How to Fully Uninstall 2XKO & Vanguard in June 2026

Uninstalling 2XKO isn’t as straightforward as removing other games from your PC. Due to Riot Games’ kernel-level anti-cheat system, Vanguard, you need to follow specific steps to ensure complete removal. I’ve tested multiple methods and compiled this comprehensive guide to help you uninstall 2XKO properly, whether you’re freeing up space, troubleshooting issues, or moving on from the game.

Quick Overview: 2XKO Uninstall Process

Why is 2XKO Uninstall Different from Other Games?

Unlike standard games, 2XKO comes with Riot Vanguard, a kernel-level anti-cheat system that runs with elevated privileges on your system. Vanguard starts before Windows boots up and operates at a deep system level, making it resistant to tampering. This security feature is great for preventing cheating but makes uninstallation more complex than typical games.

When you install 2XKO, you’re actually installing multiple components:

• The main 2XKO game files
• Riot Client (Riot’s game launcher)
• Riot Vanguard (anti-cheat system)
• Various registry entries and system services

Each of these components requires separate removal steps for a complete uninstallation.

How to Uninstall 2XKO in June 2026?

Step 1: Close All Riot Games Processes

Before attempting to uninstall 2XKO, you must ensure all Riot-related processes are completely closed:

1. Close 2XKO: If the game is running, exit it completely.
2. Check Task Manager: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
3. End Riot Processes: Look for and end these processes:
   • 2XKO.exe or Lion-Win64-Shipping.exe
   • RiotClientServices.exe
   • Riot Client.exe
   • Any other Riot-related processes
4. Check System Tray: Look for the Riot Client or Vanguard icons in your system tray (bottom-right corner).
5. Right-click and Exit: Right-click on any Riot icons and select “Exit” or “Close.”

Step 2: Disable Riot Vanguard

Vanguard must be disabled before you can uninstall 2XKO:

1. Locate Vanguard Icon: Find the Vanguard icon in your system tray.
2. Right-click and Exit: Right-click the Vanguard icon and select “Exit Vanguard.”
3. Confirm Exit: A confirmation dialog may appear – click “Yes” to proceed.

If you don’t see the Vanguard icon or can’t disable it this way, don’t worry – we’ll address this in the troubleshooting section.

Step 3: Uninstall 2XKO via Windows Settings

Now that all processes are closed, you can uninstall the main game:

1. Open Settings: Press Windows Key + I or click Start > Settings.
2. Go to Apps: Select “Apps” > “Apps & features.”
3. Find 2XKO: Scroll through the list or use the search box to find “2XKO.”
4. Click Uninstall: Click the three dots next to 2XKO and select “Uninstall.”
5. Confirm Uninstall: Click “Uninstall” again in the confirmation dialog.
6. Wait for Completion: Allow the uninstallation process to complete.

Step 4: Uninstall Riot Vanguard

After uninstalling 2XKO, you need to remove Vanguard separately:

1. Return to Apps & Features: Stay in the Apps > Apps & features window.
2. Find Riot Vanguard: Search for “Riot Vanguard” in the list.
3. Click Uninstall: Click the three dots next to Riot Vanguard and select “Uninstall.”
4. Confirm Uninstallation: Click “Uninstall” in the confirmation dialog.
5. Approve Admin Rights: If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes” to allow the app to make changes.

Step 5: Remove Leftover Files

Even after uninstalling through Windows, some files may remain. Here’s how to remove them:

1. Delete Riot Games Folder:
   • Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E)
   • Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\ or C:\Program Files\
   • Look for a “Riot Games” folder
   • Right-click and select “Delete”
2. Delete AppData Files:
   • Press Windows Key + R
   • Type %localappdata% and press Enter
   • Look for “Riot Games” folder
   • Right-click and select “Delete”
3. Delete Additional AppData Files:
   • Press Windows Key + R
   • Type %appdata% and press Enter
   • Look for any Riot Games or 2XKO folders
   • Right-click and select “Delete”
4. Empty Recycle Bin: Right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop and select “Empty Recycle Bin.”

