We couldn’t install a required dependency

If you’ve ever tried to install a game or program and suddenly got a message saying, “We couldn’t install a required dependency,” you know how frustrating it feels. You sit there thinking you did everything right — your internet works, your PC seems fine — but the installer refuses to move forward.

This error usually appears when a necessary component (called a dependency) fails to install. Dependencies are small software packages that other programs rely on to work correctly. Without them, your game or app simply won’t run.

You’ll often see this message when installing games like Valorant or League of Legends, especially when Riot Vanguard (the anti-cheat service) fails to install properly. But it can also appear with regular apps that depend on Windows features, .NET Framework, or Visual C++ Redistributables.

This article breaks down what causes the problem, how to fix it step-by-step, and what to do if nothing seems to work. I’ll also share personal tips and lessons learned from helping others troubleshoot this same error.

What Does “We Couldn’t Install a Required Dependency” Mean?

In simple terms, it means the program you’re trying to install needs another piece of software (a dependency), but that dependency either:

• didn’t install properly,

• was blocked by something on your system,

• or couldn’t run because of permission or compatibility issues.

Think of it like building a house: you can’t install the roof if the walls aren’t ready. Dependencies are those “walls.”

Most games, especially those from Riot (Valorant, LoL), rely on background services like Riot Vanguard or system components like Visual C++, .NET Framework, and Secure Boot. When these fail, you get that message.

Common Causes of Dependency Installation Errors

Here are the most common reasons for this error message:

1. Administrative Permission Issues
   The installer might not have permission to modify certain system files. Even if you’re the only user, Windows sometimes restricts these changes unless you explicitly run as administrator.

2. Antivirus or Firewall Blocking
   Security software can mistakenly flag new services (like Vanguard’s vgc or vgk) as suspicious. When that happens, installation fails silently or shows this error.

3. Corrupted or Missing System Files
   Damaged Windows files, incomplete updates, or missing redistributables often cause dependency failures.

4. Interfering Background Services
   Apps like MSI Afterburner, Discord overlays, or even RGB control software can sometimes block the process Vanguard needs to run.

5. Secure Boot or TPM Settings Disabled
   Riot Vanguard, for example, requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled in BIOS/UEFI. Without these, it can’t complete installation.

6. Registry Errors or Leftover Files
   If you previously installed the same software and removed it manually, old registry entries or corrupted service files might prevent new installation.

7. Outdated Windows or Drivers
   Older builds of Windows 10 or early versions of Windows 11 may lack required updates that the installer depends on.

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Real-World Example: Valorant’s Vanguard Issue

This error became widely known with Valorant players. When Riot introduced its kernel-level anti-cheat (Vanguard), many users started seeing “We couldn’t install a required dependency” during installation.

In most cases, it was caused by:

• Vanguard services (vgc, vgk) not being properly removed from an earlier install, or

• Secure Boot being turned off in BIOS, or

• Windows not allowing the anti-cheat driver to register.

Personally, when I encountered this problem on my own gaming PC, I spent hours reinstalling Valorant before realizing Vanguard was being blocked by my antivirus (BitDefender). Once I disabled it temporarily, reinstalled Vanguard, and re-enabled protection, everything worked perfectly.

That’s why it’s so important to approach troubleshooting step by step — not just reinstall everything randomly.

Step-by-Step Fixes (From Basic to Advanced)

Let’s go through a full list of methods, starting from the easiest to the more technical ones. Try them in order.

Step 1: Restart and Run as Administrator

Before doing anything complicated, restart your PC. Temporary glitches or incomplete system updates can cause the installer to fail.

Then, right-click the installer or game launcher and choose “Run as Administrator.”
This gives it the elevated permissions it needs to install system-level services.

Step 2: Check Your Internet and Disk Space

Dependencies sometimes download during installation. If your internet connection drops or your disk is almost full, the process may fail.

Make sure you have at least 10 GB of free space and a stable internet connection.

Step 3: Update Windows and Drivers

Open Windows Update and install all pending updates. Some dependencies (like .NET Framework) are bundled within Windows updates.

Also, check for driver updates — especially for your chipset and BIOS if you’re on a laptop or custom PC.

Step 4: Install Visual C++ Redistributables and .NET Framework

Many dependency errors are fixed by reinstalling these core Microsoft packages.

For Visual C++:

1. Go to Microsoft’s official site and download all versions (2015–2022).

2. Install both x86 and x64 versions.

For .NET Framework:

1. Search “Download .NET Framework runtime” from Microsoft’s site.

2. Download and install the latest stable version.

Once done, restart your computer.

Step 5: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Some antivirus tools flag new kernel-level services as unsafe. Temporarily disable your antivirus and Windows Defender while installing.

After installation succeeds, turn protection back on.

