Valorant, like many other online first-person-shooter games, is susceptible to serious bugs, errors, and glitches. Error codes like VAL 46, VAL 81, or the troublesome Required Dependencies error In Valorant impede playability and ruin the immersive experience the game has to offer. This article discusses possible fixes to the Required Dependencies error In Valorant that prevents you from playing the game.
Why Can’t Valorant Install A Required Dependency?
Several players report that whenever they try to launch the game, an error message pops up on the screen that says, “We couldn’t install a required dependency”. The full error message states:
“We couldn’t install a required dependency. Please try again or restart your computer or reach out to us at Riot Support.”

This error usually occurs when crucial game files are either corrupted or missing from the game’s installation folder. Another reason for this error is tied to the game’s anti-cheat system Riot Vanguard itself. The anti-cheat system is not functioning properly, resulting in the required dependencies error.
Most times, the error pops up after a new patch installation or when a game update gets pushed through the launcher. Regardless of whatever the cause may be, let’s explore the possible solutions you can try to resolve this issue.
How To Fix Valorant’s “We Couldn’t Install A Required Dependency” Error?
In the case of this error, reboot your computer system as instructed in the error message. If it doesn’t work, fret not, for we have some of the best fixes you need to try if you run into the “We couldn’t install a required dependency” error. We are confident that these solutions will help you resolve your issue.
Restart Valorant and Riot Client
Let’s begin with one of the easiest fixes suggested by Riot Support: simply restart the game along with the Riot client. As aforementioned, a faulty start-up often causes this error. So the first thing to do is restart the game and the client.
It is important to note that simply closing the game would not stop it from running in the background. It needs to be closed by the Task Manager as well. Here’s a quick and simple guide to doing it:
- To open Task Manager, use the shortcut key combination “CTRL” + “SHIFT” + “Esc”.
- In the apps list, find Valorant and Riot Client.
- Right-Click on the running programs and select End Task.

Re-Enable VGC
VGC is an anti-cheat tool that you may find in the “services” application. VGC service detects and then blocks unauthorized software or modifications to prevent cheating and hacking in online multiplayer games. Follow the steps enumerated below to enable this service:
- In the Windows Start Menu, search for the “Services”.
Opening the Services App (Image by Exputer) - Then, select the application and run it as an administrator for the best results.
- A window will appear with a list of different types of services. Scroll down to look for the VGC service.
Accessing VGC Properties (Image by Exputer) - Right-click the VGC service
- Promptly select “Properties” from the available options.
- In the next step, click on the bar beside Start-up. A drop-down menu will appear.
- Next, click on “Automatic” and select Start.
- Finally, click on OK to finish the process, and then you may close the window.

If the VGC service had ceased working earlier, it has now begun working again. We recommend restarting your system after enabling the VGC service to apply the changes you made. If this fix doesn’t work for you, continue reading. The next fix will definitely resolve your issue.
Disable Test Mode
Disabling the test mode is another effective method to fix the issue, rendered useful by many users. This particular Windows feature, when enabled, can cause Vanguard to stop running, which ultimately creates the error. Disabling the test mode is not as tricky as it sounds. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on the Windows Icon at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Type Command Prompt and select it from the search results.
- Enter the code “bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF”.
Disabling Test Mode (Image by Exputer) - Close Command Prompt.
- Reboot the PC.
Delete VGC and VGK Files
Deleting VGC and VGK files and then reinstalling Valorant has proven to be one of the most effective ways to solve the issue. Here are the steps to do this:
- Look up Command Prompt in the Start Menu.
- Select Command Prompt and run it in administrator mode for best results.
- Enter the command “sc delete vgc”.
deleting VGC file (Image By Exputer) - Next, enter the command “sc delete vgk”.
Deleting VGK file (Image by Exputer) - Restart your PC after you’re done.
- After the restart, go to the C drive and look for the Program Files folder.
- In the Program Files folder, find the Vanguard folder and delete it,
- Now, relaunch Valorant. A message will pop up asking you to relaunch it.
- Finally, relaunch the game, and the Vanguard will reinstall automatically,
Once you have completed all these steps, your game should run smoothly without glitches or errors.
Ending Words
The solutions we have covered so far are the best solutions to fix the Required Dependencies error In Valorant. It would be very unlikely for the error to occur since you have accessed the Riot Vanguard Program directly to resolve your issue. If none of the aforementioned solutions worked for you, then we would advise you to contact Riot Games Support simply. They may hopefully guide and assist you in resolving your issue regarding the Required Dependencies error In Valorant.
Crucial game files either become corrupted or go missing from the game’s installation folder, causing the error to occur. The game’s anti-cheat system, known as Riot Vanguard not functioning properly, resulting in the required dependencies error. Oftentimes, the computer system forces the anti-cheat software running in the background to shut down to free up some space leading to the aforementioned error. If none of the solutions works out for you, then we would advise you to contact Riot Games Support simply. They may hopefully guide and assist you in resolving your issue.Valorant: We Couldn't Install A Required Dependency- FAQs
Check out other guides on Valorant by eXputer:
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- 15 Best Agents In Valorant [For Beginners]
- How To Get Better At Valorant: 14 Best Tips & Tricks
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