Introduction
If you’re searching valorant we couldn’t install a required dependency, you’re likely stuck at the same frustrating point:
Valorant refuses to install or launch, and the error gives you no clear explanation.
Most players search this because they want to fix the Valorant install error quickly without breaking their system, reinstalling Windows, or wasting hours on random fixes.
This issue usually appears during installation or when launching the game for the first time. It’s common, confusing, and poorly explained by the launcher itself.
This guide will help you:
- Understand why the error happens
- Fix it step by step (in the right order)
- Avoid common mistakes that make it worse
- Get Valorant running without endless reinstalls
No fluff. Just clear fixes that actually work 🎮
What Does “We Couldn’t Install a Required Dependency” Mean?
This error means Valorant couldn’t install or start one of the system-level components it needs to run.
In most cases, the problem is not Valorant itself — it’s something blocking or missing in Windows.
The dependency is usually related to:
- Riot Vanguard (anti-cheat)
- Windows security settings
- Required system services
- Corrupted install files
Until that dependency installs correctly, Valorant will not launch.
Most Common Causes of the Error
Before fixing anything, it helps to know what usually triggers this issue.
| Cause | Why It Breaks Installation |
| Riot Vanguard blocked | Anti-cheat needs kernel-level access |
| Windows services disabled | Required background services aren’t running |
| Antivirus interference | Security software blocks Vanguard |
| Corrupted install files | Failed or interrupted downloads |
| Outdated Windows version | Missing system components |
Knowing the cause helps you fix the problem once, instead of guessing.
Step-by-Step Fixes (Follow This Order)
1) Restart Your PC First (Don’t Skip This)
It sounds basic, but it matters.
A fresh restart:
- Clears locked system files
- Restarts required Windows services
- Allows Vanguard to install properly
Many users skip this and waste time later.
2) Run Riot Client as Administrator
Valorant needs elevated permissions to install dependencies.
What to do:
- Close Riot Client completely
- Right-click Riot Client
- Select Run as administrator
- Try installing or launching Valorant again
This alone fixes the issue for a surprising number of players.
3) Check Riot Vanguard Installation
Riot Vanguard is required for Valorant to run.
How to check:
- Press Windows + R → type services.msc
- Look for vgc
- Status should be Running
- Startup type should be Automatic
If Vanguard is missing or stopped:
- Uninstall Riot Vanguard
- Restart your PC
- Launch Valorant to reinstall Vanguard automatically
This dependency is mandatory.
4) Enable Required Windows Services
Some Windows services must be active for Vanguard.
Make sure these are running:
- Windows Management Instrumentation
- Windows Event Log
- Microsoft Installer
Disabled services often trigger the dependency error.
5) Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall
Some antivirus programs block Vanguard silently.
Before reinstalling:
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus
- Turn off aggressive firewall rules
- Re-run Valorant installation
Once Valorant installs successfully, you can re-enable protection.
6) Update Windows Completely
Outdated Windows builds often miss required system components.
Do this:
- Open Windows Update
- Install all pending updates
- Restart your PC
This step is especially important on older Windows 10 versions.
7) Reinstall Valorant Cleanly (Last Resort)
If nothing worked, do a clean reinstall.
Steps:
- Uninstall Valorant
- Uninstall Riot Vanguard
- Restart PC
- Delete leftover Riot folders
- Reinstall Valorant from scratch
This resets corrupted dependencies.
Quick Fix Checklist (At a Glance)
| Step | Required |
| Restart PC | ✅ |
| Run Riot Client as admin | ✅ |
| Check Vanguard service | ✅ |
| Enable Windows services | ✅ |
| Disable antivirus temporarily | ⚠️ |
| Update Windows | ✅ |
| Clean reinstall | ⚠️ |
Follow this order to avoid repeating steps.
Common Mistakes That Make the Error Worse (Value Add)
Most guides don’t mention this — but these mistakes cause repeated failure:
- Reinstalling Valorant without restarting
- Ignoring Riot Vanguard errors
- Disabling Windows services permanently
- Installing on a restricted user account
- Using aggressive “system optimizer” tools
Avoid these and the fix becomes much smoother.
When the Error Is Fixed — What Comes Next?
Once Valorant installs correctly, another challenge appears: time.
Grinding wins, ranking up, or rebuilding momentum after install issues can feel exhausting — especially if you:
- Can’t play daily
- Want consistent progress
- Prefer stable ranked sessions
This is where services like MitchCactus come up naturally among Valorant players.
MitchCactus focuses on:
- Manual gameplay only
- Safe, platform-correct queues
- No automation or cheats
- Real players handling real matches
Many players explore the main platform after fixing setup issues.
Valorant Progression Options
Different goals need different approaches.
For players focused on competitive progress after setup problems, Valorant Ranked Wins Boosting helps maintain momentum without unstable streaks.
If your account setup or access was disrupted and you want a fresh start, Valorant Accounts for Sale offers ready-to-play options:
For faster rank progression overall, Valorant Rank Boosting is often chosen by players short on time.
Conclusion
The valorant we couldn’t install a required dependency error is frustrating — but fixable.
- Follow the steps in order.
- Don’t skip restarts.
- Make sure Riot Vanguard installs correctly.
Once the dependency installs, Valorant runs normally and stays stable.
All good. You’re ready to get back into the game 🎮
FAQs
Why does Valorant say it couldn’t install a required dependency?
Usually because Riot Vanguard or required Windows services are blocked or missing.
Is Riot Vanguard mandatory?
Yes. Valorant will not run without it.
Does antivirus cause this error?
Often, yes. Some antivirus tools block Vanguard silently.
Do I need to reinstall Windows?
No. This error is almost always fixable without reinstalling Windows.
Is this a known Valorant issue?
Yes. It’s a common setup problem acknowledged by Riot Games.
