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The quick answer
Close the frozen Riot Client and start fresh.
Riot identifies VAL 43 as a system timeout and recommends restarting Riot Client. If the client is frozen, use Task Manager to close the visible Riot Client task, reopen it, and check the service status before deleting any files.
Jump into the guide01Three fast steps
1 · Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2 · Exit Riot Client
End a frozen Riot Client app process, if it cannot close normally.
3 · Restart and retest
Reopen Riot Client and VALORANT; check Riot’s service banner if it still fails.
02Should you delete the Riot Client lockfile?
Many desktop apps use a temporary lockfile to coordinate one running instance. But the exact use, path and ownership of any Riot Client lockfile can change by release. A guessed location such as AppData\Local\Riot Games is not sufficient evidence to delete files.
Safer approach
Close all Riot Client processes normally, then restart Windows to release stale process state.
If Riot Support specifically requests file cleanup
Follow the exact current folder/path they provide; copy or rename first where possible.
03If the timeout keeps returning
Look for service incidents
Check status by region. VAL 43 might appear during a wider client-service problem.
Restart Windows and retry
Check whether the client itself updated successfully.
Test a clean network path
Disable VPN/proxy for one test; ensure date and time are correct.
Use Riot logs for repeat failures
Document the exact screen and timestamps; open a support ticket.
Frequently asked questions
Is lockfile deletion officially required for VAL 43?
Riot’s current error-code table first recommends restarting Riot Client. Do not treat unverified lockfile deletion as a universal step.
Will reinstalling immediately help?
Try the client restart, service status and basic network checks first.
Sources & update notes
Original Walker Bex explanations. Technical guidance checked October 15, 2026; follow the current linked support instructions if they change.