Fix VALORANT Side-by-Side Configuration Error

VALORANT Could Not Be Launched Because the Application Side-by-Side Configuration Is Incorrect!

VALORANT is an FPS game that has stayed popular since its release. However, some players run into the "application side-by-side configuration is incorrect and it could not be launched" error when trying to start the game. This error is usually caused by missing or corrupted system files and is especially common on Windows. In this article, we'll go into detail on what this error means, why it happens, and how you can fix it.

VALORANT Could Not Be Launched Because the Application Side-by-Side Configuration Is Incorrect!

What Causes the Error?

The "VALORANT could not be launched because the application side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error usually pops up for a handful of common reasons:

• Missing or Corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Packages: Games like VALORANT depend on certain C++ libraries. If these libraries are missing or corrupted, the game can't launch properly and throws this error.
• Misconfigured System Files: System files are essential for games and other software to run correctly. Misconfigured or corrupted system files can prevent games from launching.
• Windows Updates: Outdated or faulty Windows updates can also cause this kind of error. This especially happens when files installed during an update come through missing or corrupted.
• Third-Party Programs and Applications: Some third-party software installed on your computer can conflict with games and cause errors. Security software and optimizer programs in particular tend to cause this kind of issue.

How Do You Fix "VALORANT Could Not Be Launched Because the Application Side-by-Side Configuration Is Incorrect"?

When you run into this error, you can follow these steps to fix it:

Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Packages

Since this error is usually caused by missing or corrupted Visual C++ packages, the first step is to reinstall them:

• Go to Microsoft's official website and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable packages.
• Download and install both the 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions.
• Restart your computer and try launching VALORANT again.

Repair Your System Files

You can repair corrupted system files causing the "VALORANT could not be launched because the application side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error using the System File Checker (SFC) tool built into Windows:

• Run Command Prompt (CMD) as administrator.
• Type the sfc /scannow command and press Enter.
• Once the scan finishes, it will repair the corrupted files, and you'll need to restart your computer.

Check for Windows Updates

Missing or outdated Windows updates can also cause the "VALORANT could not be launched because the application side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error. You can fix the problem by checking for Windows updates and installing any that are missing:

• Go to Windows Settings (press Win + I).
• Click on "Update & Security".
• Click "Check for Updates" to download and install the latest updates.

Disable Third-Party Programs

Some third-party software installed on your computer can conflict with games and cause errors. Security software or system optimizer programs in particular tend to cause this kind of issue. Try temporarily disabling this kind of software:

• Open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
• Go to the "Startup" tab and disable unnecessary programs.
• Restart your computer and try launching VALORANT again.

Reinstall VALORANT and the Riot Client

If the methods above don't work, you can fix the "VALORANT could not be launched because the application side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error by fully uninstalling and reinstalling the Riot Client.

• Go to Control Panel and click "Add or Remove Programs".
• Find VALORANT and the Riot Client and uninstall them.
• Restart your computer, then download and install the latest version from Riot's official website.

Use a System Restore Point

If the "VALORANT could not be launched because the application side-by-side configuration is incorrect" error started after a recent change, you can use a system restore point to roll your computer back to an earlier date:

• Go to Control Panel and click "System and Security".
• Go to the "System" tab and click "System Protection".
• Click "System Restore" to roll your computer back to a date before the error started.

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