The Valorant error code van 79 is one of the most frustrating issues players can encounter when trying to launch or connect to Riot Games’ tactical shooter. Instead of loading into a match, users are often greeted by an unexpected error message that prevents access to the game.
If you are experiencing Valorant error code van 79, the good news is that the problem is usually related to system services, Riot Vanguard, or network communication issues rather than permanent hardware failures. In many cases, the solution can be applied in just a few minutes.
The Valorant error code van 79 typically appears when the game cannot properly communicate with essential Riot services during startup. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward getting back into your matches as quickly as possible.
What is Valorant Error Code VAN 79?

The Valorant error code van 79 is a connection-related error that prevents Valorant from launching correctly or connecting to Riot’s services.
Unlike graphics-related issues or hardware crashes, this error usually indicates that an essential service failed to start or that communication between the game and Riot’s infrastructure was interrupted.
Because Valorant relies heavily on its security systems and online services, even a small disruption can prevent the game from launching successfully.
How VAN 79 affects Valorant
When VAN 79 appears, players may experience:
- Failure to launch the game;
- Sudden disconnections;
- Endless loading screens;
- Login issues;
- Service connection failures.
In some situations, players may also see messages similar to an error occurred while launching this game, which can make troubleshooting more confusing.
Why the error appears
The most common explanation is that a required Windows service failed to start properly. Riot Vanguard and network-related services are often involved, which is why the issue is frequently associated with Vanguard error messages and startup failures.
Common causes of Valorant Error Code VAN 79
Understanding the root cause of Valorant error code van 79 makes troubleshooting significantly easier.
While the exact trigger varies between systems, most cases fall into a few common categories.
Riot Vanguard service issues
One of the most frequent causes involves Riot Vanguard, Valorant’s anti-cheat system. Potential Vanguard-related issues include:
- Vanguard service not starting automatically;
- Corrupted Vanguard installation;
- Service conflicts after Windows updates;
- Incomplete game updates.
These situations can sometimes resemble Vanguard error 57 or other Vanguard-related startup problems.
Windows service failures
Valorant depends on several Windows services to operate correctly.
Problems can occur when:
- Required services are disabled;
- Startup configurations are incorrect;
- System files become corrupted;
- Administrative permissions are restricted.
Because VAN 79 often originates at the system level, checking Windows services is one of the most effective troubleshooting steps.
Network and server communication problems
A Valorant connection error can also trigger VAN 79.
Network-related causes include:
- Temporary ISP instability;
- DNS configuration issues;
- Firewall restrictions;
- Router communication problems.
Although Riot server outages are less common, they can occasionally contribute to the issue.
How to fix Valorant Error Code VAN 79
Fortunately, several proven solutions can resolve Valorant error code van 79 without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
Restart Riot Vanguard and related services
The first solution involves checking whether Vanguard is running properly.
To do this:
- Press Windows + R;
- Type services.msc;
- Locate vgc;
- Double-click the service;
- Set Startup Type to Automatic;
- Start the service manually;
- Restart your computer.
This fix resolves a large percentage of VAN 79 cases.
Restart your computer completely
While simple, a full restart can reinitialize essential services and restore communication between Valorant and Riot systems.
Avoid using Fast Startup when troubleshooting because it may preserve problematic service states.
Verify Valorant and Riot Client files
Corrupted files can sometimes trigger startup issues.
Recommended actions:
- Open Riot Client;
- Check for updates;
- Repair installation if available;
- Reinstall if corruption is suspected.
This approach may also resolve situations where users encounter an error occurred while launching this game messages.
Advanced troubleshooting methods

If the basic solutions do not resolve Valorant error code van 79, the issue may be related to deeper system configurations, corrupted services, or conflicts between Riot Vanguard and Windows.
In these situations, more advanced troubleshooting methods can help identify and eliminate the root cause of the problem.
These solutions require a few extra steps, but they are often effective when standard fixes such as restarting the game or rebooting the computer fail to work.
Reinstall Riot Vanguard completely
Since Riot Vanguard is a core component of Valorant’s security infrastructure, any corruption in its files or services can prevent the game from launching properly. This is one of the most common reasons behind Vanguard error, Vanguard error 57, and even Valorant error code van 79.
A complete reinstallation ensures that all Vanguard files, services, and configurations are rebuilt from scratch.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Windows Control Panel;
- Navigate to “Programs and Features”;
- Locate Riot Vanguard in the installed programs list;
- Uninstall Riot Vanguard completely;
- Restart your computer;
- Launch Valorant again;
- Allow Riot Vanguard to reinstall automatically;
- Restart the PC once more if prompted.
This process removes corrupted files, incorrect service configurations, and update-related issues that may have accumulated over time. It is particularly useful if you recently updated Windows, installed new security software, or experienced other Vanguard-related startup errors.
Check Windows startup services
Another common cause of Valorant error code van 79 is a Windows service that failed to start correctly. Valorant depends on several background services to establish communication between the game client, Riot servers, and Riot Vanguard.
