Valorant Error Code 12: How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
12
Brand
Valorant
Product Type
game
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Valorant Error Code 12 is a general unknown error that typically appears when the game client encounters an unexpected issue during launch or mid-session, prompting you to restart. It can be triggered by corrupted game files, outdated drivers, conflicting background software, or a hiccup in Riot's servers. The good news is that most cases can be resolved without any technical expertise by following a series of targeted software fixes.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 12

  1. Restart Valorant and the Riot Client

  2. Restart Your Computer

  3. Check Riot Server Status

  4. Repair Valorant Game Files

  5. Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings

    Running these commands will reset your network stack. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi or re-enter VPN settings after rebooting.

  6. Disable VPN or Proxy Services

  7. Restart the Vanguard Anti-Cheat Service

    Do not disable Vanguard permanently — Valorant requires it to run. Only restart the service, do not set it to 'Disabled'.

  8. Update Your Graphics Drivers

  9. Run Valorant as Administrator

  10. Reinstall Valorant Completely

    A reinstall will not delete your account progress or cosmetics — all data is stored server-side. However, you will need to re-download the full game, which may take some time.
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When to Call a Professional

If Error Code 12 persists after completing all steps including a clean reinstall, the issue may be related to a deeper Windows system corruption, a failing hardware component such as RAM or storage, or an account-level flag by Riot's systems. In these cases, submit a support ticket directly to Riot Games at support-valorant.riotgames.com with your full error logs (found in C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\Logs). Riot support agents can inspect your account and server-side data to identify issues that cannot be resolved locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Valorant Error Code 12 mean?
Error Code 12 in Valorant is a generic 'unknown error' that tells you something went wrong and the game needs to restart. It does not point to one single cause — it can result from corrupted files, a Vanguard anti-cheat issue, network problems, or a temporary server outage on Riot's end.
Why does Valorant Error Code 12 keep coming back?
If Error Code 12 keeps returning after restarting, the underlying cause has not been resolved. Common persistent triggers include a Vanguard service that is not starting correctly on boot, corrupted game files that were not caught by a repair, or a VPN or firewall blocking Riot's servers. Work through each fix step methodically rather than just restarting repeatedly.
Does Valorant Error Code 12 mean I'm banned?
No, Error Code 12 is not a ban notification. Riot uses different and more specific error codes and messages to communicate account bans or restrictions. Error Code 12 is a technical error related to the game client or connection, not an account action.
Can Vanguard cause Valorant Error Code 12?
Yes, Riot Vanguard is one of the more common causes. If the Vanguard service (vgc) fails to start properly when Windows boots, Valorant cannot launch and will throw Error Code 12. Restarting the vgc service in Windows Services, or rebooting your PC, usually resolves this.
Will reinstalling Valorant fix Error Code 12?
A clean reinstall is one of the most reliable fixes if other steps have not worked. It eliminates deep file corruption that the built-in Repair tool might miss. Your in-game progress, skins, and account data are all stored on Riot's servers, so you will not lose anything by uninstalling and reinstalling the game.

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