Step 6: Clean Registry Entries (Advanced)

Warning: Editing the registry can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution and consider backing up your registry first.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Back Up Registry: Click File > Export, choose a location, and save a backup.
3. Find Riot Entries: Press Ctrl+F and search for “Riot Games” or “2XKO.”
4. Delete Relevant Entries: Right-click and delete any entries related to 2XKO or Riot Games.
5. Repeat Search: Press F3 to continue searching until no more entries are found.

How to Uninstall 2XKO Manually in June 2026?

If the standard uninstall method fails, you may need to uninstall manually:

Manual Uninstall Method

1. Stop Vanguard Services:
   • Press Windows Key + R, type cmd
   • Right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”
   • Enter these commands one by one:
   • sc stop vgc
   • sc stop vgk
   • sc delete vgc
   • sc delete vgk
2. Reboot Your Computer: This step is mandatory before proceeding.
3. Delete Vanguard Folder:
   • Navigate to C:\Program Files\
   • Right-click the “Riot Vanguard” folder and select “Delete”
4. Delete 2XKO Files:
   • Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Riot Games\
   • Delete the “2XKO” folder
5. Clean AppData: Follow the AppData cleanup steps from the previous section.

How to Uninstall 2XKO in Safe Mode?

If Vanguard is preventing uninstallation, Safe Mode can help:

1. Access Advanced Startup:
   • Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
   • Under “Advanced startup,” click “Restart now”
2. Enter Safe Mode:
   • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings
   • Click Restart
   • Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode
3. Uninstall in Safe Mode:
   • Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
   • Uninstall 2XKO and Riot Vanguard as described earlier
4. Delete Leftover Files: Use File Explorer to delete remaining Riot Games folders.
5. Restart Normally: Restart your computer to exit Safe Mode.

Common Problems When Uninstalling 2XKO?

“Vanguard Won’t Uninstall” Error

This is the most common issue users face. Here are solutions:

1. Ensure All Processes Are Closed: Double-check Task Manager for any running Riot processes.
2. Use Safe Mode: As described above, uninstalling in Safe Mode often works when normal methods fail.
3. Manual Service Deletion: Use the Command Prompt method to stop and delete Vanguard services.
4. Third-Party Uninstallers: Tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller can force remove stubborn programs.

“Files Are in Use” Error

If Windows reports files are in use:

1. Restart Your Computer: This often clears file locks.
2. Use Safe Mode: As above, Safe Mode prevents most services from running.
3. Unlocker Tools: Utilities like LockHunter can identify what’s locking a file and release it.

“Access Denied” Error

If you’re denied access when trying to delete files:

1. Run as Administrator: Ensure you’re performing the uninstallation with admin rights.
2. Take Ownership of Files:
   • Right-click the file/folder > Properties > Security
   • Click Advanced > Change next to Owner
   • Enter your username, click Check Names, then OK
   • Check “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects”
   • Click Apply > OK

How to Get More Help with 2XKO Uninstallation in June 2026?

If you’re still having trouble uninstalling 2XKO:

1. Official Support: Visit the 2XKO Support website for official guides.
2. Riot Games Support: Submit a ticket through Riot’s official support channels.
3. Community Forums: Check Reddit’s r/2XKO community for user solutions.
4. Professional Help: Consider contacting a PC technician if you’re uncomfortable with advanced troubleshooting.

Should I Reinstall 2XKO Later?

If you’re uninstalling to fix issues, a clean reinstall often resolves many problems:

1. Restart Your Computer: After complete uninstallation, restart your PC.
2. Download Fresh Installer: Get the latest version from the official 2XKO website.
3. Run as Administrator: Right-click the installer and select “Run as administrator.”
4. Follow Installation Prompts: Complete the installation process.
5. Test the Game: Launch 2XKO to ensure everything works correctly.

