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Error codeValorantWindows PC

Valorant error VAN -81

Vanguard failed to start

Shown as a connection error. It usually means Vanguard is struggling to start, stay connected, or confirm everything is ready while the game launches or runs.

Is Valorant down right now? Operational: 3 problem reports in the last hour. If it were down for everyone, this error could come from there; right now it looks normal.
Fix it

How to fix error VAN -81

  1. Restart your PC.

  2. Make sure Windows date, time and time zone are correct.

  3. Set the Vanguard (vgc) service to start automatically.

  4. Uninstall Vanguard, restart and relaunch the game to reinstall it.

  5. Try a clean boot, then reinstall the game if it still fails.

From Valorant's help pages: support.riotgames.com, in our words. Checked on 5 November 2026. If the steps do not help, Valorant's own support is the next stop.

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