How to Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 5
Written by Rimvydas Iliavicius on
How to Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 5
Many users report getting Error Code VAL 5 in Valorant while in-game or in a matchmaking queue. VAL 5 is a connection error that can occur when Valorant’s servers are down for maintenance or overloaded due to a player surge, among other reasons. If this error occurs due to an issue on the client side, follow the instructions in this article to fix it.
The game has lost connection. Please relaunch the client to restore connectivity. Error Code: VAL 5
What Causes Error Code VAL 5?
Valorant Error Code VAL 5 indicates a connectivity issue that can be caused by problems on the server side or client side. We have listed all of the known reasons below.
- Unstable Internet Connection. If you get error code VAL 5, but Valorant’s servers are online and working correctly, then there’s an issue with your Internet connection, and it’s likely unstable.
- Valorant servers are overloaded. Valorant servers may become overloaded during peak hours and cause the VAL 5 error.
- Valorant servers are down for maintenance. Valorant servers may be offline due to an update or patch. To find out if Error Code VAL 5 occurs to an issue on the server side, go to Riot Games Service Status website and check if the service is experiencing problems. If Valorant’s servers are operational, then it’s likely that the connection issue originates from the client side.
- Interference from third-party software. Other software on your system may interfere with Valorant and cause it to lose connection to its servers. Try closing unnecessary software or Clean Boot Windows to see if the issue is caused by third-party software.
- Valorant’s VGC service is disabled. The Vanguard service (VGC) ensures that the anti-cheat protection is running before launching the game. You will get the VAL 5 error if the service isn’t running.
Before trying any of our fixes, restart your PC, power-cycle your Internet router, and update your Windows operating system to the latest version.
Video Instructions on How to Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 5
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Check Valorant Server Status
- Method 1. Run Valorant as an Administrator
- Method 2. Repair the Valorant Installation
- Method 3. Reset TCP/IP Settings and Flush DNS Cache
- Method 4. Reinstall Riot Vanguard
- Method 5. Change the VGC Startup Type to Automatic
- Video Instructions on How to Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 5
Check Valorant Server Status
1. Open your web browser and go to the Riot Games Service Status website.
2. Select Valorant.
3. Choose your region.
4. See if there are any issues with Valorant’s services.
Method 1. Run Valorant as an Administrator
1. Right-click the Valorant desktop shortcut and select Properties.
2. Select the Compatibility tab.
3. Mark the Run this program as an administrator checkbox.
4. Click Apply and click OK.
Method 2. Repair the Valorant Installation
Corrupted Valorant installation files will cause connectivity issues. Repairing the game installation should fix Error Code VAL 5.
1. Open Valorant. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.
2. In the Valorant section, click Repair. Valorant will verify the integrity of game files and redownload missing or corrupted files.
Method 3. Reset TCP/IP Settings and Flush DNS Cache
In most cases, resetting your network settings and clearing your DNS cache solves all connectivity issues in Valorant.
1. Hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.
2. In the Run dialog box, type in CMD and hold down Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys to open the elevated Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type in the commands below and press the Enter key after typing in each one.
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
4. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.
Method 4. Reinstall Riot Vanguard
1. Right-click Start and click Apps and Features.
2. Scroll through the app list and locate Riot Vanguard.
3. Click the three dots next to Riot Vanguard and click Uninstall
4. Click Uninstall again.
5. Click Yes to continue.
6. Launch Valorant and Riot Vanguard will be reinstalled automatically.
Method 5. Change the VGC Startup Type to Automatic
The VGC Service is part of the anti-cheat system for Valorant and other Riot games. Error VAL 5 will occur if the VGC service fails to start. The guide below will show you how to set the service to start automatically.
1. Hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.
2. In the Run dialog box, type in services.msc and click OK.
3. In the Services window, right-click the VGC service and select Properties.
4. Open the Startup type drop-down menu and select Automatic.
5. In the Services status section, click Start.
6. Click Apply and click OK.
7. Restart your PC and launch Valorant.
8. However, if you get a “Windows could not start the vgc service on Local Computer. Error 1: Incorrect function”, message when starting the service, perform the following steps.
9. Right-click Start and select Apps and Features.
10. Scroll through the app list and find Riot Vanguard.
11. Click the three dots next to Riot Vanguard and click Uninstall.
12. Click Uninstall again.
13. Click Yes to continue.
14. Hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.
15. In the Run dialog box, type in CMD and hold down Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys to open the elevated Command Prompt.
16. In the Command Prompt window, type in bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF and press Enter.
17. Then, type in bcdedit -set NOINTEGRITYCHECKS OFF and press Enter. If you get “The value is protected by Secure Boot policy and cannot be modified or deleted” message, disable Secure Boot in your system’s BIOS.
18. Run the Valorant launcher to install Riot Vanguard.
19. Restart your PC.
20. Hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.
21. In the Run dialog box, type in services.msc and click OK.
22. In the Services window, right-click VGC and select Properties.
23. Open the Startup type drop-down menu and select Automatic.
24. In the Services status section, click Start.
25. Click Apply and click OK.
Did this article help you fix Error Code VAL 5 in Valorant? Let us know by commenting below.
▼ Show Discussion