How To Uninstall Vanguard: The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to uninstall Vanguard. If you're here, chances are you're looking for a way to remove this software from your computer. Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of uninstalling Vanguard, ensuring that you can remove it completely and effortlessly.

What is Vanguard?

Vanguard is an anti-cheat software developed by Riot Games, the creators of the popular game, Valorant. It is designed to detect and prevent cheating in the game by running in the background while you play. However, Vanguard has been a subject of controversy due to its intrusive nature and potential security risks.

If you have decided that Vanguard is not for you and you want to uninstall it, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Close Vanguard and Valorant

Before you begin the uninstallation process, it is important to close both Vanguard and Valorant. Right-click on the Vanguard icon in your system tray and select “Exit Vanguard.” Then, close Valorant by right-clicking on its icon in the taskbar and selecting “Quit.”

Step 2: Uninstall Valorant

In order to uninstall Vanguard, you need to first uninstall Valorant. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Start” button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Select “Settings” from the menu.
3. Click on “Apps.”
4. In the list of installed apps, locate “Valorant” and click on it.
5. Click on “Uninstall” and follow the on-screen instructions to remove Valorant from your computer.

Step 3: Uninstall Vanguard

Now that you have uninstalled Valorant, it's time to remove Vanguard. Here's how:

1. Press the “Windows” key and the “R” key on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” into the Run dialog box and click “OK.”
3. In the Services window, locate and right-click on “vgc” (Vanguard) and select “Stop.”
4. Once Vanguard has stopped, right-click on “vgc” again and select “Properties.”
5. In the Properties window, click on the “General” tab and set the “Startup type” to “Disabled.”
6. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
7. Press the “Windows” key and the “R” key again to open the Run dialog box.
8. Type “%ProgramFiles%\Riot Vanguard” into the Run dialog box and click “OK.”
9. Delete all the files and folders within the Riot Vanguard folder.
10. Empty your Recycle Bin to permanently delete the files.

Step 4: Remove Vanguard Drivers

Although you have uninstalled Vanguard, there may still be remnants of its drivers on your system. To remove these drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press the “Windows” key and the “R” key on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “devmgmt.msc” into the Run dialog box and click “OK.”
3. In the Device Manager window, expand the “Software Devices” category.
4. Right-click on “Vanguard” and select “Uninstall Device.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the drivers.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Once you have completed all the steps above, it is recommended to restart your computer. This will ensure that any remaining traces of Vanguard are completely removed from your system.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully uninstalled Vanguard from your computer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that Vanguard is completely removed, allowing you to have a clean and secure gaming experience. If you ever decide to reinstall Vanguard in the future, simply follow the installation instructions provided by Riot Games. Happy gaming!