How to Fix "Windows Could Not Start the VGC Service on Local Computer" Error

1. What is VGC in Services?

VGC is a Windows service installed with Riot Vanguard. Its executable, vgc.exe, is part of the user-mode Vanguard components that support Riot's anti-cheat environment. You can see the service by pressing Windows + R, typing services.msc, and locating vgc in the list.

When the service cannot start, Valorantmay display Vanguard-related errors or fail before reaching the game. If vgc service stopped after previously working, the cause may be a changed startup configuration, a Vanguard update that did not complete correctly, a Windows integrity setting, or interference from another background program.

Riot's own clean-boot troubleshooting specifically tells users to keep vgc enabled while disabling other non-Microsoft services, which shows how central this service is to Vanguard startup.

2. Common Causes of “Windows Could Not Start the VGC Service on Local Computer”

• VGC is set to Disabled or Manual instead of Automatic.
• Riot Vanguard files or service registration are damaged.
• A recent Windows, driver, security, or system configuration change broke a previously working installation.
• Windows Test Mode or modified integrity settings conflict with Vanguard's security requirements.
• Antivirus, endpoint security, tuning tools, or another background service interferes with Vanguard.
• The service launches but crashes, leading to messages such as the vgc service terminated unexpectedly.
• The system drive is critically full, leaving little working space for updates, temporary files, and game-related operations.

Do not assume every Valorant vgc service not starting case has the same cause. The Windows error code gives you a better starting point.

Check Which VGC Service Error You Have First

Error 1053 often points to a service that cannot initialize in time, while Error 1067 means the process ended unexpectedly. Error 109 suggests a communication failure between service components. The table does not replace logs, but it helps you choose the first repair instead of making random system changes.

⚡ 3. How to Fix “Windows Could Not Start the VGC Service on Local Computer”?

Fix 1: Set the VGC Service to Automatic and Start It

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

• Find vgc and right-click it. Select Properties and set Startup type to Automatic.

  

• Click Apply. Click Start under Service status.

• Click OK and restart the computer.

After rebooting, open Services again and confirm that vgc service is set to automatic and can run. Then launch Riot Client and VALORANT. If Start immediately fails with an error code, move to the matching fixes below rather than repeatedly clicking Start.

Fix 2: Perform a System Restore

Use System Restore when VGC worked recently and the issue began after a driver update, Windows setting change, security-tool installation, or other system modification.

• Press Windows + R. Type rstrui.exe and press Enter.

• Select Next and choose a restore point dated before the VGC problem began.

  

• Use Scan for affected programs if you want to see which apps or drivers may be reverted.

• Confirm the restore point and select Finish. Let Windows restart and complete the process.

  

System Restore normally reverts system files, registry settings, drivers, and installed programs without deleting personal files. However, applications installed after the selected restore point may need to be reinstalled.

Fix 3: Reinstall Riot Vanguard

A corrupted Vanguard installation is one of the most direct explanations for Windows could not start the vgc service on local computer.

• Close Valorantand Riot Client completely.

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find Riot Vanguard and uninstall it.

  

• Restart Windows. Launch Riot Client and it will automatically recognize that Vanguard is missing and begin downloading and installing the latest version.

• Restart the computer one more time after Vanguard finishes installing.

The second reboot matters because Vanguard's services and drivers need to load during Windows startup. If the service still fails after a clean reinstall, check Windows integrity settings and background conflicts next.

Fix 4: Disable Test Mode

Windows Test Mode allows drivers that are not normally signed for production use. Vanguard may reject security states that weaken normal code-integrity enforcement, so if you see "Test Mode" on the desktop or previously enabled test signing, turn it off.

• Search for Command Prompt. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.

• Enter: bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF

• Press Enter and confirm the command completed successfully.

• After that, restart your Windows.

After rebooting, check Services again and start vgc. Do not randomly change other BCD integrity settings unless you know why they were enabled.

Bonus Tip: Keep C Drive Space Healthy for Smooth Valorant Performance

A nearly full C drive does not directly create every VGC service error, but it can interfere with Windows updates, temporary files, crash logging, Riot updates, and general game stability. To prevent storage bottlenecks, it's best to keep your C drive in good health.

Instead of deleting personal files, you can use 4DDiG Partition Manager to extend your C drive partition. Its intuitive Resize Partition feature lets you safely take unallocated space from other drives to expand C drive in just a few clicks.

• Launch 4DDiG Partition Manager and select Partition Management from the left-hand menu. Choose the partition you wish to adjust, then click Resize/Move from the bottom toolbar.

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• In the pop-up window, drag the edges of the partition to resize it, or manually input your preferred size in GB. You can review the preview of your changes before clicking OK to confirm.

  
  Note:

  To move the partition, drag the entire partition box toward any unallocated space, or set the unallocated space offset manually.

• Review the task details on the confirmation prompt. If everything looks correct, click OK to proceed.

  

• The software will immediately begin adjusting your partition. Once the partition has been successfully resized, click Finish to complete the operation.

  

This does not replace the VGC fixes above, but it is useful when recurring low-space warnings are part of the same PC maintenance problem.

Conclusion

If Windows could not start the vgc service on local computer, begin with the service itself: set vgc to Automatic, start it, and note any error code. If the configuration is correct, use System Restore for a recent system change, reinstall Riot Vanguard for damaged files, and disable Windows Test Mode if test signing is active.

For PCs that are also struggling with a nearly full system drive, 4DDiG Partition Manager can extend your drive and give C more working space. Fix the VGC startup issue first, then address storage and system maintenance so Valorant has a stable environment to run.