Bugs and error codes are actually common for many graphics-intensive video games. VALORANT isn’t immune to them. Many players have reported having Error Code 43 “This was an error connecting to the platform. Please restart your game client” popping up when trying to log into the game or during play sessions. If you have the same issue and restarting the game multiple times didn’t work, don’t worry. We’ll guide you on how to fix it in this post.
Try these fixes:
You may not need to try them all; simply work your way down the list until you find the one that works.
- Check server status
- Restart your modem/ router
- Update your network adapter driver
- Flush your DNS cache
- Enable Vanguard service
- Change Vanguard startup type
- Run compatibility troubleshooter
- Perform a clean boot
- Reinstall Vanguard
Fix 1: Check server status
There’s a possibility that it’s caused by server maintenance or unexpected downtime of the servers. To check if that’s your case, visit the Riot Games service status page. There, you need to select your game VALORANT to check if there’re any issues with the server.
If the issue is on your end, proceed to the fixes below.
Fix 2: Restart your modem/ router
The error code 43 indicates a connectivity issue. So you need to check if your internet is unstable or down. Simply restart your modem or router. When the internet goes back to the working state, you’re good to go.
Fix 3: Update your network adapter driver
This error code is related to network or server connectivity issues. So your outdated network adapter driver can be the culprit and make your game unplayable. To fix it, you’re supposed to update your network adapter driver, especially if you can’t remember when was the last time you updated it.
You can manually update your network adapter driver by going to the manufacturer’s official website to download and install the correct network driver for your system.
OR
You can do it automatically with Driver Easy. Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct driver for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version, it takes just 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money-back guarantee):
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3) Click the Update button next to a flagged network adapter driver to automatically download and install the correct version of this driver (you can do this with the FREE version).
Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
After updating your drivers, restart your computer for them to take effect.
Fix 4: Flush your DNS cache
Regular Internet usage causes your computer to automatically cache IP addresses and other domain name system results. Clearing this cache will refresh the data, getting rid of outdated data that may be causing connection issues. Here’s how to do this:
1) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
2) Type cmd and then press Enter on your keyboard to open the Command Prompt.
3) Copy and paste the following command and press Enter.
ipconfig /flushdns
Then execute the second command:
Copy and paste the following command and press Enter.
netsh winsock reset
Once you’ve successfully flushed the DNS cache and reset the Netsh Winsock, restart your computer and play your game to check if it works.
Fix 5: Enable Vanguard service
Riot Vanguard is Riot’s all-new anti-cheat system and is required to play VALORANT. So you need to make sure that it’s enabled. To check it, follow the instructions below:
1) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog box.
2) Type msconfig and press Enter.
3) Click on the Services tab. Locate the vgc service. Tick the box next to it to enable the service. Then press Apply > OK.
4) Click Restart.
After rebooting your computer, play your game. If that didn’t work, proceed to the next fix.
Fix 6: Change Vanguard startup type
There’s a possibility that even if you have enabled vgc service, it’s actually crashing and in a “stopped” state. To check if that’s your case, follow these steps:
1) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog box.
2) Type taskmgr and press Enter.
3) Under the Processes tab, navigate to all VALORANT and Riot games processes. Right-click on each and select End task.
4) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog box.
5) Type services.msc and press Enter.
6) Locate vgc service. (The list is in alphabetical order.) Right-click it and select Properties.
7) In Startup type, click on the down arrow and select Automatic. Then click Apply > OK.
8) Click Start to start the service.
Once done, restart your computer and this should fix your issue.
Fix 7: Run compatibility troubleshooter
VALORANT error code 43 indicates that the game’s client couldn’t run it within a specified time. This is a connectivity-related issue and also could be a compatibility issue. To troubleshoot the issue, follow the steps below:
1) Press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to open File Explorer. Then open C:\ Drive > Riot Games > Riot Client.
2) Navigate to RiotClientServices. Right-click it and select Troubleshoot compatibility. Then it’ll start detecting issues. 
3) Click Troubleshoot program.
4) Click Next.
Fix 8: Perform a clean boot
Clean boot is one of the troubleshooting techniques that helps in identifying the application or service that is causing an issue. By performing a clean boot in Windows, you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game. Here’s how to do this:
1) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R together on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2) Type msconfig and then press Enter.
2) Click on the Services tab. Check the box Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all > Apply > OK.
3) Click Restart.
After restarting your computer, launch your game to see if the error code still appears.
Fix 9: Reinstall Vanguard
If none of the fixes listed above worked for you, you should consider reinstalling Vanguard in case a corrupted file inside Vanguard turns out to be the culprit.
1) In the Search box, type cmd. Right-click Command Prompt from the results and select Run as administrator.
2) Type and press Enter for both of these commands, in succession:
sc delete vgc
sc delete vgk
3) Restart your computer.
4) Once your computer is rebooted, press the Windows logo key and E at the same time to open File Explorer.
5) Click C:\ Drive > Program Files. Right-click on the Riot Vanguard folder and select Delete.
6) From your desktop, right-click Recycle Bin, and select Empty Recycle Bin to completely delete the Riot Vanguard folder. (Note: if you have any important documents in the Recycle Bin, make sure you’ve restored them before you confirm to permanently delete all the stuff in it.)
7) Right-click on the VALORANT shortcut and select Run as administrator.
8) Wait for Vanguard to be installed.
This will take several minutes to complete. After it’s finished, click the PLAY button.
9) When you receive the error VANGUARD NOT INITIALIZED, simply click QUIT.
Now restart your computer to finish the installation process.
Once your computer is rebooted, right-click on the VALORANT shortcut and select Run as administrator and you should be able to play your game without the error popping up.
That’s it – the full list of fixes for VALORANT error code 43. Hopefully, you can enjoy your game now. If you have any ideas or questions, please leave us a comment below. We’ll get back to you ASAP.