If one of these services is disabled, misconfigured, or stuck in a failed state, the game may display startup errors or connection failures.
To review your services:
- Press Windows + R;
- Type services.msc;
- Press Enter;
- Locate the services listed below;
- Verify that they are running and configured correctly.
Important services to check include:
- VGC service (Riot Vanguard);
- Network services;
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC);
- Windows Security services.
For the VGC service specifically:
- Double-click the service;
- Set Startup Type to “Automatic”;
- Click “Start” if the service is stopped;
- Apply the changes and restart your PC.
Why service failures trigger VAN 79
Many players assume that Valorant error code van 79 is purely a network issue. However, in reality, the error often appears because Valorant cannot establish communication with a required local service before contacting Riot’s servers.
For example:
- A disabled VGC service prevents Vanguard from initializing;
- An RPC failure can interrupt communication between applications;
- Network service issues may create a Valorant connection error;
- Security service conflicts can prevent Vanguard from loading correctly.
These failures frequently generate symptoms similar to Van 1067 error, making diagnosis difficult without checking the service status directly.
Perform a clean Windows boot
If Vanguard and Windows services appear to be functioning correctly, a third-party application may be interfering with Valorant.
A clean boot allows Windows to start with only essential services enabled, making it easier to identify software conflicts.
To perform a clean boot:
- Press Windows + R;
- Type msconfig;
- Open the Services tab;
- Select “Hide all Microsoft services”;
- Click “Disable all”;
- Open the Startup tab;
- Disable unnecessary startup applications;
- Restart your computer.
After restarting, launch Valorant and check whether Valorant error code van 79 still appears.
If the game launches successfully, one of the disabled applications was likely causing the conflict.
Common offenders include antivirus software, hardware monitoring tools, RGB control applications, and overlay software.
By combining a Vanguard reinstall, service verification, and clean boot testing, most persistent cases of Valorant error code van 79 can be resolved without requiring a full Windows reinstallation.
Valorant Error Code VAN 79 Comparison Table
The table below compares common Valorant startup and connection issues that players frequently confuse with Valorant error code van 79.
| Error | Main Cause | Typical Solution |
| VAN 79 | Service communication failure | Restart Vanguard services |
| Vanguard error 57 | Vanguard startup issue | Reinstall Vanguard |
| Van 1067 error | Service initialization failure | Repair services configuration |
| Valorant connection error | Network instability | Check internet and DNS |
| An error occurred while launching this game | Corrupted files or startup failure | Verify game installation |
Understanding these differences helps players diagnose problems more accurately. While Vanguard error 57 and Van 1067 error are often related to Vanguard services, Valorant error code van 79 is typically linked to service communication failures rather than complete anti-cheat corruption.
Why similar errors require different fixes
Many Valorant errors look almost identical on the surface. However, the underlying cause determines the correct solution.
For example, a Vanguard error may require a full anti-cheat reinstall, while a Valorant connection error may be resolved through network troubleshooting. Applying the wrong fix can waste time and leave the issue unresolved.
How to identify the correct error
Always pay attention to:
- Exact error code;
- Timing of the failure;
- Whether the game launches;
- Whether Vanguard starts correctly;
- Network status during startup.
These details help narrow down the source of the problem and speed up troubleshooting.
How to prevent Valorant Error Code VAN 79
Preventing future occurrences of Valorant error code van 79 is often easier than fixing it repeatedly.
Maintain Riot Vanguard properly
To avoid recurring issues:
- Keep Valorant updated;
- Avoid disabling Vanguard services;
- Install Windows updates regularly;
- Restart your PC periodically.
A healthy Vanguard installation reduces the likelihood of startup failures.
Maintain network stability
Since communication issues can contribute to VAN 79, stable connectivity is essential.
Best practices include:
- Using reliable DNS providers;
- Updating network drivers;
- Avoiding unstable wireless connections;
- Monitoring packet loss.
These steps can also reduce the chances of experiencing a Valorant connection error during gameplay.
FAQ
It is a startup or service communication error that prevents Valorant from connecting properly to Riot services.
The most common causes are Vanguard service failures, Windows service issues, or network communication problems.
Restart Vanguard services, reboot your PC, verify game files, and reinstall Riot Vanguard if necessary.
Yes. In many cases, the error is directly connected to Riot Vanguard startup or communication issues.
VAN 79 is generally related to service communication failures, while Van 1067 error usually indicates that a service failed during startup initialization.
Fix Valorant Error Code VAN 79 and Keep Your Matches Running Smoothly
The Valorant error code van 79 can be frustrating, but it is usually solvable through a combination of service troubleshooting, Vanguard maintenance, and network verification. By identifying the root cause and applying the appropriate fix, most players can restore access to the game quickly.
Whether the issue originates from a Vanguard error, a Valorant connection error, or service configuration problems, following the steps in this guide will significantly improve your chances of resolving it permanently.
For the best competitive experience, consider using ExitLag to optimize your connection routes, reduce instability, and maintain smoother communication with game servers during every Valorant match.
Got questions or want to connect with other players? Join the conversation at the ExitLag Forum!