Complete Cleanup: Removing All Riot Games

If you want to remove all Riot Games products from your system:

1. Uninstall All Riot Games: Use Apps & features to uninstall Valorant, League of Legends, etc.
2. Uninstall Riot Client: Find “Riot Client” in Apps & features and uninstall it.
3. Remove All Riot Folders: Delete all Riot Games folders from Program Files and AppData.
4. Clean Registry: Remove all Riot-related registry entries.

FAQ

Why won’t 2XKO uninstall from my computer?

2XKO often won’t uninstall because Riot Vanguard is still running in the background. Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat that starts before Windows and protects itself from being modified or uninstalled while active. You must first disable Vanguard through the system tray icon or use Safe Mode to prevent it from running during uninstallation.

Do I need to uninstall Vanguard separately from 2XKO?

Yes, Vanguard is installed as a separate program and must be uninstalled independently. Even after uninstalling 2XKO, Vanguard remains on your system and continues running. You’ll find “Riot Vanguard” in your Apps & features list and should uninstall it separately for complete removal.

Will uninstalling 2XKO affect my other Riot Games?

Uninstalling 2XKO alone won’t affect other Riot Games like Valorant or League of Legends. However, if you uninstall Riot Vanguard, it will affect all Riot Games that use the anti-cheat system. Those games won’t launch until you reinstall Vanguard (which happens automatically when you launch any Vanguard-protected game).

How do I know if Vanguard is completely removed?

After uninstalling Vanguard, check these indicators:

• No Vanguard icon in your system tray
• No “Riot Vanguard” entry in Apps & features
• No “Riot Vanguard” folder in C:\Program Files\
• No vgc or vgk services in Task Manager’s Services tab
• No Riot Vanguard processes running in Task Manager

Can I reinstall 2XKO after uninstalling?

Yes, you can reinstall 2XKO at any time. Simply download the installer from the official website and run it. The installation process will automatically reinstall Vanguard if needed. Your account progress and purchases are stored server-side and will be available when you reinstall.

Why does 2XKO leave so many files after uninstallation?

2XKO leaves files because it’s a complex application with multiple components including the game itself, the Riot Client launcher, Vanguard anti-cheat, and various configuration and cache files. Standard uninstallers often miss configuration files, cache data, and registry entries, which is why manual cleanup is recommended for complete removal.

Is it safe to delete Riot Games folders manually?

Yes, it’s generally safe to delete Riot Games folders manually after uninstalling the programs through Windows. The folders typically contain only game files, configuration data, and caches. However, always ensure the programs are fully uninstalled first and consider backing up important save files if applicable.

What’s the difference between disabling and uninstalling Vanguard?

Disabling Vanguard temporarily turns it off until your next restart, while uninstalling completely removes it from your system. Disabling is useful if you need to run other software that conflicts with Vanguard temporarily, while uninstalling is for permanent removal when you’re done with Riot Games.

Can I uninstall 2XKO without admin rights?

No, you cannot completely uninstall 2XKO without administrator rights. Both 2XKO and Vanguard require elevated privileges to install and uninstall due to their system-level components. You’ll need to provide admin credentials or use an administrator account to complete the uninstallation.

Will uninstalling 2XKO improve my computer’s performance?

Uninstalling 2XKO may improve performance if:

• The game was causing system instability
• Vanguard was conflicting with other software
• You’re freeing up significant storage space
• Your system resources were being consumed by background processes

However, if your PC meets the recommended requirements, 2XKO and Vanguard typically have minimal performance impact when not actively running.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about uninstalling 2XKO from your PC. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues, freeing up space, or moving on from the game, following these steps will ensure a complete removal. Remember that Vanguard’s kernel-level nature makes the process more complex than typical games, but with patience and the right approach, you can successfully remove all components of 2XKO from your system.

For more 2XKO guides, check out our Best 2XKO Settings for 60 FPS, How to Play 2XKO: From Basics to Pro Strategy, and 2XKO Season 0 Battle Pass Value & All Rewards articles. If you’re experiencing login issues, our How to Fix 2XKO 2001 Failed to Log in Error guide might help.