Riot set to remove support for Valorant from Windows 7

Valorant (Image via Dot ESports)

Riot Games, the developer of the popular tactical shooter Valorant, announced that starting January 11, 2023, support for older versions of Windows that are not fully compatible with Vanguard, Valorant’s anti-cheat and security software, will be removed. This decision comes as a measure to prevent cheaters from circumventing certain security features that keep the game safe.

According to the announcement, any Windows 10 version below 1709 will no longer be supported. The developer is recommending that every player updates their Windows version now to avoid any inconvenience. The following older Windows 10 versions (Redstone 3 and earlier) will be specifically unsupported:

1507 (Threshold) Build: 102401511
1511 (Threshold 2) Build: 10586
1607 (Redstone) Build: 14393
1703 (Redstone 2) Build: 15063
1709 (Redstone 3) Build: 16299

Due to changes made today, you can no longer play VALORANT on Windows 7. | #VALORANT
— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) January 11, 2023

Also Read: Riot Games launch teaser for Valorant Act 4 Episode 1

How to check the windows version and update for Valorant?

If you’re unsure which version of Windows is installed on your device, there are several ways to check. You can click on the Windows logo key + R, type “winver” in the open box, and then click OK. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > System > About, this will give you information on whether you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows, which edition, and version your device is running, and the OS build, which must be above 1709. If the version is 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004, 20H2, 21H1, 21H2, and 22H2, then your device should be fine.

Players who are using a version that Riot Games considers to be old, will have to update the OS or they won’t be able to play Valorant when this change goes live on January 11 with Episode 6 and new map Lotus. The current version of Windows 10 1709 is about five years old and does not have the specific Windows security updates that Riot Games requires to make the game fully secure.

To update the Windows OS, players can select ‘Check for Windows updates’ to manage their options and view available updates. Another way is to press the Start button and then navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Until they upgrade, players using older versions of Windows 10 will receive reminder notifications from Riot Games.

Additionally, this move also a response to some Valorant players who have been using older Windows versions to cheat via hardware hacks. This change will be a great news for the vast majority of the playerbase who avoid cheating in any form.