Recommended VALORANT Compatibility Settings

For most systems, the safest VALORANT compatibility settings are the Windows defaults with special boxes left off unless a specific error or Riot Support instruction says otherwise. The Compatibility tab is a troubleshooting layer for legacy behavior, not a performance profile. DirectX choice, graphics quality and FPS caps are not configured there.

What should each option do?

• Run in compatibility mode: Off. Forcing Windows 7/8 behavior can create new Riot Client or Vanguard conflicts.
• Reduced color mode: Off. It is not a competitive-visibility setting.
• Run in 640 × 480: Off. Manage resolution in VALORANT's Video menu.
• Disable fullscreen optimizations: Not a universal FPS tweak. Test only for a reproducible alt-tab, focus or fullscreen issue and revert if measurements do not improve.
• High DPI settings: Leave at default; check native resolution and monitor scaling first.
• Run as administrator: Do not force permanently. Riot's current file-access guide asks for this box to be unchecked for that launch error.

Check the correct file

A desktop shortcut may only redirect to an executable. Use its Target or Open file location and inspect the actual file named in the error. Install locations vary, so do not paste a hard-coded path from a random guide.

DirectX and graphics belong elsewhere

The old claim that this tab lets you choose DirectX 11/12 is false. Material quality, shadows, resolution, VSync and FPS limits belong in the in-game Video menu; use the graphics-quality guide.

Test one variable

1. Screenshot the current flags.
2. Change one option.
3. Restart Windows and retest the same map, mode and metric.
4. Revert if there is no measurable benefit.

For removal steps, use the disable compatibility mode guide. If only FPS is bad, follow the FPS-drop diagnostic. Never bulk-change ACLs, grant Everyone Full Control or run registry packs.