALORANT and the Riot client to the exceptions list.
• Also make sure the game's network access isn't being blocked in your firewall settings.

Closing Conflicting Processes with Task Manager

Sometimes the reason VALORANT won't run is that a previous instance of the game is still running in the background. This usually happens because the game closed abruptly or certain processes weren't terminated properly.

• Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager to open it.
• Check whether there are any processes related to Riot or Valorant.exe.
• When you find these processes, right-click them and select End Task.
• After closing all the processes, try launching the game again.

Running VALORANT as Administrator

In some cases, running the game as an administrator can fix the issue. Running VALORANT with full permissions can prevent errors caused by system restrictions.

• Right-click the VALORANT shortcut and select Properties.
• Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
• Click Apply and OK. Then try launching the game again.

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