Alex Ruben
How to Fix the “Your Game Requires a System Restart to Play” Error in Valorant
If you’re seeing the message “Your game requires a system restart to play” when trying to launch Valorant, you’re not alone. This common error can be frustrating and usually indicates that the game’s installation or updates weren’t recognized correctly by your system. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of fixing this issue on Windows 10 and Windows 11, whether you’re on a desktop or laptop. You’ll learn how to resolve startup issues for Valorant, ensure that all necessary system files and drivers are updated, and restart the game without losing your progress.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Often, a simple restart can clear temporary system glitches that prevent Valorant from launching. Before trying any complex solutions, restart your computer:
- Click on the Start menu.
- Select the power icon and choose Restart.
After your computer restarts, try launching Valorant again to see if the error persists.
Step 2: Check for Windows Updates
Outdated system files can lead to various errors, including startup issues with games. Ensure that your Windows is up to date:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Select Check for updates.
If any updates are available, install them and restart your computer again.
Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can also lead to performance issues with games. Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click on your graphics card and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
If an update is found, it will automatically install. After this, restart your computer.
Step 4: Repair Valorant Installation
Sometimes the game files can get corrupted. Repairing Valorant is a reliable way to fix any installation issues:
- Open the Riot Client.
- Navigate to the Valorant tab.
- Click on the gear icon (settings) next to the Play button.
- Select Verify or Repair to check for corrupt files.
Once this process is complete, try launching the game again.
Step 5: Uninstall and Reinstall Valorant
If the previous steps do not resolve the issue, uninstalling and reinstalling Valorant might be necessary. Follow these steps:
- Go to Control Panel through the Start menu.
- Select Programs.
- Find Valorant in the list, click on it and then select Uninstall.
- After uninstalling, restart your computer.
- Download the game from the official website and install it freshly.
This ensures that you have a clean and complete installation of Valorant.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While following the steps above, there are a few extra tips that can help ensure a smoother experience:
- Make sure to run Riot Client and Valorant as an administrator. Right-click on the shortcut and select Run as administrator.
- Temporarily disable any antivirus software, as it can mistakenly disrupt game files.
- If you encounter persistent issues, consider checking the official Riot Games support pages for additional troubleshooting resources.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Your game requires a system restart to play” error in Valorant. Keeping your system and game files updated is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. If you continue to experience issues, reach out to Riot’s support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this error occur?
This error typically occurs due to problems with game files not being recognized, outdated system files, or driver issues.
Will I lose my progress if I reinstall Valorant?
No, your game progress is saved on Riot’s servers, so reinstalling the game will not affect your progress.
Can this error occur on systems other than Windows?
This guide specifically addresses Windows systems (Windows 10 and 11). If using a different OS, look for compatible solutions or check official forums.