Valorant has cemented its place as one of the most popular tactical shooters in the world, but like any online title, it is not immune to technical hurdles.
One moment you are queuing for a match, and the next, you are staring at a screen displaying a cryptic error message.
Specifically, getting Valorant error code VAN -79 is a frustration many players encounter.
Before we dive into the technical solutions, a quick linguistic note for clarity: as a reminder, the correct spelling is 'getting.' The word “getting” comes from the verb “get,” and when forming the present participle, we double the 't'.
Now that we have clarified the grammar, let’s focus on the more important task at hand: getting you back into the game.
What Is Valorant Error Code VAN -79?
Error code VAN -79 is typically associated with Riot Vanguard, the anti-cheat software that runs alongside Valorant.
This specific error usually indicates that there is a connection issue between the game client and the anti-cheat service, or that the Vanguard service has failed to initialize properly during your system startup.
Because Vanguard is a kernel-level driver, it requires specific permissions and a stable connection to operate.
When it cannot verify your system integrity, it prevents you from launching the game to maintain a secure environment.
Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve VAN -79
If you find yourself stuck with this error, don't panic.
You rarely need to perform a full system wipe to fix it.
Follow these steps in order to isolate and resolve the problem.
1. Restart the Vanguard Service
The most common fix involves simply restarting the anti-cheat service.
Many users find success by fully exiting the game client and the Riot Client, then restarting their computer.
This forces Vanguard to re-initialize its driver, which often clears up temporary communication errors that cause the VAN -79 code to trigger.
2. Run as Administrator
Sometimes, Vanguard lacks the necessary permissions to communicate with your Windows system files.
Right-click your Valorant shortcut, go to Properties, navigate to the Compatibility tab, and check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator.” Apply the changes and restart the game.
This gives the client the elevated rights it needs to interface correctly with the anti-cheat driver.
3. Check Your Network Connection
Because VAN -79 can also be a connectivity issue, verify that your internet is stable.
If you are using a VPN, turn it off.
Vanguard often flags VPN traffic as a potential security risk, leading to connection failures.
Additionally, if you have a firewall or third-party antivirus software, ensure that Valorant and Riot Vanguard are added to your 'Allow' or 'Exceptions' list.
4. Reinstall Riot Vanguard
If the above steps fail, the Vanguard driver itself might be corrupted.
Navigate to your Control Panel > Programs and Features, locate Riot Vanguard, and uninstall it.
Once removed, restart your computer and open the Valorant launcher.
The game will automatically detect that Vanguard is missing and will prompt you to download and install it again.
This clean installation often resolves persistent error codes.
When to Contact Support
If you have tried all the steps above and are still getting the error code VAN -79, the issue might be deeper, such as a compatibility conflict with a recent Windows update.
In such cases, the best course of action is to submit a support ticket via the official Riot Games support website.
Be sure to include your logs so their technical team can analyze exactly what is preventing the anti-cheat from starting on your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Valorant error code VAN -79 dangerous for my PC?
No, it is not dangerous.
It is a software communication error related to the anti-cheat system and does not indicate a threat to your computer's security.
Does VAN -79 happen often?
It is a relatively uncommon error.
Most players only encounter it after a recent game update or a Windows update that interferes with driver initialization.
Do I need to uninstall the whole game to fix VAN -79?
No.
Usually, reinstalling just the Vanguard anti-cheat service via the Control Panel is sufficient to fix the issue.
Written by: Hazel Scott
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