How to Download VALORANT on PC | Free Install Steps 2026

Downloading VALORANT on PC means visiting playvalorant.com, creating a free Riot Account, and installing the Riot Client — a 12-step process that takes about 15 minutes on a decent connection.

Most first-timers download the wrong file or skip account creation, then wonder why nothing happens. VALORANT is free-to-play with no subscription required, but the setup path is specific. Everything runs through the Riot Client, a separate launcher you install before the game itself. Here is the exact sequence that works on every supported Windows PC.

Before You Start: What Your PC Actually Needs

VALORANT targets older hardware better than most modern shooters. The minimum spec hits 30 FPS on a machine from 2012, while the recommended spec delivers a steady 60 FPS. TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are NOT required for VALORANT as of 2026 — ignore any guides saying otherwise.

The table below shows the two tiers. If your PC falls below the minimum, the game simply won’t launch, and checking here first saves a failed install.

You also need a stable internet connection — Ethernet preferred for the initial client download, though Wi-Fi works fine. The installer file itself is very small (just the Riot Client launcher), so a corrupted download is rare but possible with an unstable connection. If the installer fails, delete it and redownload.

Where to Download VALORANT (And Where NOT To)

Only one source works. Go to playvalorant.com and click “Play for Free” or “Play Now” in the top-right corner. That single page is the whole entry point. Skip any third-party download site — they host fake installers or outdated clients that will not work. The official link is the safe one, and Windows may flag the installer as “unverified” because it lacks a widespread publisher signature, but the file from playvalorant.com is legitimate.

Step-by-Step: The 12-Step Install Sequence

Stick to this exact order. Skipping ahead causes the most common failure — installing the wrong thing or selecting the wrong platform.

1. Open a browser and navigate to playvalorant.com.
2. Click “Play for Free” or “Play Now” in the top-right corner.
3. If you do not have a Riot Account, click “Create a Riot Account”. If you already have one, click “Sign In”.
4. On the download page, select PC as your platform — not Mac or console.
5. Click the red “Download” button. This downloads the Riot Client installer (named install VALORANT.exe).
6. Open your Downloads folder, double-click the installer file, and click “Install” when prompted.
7. Allow the Riot Client to install. It opens automatically when finished.
8. Sign in to your Riot Account inside the client.
9. Select VALORANT from the left panel and click “Install”.
10. Use the default install path, or click “Advanced Options” to choose a custom folder or an external drive. Select your language, then click “Install”.
11. Accept the terms and conditions. The actual game download begins here.
12. When the button changes to “Play,” the install is complete. Click it to launch the game.

You will see the Riot Client loading screen, then VALORANT’s main menu. That is your you can jump into the tutorial or matchmaking immediately.

What To Do When The Install Fails

Three issues account for nearly all failed installs. Here is how to spot and fix each one.

Your CPU Lacks SSE 4.2 Support

VALORANT requires SSE 4.2 or AVX instructions. If your processor was manufactured before roughly 2008, it likely lacks this. The installer will fail silently or crash mid-download. Check your CPU model against the table above — if it does not make the minimum cut, the game is unplayable on that machine regardless of other specs.

You Selected The Wrong Platform

The download page defaults to PC, but changing it to Mac or console redirects you to an unsupported page. Your download button may vanish entirely. Return to playvalorant.com and explicitly choose PC before hitting download.

The Riot Client Won’t Open After Install

If the client downloads but the install VALORANT.exe file does nothing when double-clicked, your antivirus may have quarantined it. Open your antivirus quarantine, restore the file, and run it again. The file is safe from the official source. If the problem persists, run the installer as administrator (right-click the file and select “Run as administrator”).

How Long Does The Whole Thing Take?

An Ethernet connection on the game download step cuts the time by about a third compared to Wi-Fi. The initial client file is tiny — the bulk of the wait comes from the game itself downloading through the client.

Common Questions And Quick Fixes

Can I download VALORANT on a laptop?

Yes, if the laptop meets the minimum specs in the table above. Most gaming laptops from the last eight years qualify. The low RAM requirement (4 GB) means even budget office laptops can often run it at minimum settings.

Do I need to pay for anything?

No. VALORANT is free-to-play with no subscription. Optional cosmetic purchases exist, but nothing required to install or play the game.

Can I install VALORANT on an external drive or SSD?

Yes. During step 10 of the install sequence, click “Advanced Options” and browse to your external drive folder. An SSD is strongly recommended — the game loads noticeably faster from an SSD than a standard hard drive.

Do I need TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot?

No. This is a common myth because Windows 11 requires both, but VALORANT itself does not. Your PC can boot Windows 10 without these features, and VALORANT will run fine.

Final Install Checklist

Before you click anything, confirm these three things: your PC is 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, your CPU supports SSE 4.2, and you have a Riot Account ready. Then use the single official link at playvalorant.com, choose PC, download the Riot Client, and let the client pull down the game. The whole process from start to the main menu takes roughly 15 minutes on a modern connection. Once you see the “Play” button in the Riot Client, you are done — and VALORANT is waiting.