If it works after disabling, add the game’s folder or Vanguard’s executable to your antivirus exceptions list.

Step 6: Clean Uninstall Vanguard (for Valorant Users)

If you previously installed Valorant, uninstall both the game and Vanguard completely.

Steps:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.

2. Uninstall both “Valorant” and “Riot Vanguard.”

3. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and ensure vgc and vgk are not running.

4. Open Command Prompt as admin and type:

   sc delete vgc
sc delete vgk


5. Delete leftover files from C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard.

6. Restart your PC and reinstall Valorant.

This clean start often fixes the dependency issue.

Step 7: Set Vanguard Services to Automatic

If Vanguard installs but fails to start, open services.msc, find vgc, right-click and set Startup Type: Automatic.
Click Start, then Apply.

Restart your computer and relaunch Valorant.

Step 8: Enable Secure Boot in BIOS

This one confuses many people. Riot Vanguard won’t start without Secure Boot enabled.

Here’s how:

1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del or F2).

2. Find Boot > Secure Boot setting.

3. Enable it and save changes.

4. Reboot normally.

If your PC uses Legacy Boot instead of UEFI, you might need to convert your disk to GPT before Secure Boot can be enabled.

If you’re not comfortable doing that, check the official Windows guide on “MBR to GPT conversion.”

Step 9: Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, third-party startup apps interfere with installations.

To do a clean boot:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.

2. Under Services, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” then click “Disable all.”

3. Go to Startup > Open Task Manager and disable all startup apps.

4. Restart and run the installer again.

If it works, you can re-enable your services one by one afterward.

Step 10: Registry Cleanup (Advanced Users)

If you’re still getting the error, there might be leftover registry entries.

Caution: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system problems. Always back up first.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services


3. Look for any leftover vgc or vgk entries.

4. Right-click and delete them (only if Valorant is uninstalled).

5. Restart your PC.

Then reinstall the game or software.

Step 11: Full Reinstallation

If none of the above works, do a full reinstall:

1. Uninstall the software completely.

2. Delete all leftover folders (in Program Files and AppData).

3. Reboot and reinstall from the official source.

It’s often faster than chasing small errors manually.

Troubleshooting Edge Cases

Here are a few special situations and what to do about them:

• You can’t delete Vanguard folders:
  Boot into Safe Mode and remove them manually.

• Secure Boot can’t be enabled:
  Your system might use Legacy BIOS. Convert your disk to GPT and switch to UEFI.

• Command Prompt says “access denied” when deleting services:
  Make sure you’re running it as Administrator.

• Error persists even after reinstall:
  Contact Riot Support or the software’s official helpdesk. Include screenshots, log files, and system info.

My Personal Tips and Experience

After troubleshooting dozens of these cases, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Never skip updates. Most dependency errors come from outdated Windows builds.

2. Always use admin mode when installing anything system-level.

3. Be patient and methodical. Jumping between random fixes can make things worse.

4. Take notes as you go. It helps track what’s been tried.

5. If in doubt, reinstall cleanly. It’s often faster than chasing hidden registry issues.

I remember helping a friend who got this error for weeks. The solution? Simply enabling Secure Boot. That single BIOS setting solved everything. Sometimes the simplest fixes are the most overlooked.

Preventing Dependency Installation Problems in the Future

• Keep your Windows updated.

• Install Visual C++ and .NET before new games.

• Avoid force-deleting system services.

• Regularly restart your PC (Windows caches a lot).

• Use a trusted antivirus, but whitelist major apps like Riot Vanguard.

• Avoid registry cleaners unless you really know what you’re doing.

Conclusion

The “We couldn’t install a required dependency” error can look intimidating, but it’s usually fixable with patience and the right steps. In most cases, it’s caused by permission issues, antivirus blocking, or Secure Boot settings.

If you follow this guide from start to finish — updating your system, reinstalling dependencies, and checking BIOS — you’ll likely have your game or app running smoothly again.

Remember: every PC setup is a little different. What works for one person may not work for another, but understanding why the error happens is the real key to solving it.

FAQ

Q1: What does “we couldn’t install a required dependency” actually mean?
It means the installer tried to install an additional component (like Vanguard, Visual C++, or .NET) but couldn’t complete the process due to permissions or system conflicts.

Q2: Can I ignore this error and continue?
No. The main program won’t run without the missing dependency.

Q3: Is it safe to disable antivirus during installation?
Yes, but only temporarily. Re-enable it immediately after installation and whitelist the app.

Q4: Why does this happen only on Riot games?
Because Riot Vanguard runs at a low system level and needs special permissions and Secure Boot enabled. Other apps don’t need that.

Q5: Does reinstalling Windows fix this error?
Yes, but that’s a last resort. Try the steps above first.