Critical Error in VALORANT: Understanding the Issue and Effective Fixes

By Mary A. Pease On Sep 2, 2024

Critical Error in VALORANT. Live service games like Valorant or Apex Legends frequently encounter frustrating problems, leading to critical or launch errors. A prevalent issue in Valorant is the “A Critical Error Has Occurred” message, which can stem from outdated drivers, conflicting third-party applications, or permission problems.

In this guide, we’ll explore what causes the “A Critical Error Has Occurred” issue in Valorant and how to resolve it effectively. Let’s dive into the solutions for this critical error in Valorant. Also check A Complete Guide to Fixing Valorant Error Code VAL 5.

Table of Contents

What is a Critical System Error and Why Does It Occur?

A “critical error” is a severe issue within a computer system, software, or application that causes it to malfunction or crash. These errors typically interrupt the normal operation of the system, often requiring immediate attention or a restart to resolve the problem. Follow these steps for fixing Valorant VAN 9003 Error.

Critical errors can arise from various causes, such as hardware failures, corrupted files, software bugs, incompatible drivers, or conflicts with third-party applications. They are usually indicated by error messages or codes that provide clues to the underlying issue.

Critical errors occur due to several reasons, including:

Hardware Failures: Malfunctions in components like the CPU, memory, or hard drive can lead to critical errors, disrupting normal operations.
Software Bugs: Flaws or glitches in software code can trigger critical errors, causing programs to crash or behave unexpectedly.
Corrupted Files: Damage to essential system or application files, often due to improper shutdowns or malware, can result in critical errors.
Outdated or Incompatible Drivers: Drivers that are not up to date or that conflict with other system components can cause critical errors.
Third-Party Software Conflicts: Conflicts between installed applications or services can lead to critical errors, especially if they interfere with system processes.
Insufficient Permissions: When a program lacks the necessary permissions to access certain files or perform specific actions, it can lead to critical errors.
Overheating or Power Issues: Excessive heat or power surges can cause hardware to fail temporarily, leading to critical errors.

How to Fix “A Critical Error Has Occurred” in Valorant?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to fix the “A Critical Error Has Occurred” issue in Valorant:

1. Run Valorant as Administrator

User permission issues often cause software errors in Windows. Valorant can also encounter this problem, and running it as an administrator can help resolve it.

Steps to Run Valorant as Administrator:

Locate Valorant on your desktop and right-click on it.
Select Properties.
In the Properties window, go to the Compatibility tab.
Check the option that says “Run this program as an administrator.” Click Apply and OK.
Restart your system and launch Valorant again. This should fix the critical error.

2. Update Windows

If Valorant isn’t launching, it may be due to missing Windows updates. Ensuring your system is up to date can resolve such errors.

Steps to Update Windows:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Update and Security.
Click Check for updates in the right panel.
If updates are available, download and install them.
Restart your PC, and try opening Valorant again.

3. Fix Vanguard Service (vgc)

Valorant’s anti-cheat engine, Vanguard, needs to run continuously in the background. Random updates or unexpected shutdowns can stop it, leading to errors. Here’s how to fix it:

Steps to Restart Vanguard Service:

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Scroll down to find the service named “vgc”.
Double-click on vgc to open its Properties window. Set the Startup type to Automatic or Automatic (Delayed Start).
Click OK and restart your PC. Vanguard will now automatically run, and this should resolve the error in Valorant.

4. Update Display Driver

Keeping your display drivers up to date is essential for Valorant to run smoothly and avoid crashes. Outdated drivers can cause the game to malfunction. Here’s how to update your display driver:

Steps to Update Display Driver:

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
In Device Manager, expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click on your display driver and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers to allow your system to find and install the latest driver.

Updating your display driver can help resolve multiple critical errors, not just in Valorant but in other games as well. Also check the steps for Valorant Error Code 62.

5. Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (Windows 11)

The VAN 9003 error in Windows 11 is often due to security settings and conflicts with the Valorant client. Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 can fix this.

Steps to Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0:

Press the Windows key and type msinfo. Open the System Information application.
Check the BIOS Mode (should be UEFI) and Secure Boot State (should be on). If not, follow the next steps.
Restart your PC and enter the BIOS settings (usually F2 or Del key, check your motherboard manual).
In the BIOS menu, select Advanced settings.
Navigate to Windows OS Configuration and ensure BIOS Mode is set to UEFI.
Go to the Secure Boot option and enable it if it’s off.
Under the Security tab, select Trusted Computing and enable Security Device Support.
Change the fTPM switch to default fTPM.
Save and exit BIOS. Your PC will restart, and the critical error in Valorant should be resolved, especially on Windows 11.

6. Full-Screen Optimization Fix for Valorant

Adjusting the compatibility settings for Valorant can also fix the “A Critical Error Has Occurred” issue. Here’s how:

Steps to Disable Full-Screen Optimization:

Ensure Valorant is installed in the C drive.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the following path:

makefile

C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64
Find the file named VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe.
Right-click on this file and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box that says “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
Click OK to apply the changes.
Restart your device and relaunch Valorant. This should fix any compatibility-related critical errors.

7. Update BIOS

Outdated BIOS firmware on your motherboard can lead to various software-related issues, including the “A Critical Error Has Occurred” error in Valorant. It’s crucial to ensure your BIOS is up to date. Follow the instructions in your motherboard manual to update the BIOS properly.

8. Reinstall Valorant or Change Launcher

If previous fixes haven’t resolved the issue, reinstalling Valorant or switching the game launcher might help. Reinstalling the game can clear up persistent bugs or errors.

Steps to Reinstall Valorant or Change Launcher:

Exit both Valorant and the Riot client to prevent any conflicts during uninstallation.
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to the Apps section and locate Valorant and the Riot client.
Click on each application and select Uninstall.
After uninstallation, visit the Valorant website to download and install the latest client.
If you prefer, you can also download Valorant from the Epic Games Store using the Epic launcher.

Reinstalling the game or switching launchers can resolve critical errors related to the Riot client.

9. Uninstall Third-Party Apps

Certain third-party applications, like antivirus programs or GPU management tools, can conflict with Valorant and cause errors. For example, software like MSI Afterburner, Nvidia GeForce Experience, or Rivatuner may lead to visual glitches or crashes.

Steps to Minimize Third-Party App Conflicts:

Use Windows Defender as your antivirus to avoid conflicts with Valorant.
Disable or uninstall apps like MSI Afterburner, Nvidia GeForce Experience, and Rivatuner while playing Valorant.

By removing or disabling these third-party applications, you can reduce the chances of encountering critical errors in Valorant.

Conclusion

Encountering the “A Critical Error Has Occurred” issue in Valorant can be frustrating, but by following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Whether it’s running the game as an administrator, updating your drivers and BIOS, adjusting settings, or even reinstalling the game, these solutions cover a wide range of potential causes.

If all else fails, eliminating conflicts from third-party software may be the key to getting your game running smoothly again. With these fixes, you should be able to dive back into the action without further interruptions.

For easy access to the latest tips, troubleshooting guides, and updates on your favorite games, make sure to bookmark our website. By doing so, you’ll stay informed with valuable information and solutions that can enhance your gaming experience and resolve any issues that may arise. Don’t miss out on our comprehensive resources and expert advice—add us to your bookmarks today and stay ahead of the game.