Getting Valorant to Sit Pretty on Windows 11
Trying to get Valorant up and running on Windows 11 can be a bit of a battler, right? Especially with all the changes that came with the latest update. If launching the game feels like trying to pull off a stunt, or it keeps crashing, you’re not alone. Here’s a straightforward run-down to help you get this shooter working smoothly without the usual headaches.
System Requirements Are a Must-Check
First thing’s first, have a good squiz at the system specs. Windows 11 has its own set of hardware must-haves—think TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. These aren’t just fancy extras anymore; they’re deadset prerequisites. Sifting through the BIOS at 2 am to switch those on can be a pain, but it’s worth it!
To check if TPM is enabled:
Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\CIMV2\Security\MicrosoftTPM -Class Win32_TPM
If it doesn’t show up or’s turned off, a bit of BIOS mucking about might be in order. For Secure Boot, you can also run:
Confirm-SecureBootUEFI
If that gives you True, good on ya. If not, back to BIOS you go. An easier spot to check is Settings > Windows Security > Device security—way less faffing around than digging through BIOS menus.
Don’t Forget Those Graphics Drivers
Now, about your graphics drivers—this one’s often overlooked but mega important! Outdated drivers can cause crashes, glitches, and all sorts of drama. So, best to update ’em. Head to your GPU maker’s site—NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel—and grab the latest drivers:
# For NVIDIA, just use GeForce Experience or download directly:
# For AMD:
# For Intel graphics:
Install the drivers and give your PC a restart. Once done, check that everything’s up to date in Device Manager:
# For the lazy, go to Start > right-click 'Device Manager' or hit Win + X.
# Expand "Display adapters", right-click your GPU, and select "Update driver".
Getting into BIOS for Secure Boot and TPM
This part can be a bit fiddly—playing with BIOS settings. Here’s the gist:
- Kick your PC off and press the key to get into BIOS (commonly F2, Delete, or Esc—check your motherboard manual if unsure).
- Find your way to the Security or Boot menu.
- Look for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 options.
- Turn them on. Sometimes TPM is under “Intel PTT” or “AMD PSP,” but don’t stress—it’s pretty much the same deal.
- Save and exit BIOS.
If you want a quick check for TPM in Windows, open ‘msinfo32’:
msinfo32
Under “System Summary”, look for “TPM”. It should say it’s ready to rock.
Downloading Valorant
Next, grab Valorant straight from Riot’s official site. Sometimes downloads can be slow or servers bung up, especially during peak times. Just follow the prompts as you normally would with any game install—pick a spot with plenty of space, so you don’t run into storage dramas halfway through.
Run Valorant with Admin Rights
Don’t just click “play” and hope for the best—best to run it as an admin. Right-click the Valorant shortcut or exe file, and select “Run as administrator.” Want it to always run this way? Here’s what to do:
# Right-click the game shortcut, go to Properties.
# Hit the Compatibility tab.
# Check the box Run this program as an administrator.
# Click Apply and OK.
This little tweak can fix heaps of permission headaches, especially with Riot Vanguard hanging around. Some players also reckon launching through PowerShell with admin rights can help dodge stubborn startup issues:
Start-Process -FilePath "" -Verb RunAs
After all that, you should be set to go with Valorant on your Windows 11. It might take a bit of mucking around and a few eye rolls, but nothing beats sinking into your first match after all the fuss.
Hopefully this saves someone a bit of hassle!
- Check system requirements and BIOS settings.
- Update your graphics drivers.
- Turn on Secure Boot and TPM.
- Download Valorant and run it as admin.
If one of these tips gets you in the game, mission accomplished.