How to Fix Valorant Error Code VAN 81, Detailed Guide

We know how it feels to open up the Valorant game and be greeted with a VAN 81 error code. You try restarting or re-installing the game, but none of the tricks work. The frustration starts to build, and all your excitement is gone! But don’t worry. We are here to provide a 100% authentic and working solution to the VAN 81 error code so you can enjoy your favorite game nonstop and continue your Valorant rank boost journey. Let us discover the VAN 81 error code, what causes it to appear, and how to fix it permanently on a Windows PC.

What is the Valorant Error Code VAN 81?

The VAN 81 error is related to the Riot Vanguard, known as the Anti-Cheat System. It generates when some services are not properly started during the Valorant boot due to network issues. As a result, you can not log in to the game, so you have to quit. The error specifies it as a connection issue but is primarily unrelated to your internet connection.

On the other hand, it relates to the Windows Firewall and Antivirus Programs. Sometimes, the antivirus programs installed on your PC interfere with the Riot Vanguard system, rendering it unable to work correctly. If you are wondering what Riot Vanguard is, let us tell you that this software ensures a cheat-free, competitive gaming experience across all Riot titles.

What Causes Valorant Error Code VAN 81 to Appear?

Before we fix any VAN error codes, it is essential to understand what causes them to appear. Once you better understand the problem, you will be confident of getting rid of it. The several factors behind the VAN 81 error code are as follows:

1. Windows Firewall Settings: In some systems, the implemented Windows Firewall settings block specific files and permissions for Valorant and Riot Vanguard applications. When this happens, the Valorant game's and its servers' connection is compromised.
2. Unstable Internet Connection: Though less probable, an unstable internet connection is also one of the causes of the VAN 81 error. The game cannot run smoothly if your system can not establish a stable internet connection with Valorant game servers.
3. Improper Installation of Riot Vanguard: If you have not installed Riot Vanguard correctly, specific files may be corrupted or incomplete, preventing the application from running smoothly and causing the VAN 81 error code to pop up.

How to Fix Valorant VAN 81 Error Code Permanently?

According to the Riot Games Support page, the Valorant error code VAN 81 reads, ‘VALORANT has encountered a connection error. Please relaunch the client to reconnect.’ Fixing this problem permanently requires going through four major steps:

1. Fixing one of the game files known as the ‘vgc’ file

3. Updating Windows Firewall Settings
4. Uninstalling and then reinstalling the Riot Vanguard application.
5. Uninstalling or disabling VPNs from your system

Our guide will detail each of the four possible fixes individually. So, let us get started.

Fixing the VGC Service File

1. First, you must quit the Valorant and Riot processes. To do so, go to the system tray and click on the small arrow on the right side of the tray. Find the Riot Games icon, right-click it, and then click Exit.
2. Next, we need to terminate all the processes related to the Riot Games.
   • Click on the Taskbar and open Task Manager.
   • In the Processes tab, search for Riot Client. Right-click on it and go to Process Details.
   • In the Details tab, look for the file named RiotClientServices.exe and right-click on it. To end the task, select End Process Tree.
3. Press the ‘Windows+R’ keys to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type ‘services.msc’ in the search bar and hit enter. Your computer will display a drop-down menu of services.
   • Search for the service ‘vgc.’ Its status should be running. If it is stopped or set to disabled, right-click on it and go to Properties.
   • You will find four startup types: Automatic (Delayed Start), Automatic, Manual, and Disabled. Select the Automatic Startup option and hit Apply. Then start the Service and press OK. Now, the ‘vgc’ status should be ‘Running.’
4. Press the ‘Windows+R’ key, type ‘msconfig’ and press enter.
   • Go to the Services tab and click ‘Hide all Microsoft Services.’
   • Look for ‘vgc’ in the list to check if it is enabled. If not, check the box beside ‘vgc’ and hit Apply & Ok.
   • Now, you have to restart your system so the changes can occur.

After the system reboots, restart Valorant to check if it is running smoothly. In most cases, this should fix the problem, and you can enjoy the game. However, if this does not work, then there is a problem with your Windows Firewall settings. Follow the next steps to get rid of it.

Updating Windows Firewall Settings for Riot Client Folder

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall application.
2. On the top left side, click ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.’
3. A list will appear. Check whether the Riot Client is enabled for both public and private networks so that you can grant it administrative rights.
4. If it is not enabled, click on Change settings. Open the file location of the Riot Client live folder, where you can find Valorant on your hard drive. Add it and enable it for Private and Public networks.
5. This ensures that Valorant and Riot Client have permission to run through Firewall.

Restart your PC for changes to occur and launch Valorant. It will run smoothly without showing the VAN 81 error code. If it still does not run after fixing the 'vgc' file and Windows settings for Firewall, then Riot Vanguard has corrupt or incomplete files. To get rid of it:

1. Fresh Reinstallation of Riot Vanguard and Uninstallation of VPNs
2. Uninstall Riot Vanguard from the Remove Programs option in your system and reboot it. You can also uninstall it from the Riot Games folder inside the Valorant folder.
3. Launch the Valorant Game and click on the Updates on the main screen.
4. The updates will reinstall the Riot Vanguard.
5. Reboot the system again and open the Valorant game launcher.
6. As per Riot support, VPNs can act as conflicting software for Valorant. So, it is better to uninstall or temporarily disable them when playing Valorant.

Now, you can enjoy Valorant's uninterrupted and smooth gameplay. Our methods are aligned with the Riot Support website's and work on fixing the major causes individually, thus completely eliminating the Valorant error code VAN 81 from your system.