How To Solve Situations Iss Vanguard

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How to Solve Issues with Riot Vanguard (vgk.sys) in VALORANT: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you ready to jump into a match of VALORANT, only to be stopped dead in your tracks by an error related to Riot Vanguard? You're not alone. Vanguard, Riot Games' kernel-level anti-cheat software, is a powerful tool designed to keep the game fair, but it can sometimes cause a host of frustrating issues, from simple error codes to dreaded Blue Screens of Death (BSODs).

Don't worry, we're here to help you get back to the action. Let's start with the most important first step: are you in the middle of a gaming session when the error occurs? If so, don't panic. We'll guide you through a series of troubleshooting steps, starting with the simplest fixes and moving to more advanced solutions.


Step 1: The Quick and Easy Fixes

Before you dive into complex technical adjustments, let's try some simple troubleshooting steps that often resolve a wide range of Vanguard issues.

Sub-heading: Restart Everything

Believe it or not, a simple restart can work wonders. This is especially true for connectivity-related errors like VAN 0, 1, 6, and 38.

  1. Close VALORANT and the Riot Client completely. Make sure they're not running in the background.

  2. Restart your PC. This will ensure all Vanguard and VALORANT processes are properly shut down and can start fresh.

  3. Restart your router. Unplug your router and modem for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This can resolve a lot of network-related glitches.

  4. Launch VALORANT again. See if the issue is resolved.

Sub-heading: Reinstall Vanguard

Sometimes, Vanguard's files can become corrupted, leading to various errors, including the dreaded vgk.sys BSOD. Reinstalling it is a quick and effective way to fix this.

  1. Open your Windows settings (press the Windows key + I).

  2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.

  3. Find Riot Vanguard in the list and click Uninstall.

  4. Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer.

  5. Launch VALORANT. The game will automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard. Follow the on-screen instructions.


Step 2: Update Your System and Drivers

Outdated system components are a common cause of compatibility problems with Vanguard. Keeping your PC up-to-date is crucial for a smooth gaming experience.

Sub-heading: Update Windows

Ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated with the latest patches and security updates.

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

  3. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Sub-heading: Update Your Drivers

An outdated graphics driver can lead to crashing issues, including BSODs related to vgk.sys.

  1. Open the Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select it from the menu).

  2. Expand the Display adapters section.

  3. Right-click your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and select Update driver.

  4. Choose to Search automatically for drivers and let Windows handle the process. For more control, you can visit your GPU manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers directly.


Step 3: Digging into the Core Settings

If the simple fixes haven't worked, you might need to adjust some deeper system settings that can interfere with Vanguard's operation.

Sub-heading: Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)

VBS is a security feature in Windows that can sometimes conflict with Vanguard, affecting performance and causing errors.

  1. Open the Windows search bar and type Core isolation.

  2. In the Core isolation settings, find the Memory integrity toggle and turn it Off.

  3. You may be prompted to restart your PC. Do so to apply the changes.

Note: Disabling this feature can slightly reduce your system's security. It's up to you to weigh the risks versus the benefits for your gaming experience.

Sub-heading: Check and Adjust BIOS Settings

This step is more advanced and requires you to enter your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings. Proceed with caution, as incorrect settings can cause system instability. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to seek assistance from a knowledgeable friend or professional.

  • Secure Boot and TPM 2.0: For Windows 11 users, Vanguard requires these features to be enabled.

    • Check your status: Open the Windows search bar and type msinfo32. Look for "BIOS Mode" (should be UEFI) and "Secure Boot State" (should be On). For TPM, type tpm.msc and check its status.

    • How to Enable: Restart your PC and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing DEL or F2 repeatedly during startup). Navigate to the Boot, Security, or Advanced settings to find and enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (sometimes called PTT or fTPM). The exact steps vary greatly by motherboard manufacturer.

  • Disable Overclocking: If you have overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, revert all settings to their default values. Some systems have "AI" or "automatic" overclocking enabled by default in the BIOS, which can cause instability with Vanguard. Look for settings like "Core Ratio Boost," "Turbo Boost," or "CPU Lite Load Control" and set them to their Intel/AMD defaults.


Step 4: Advanced Troubleshooting and Last Resorts

If you've exhausted all other options, these steps are your final line of defense.

Sub-heading: Repair Game Files

The Riot Client has a built-in repair tool that can fix corrupted game files.

  1. Open the Riot Client.

  2. Click the Profile icon in the top right and select Settings.

  3. Select VALORANT from the list of games.

  4. Click the Repair button. Wait for the process to finish, then restart the game.

Sub-heading: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping you identify if a third-party application is conflicting with Vanguard.

  1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

  2. Go to the Services tab, check the box for Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.

  3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.

  4. In the Task Manager, disable all startup items.

  5. Close the windows and restart your computer.

  6. Launch VALORANT. If it works without issues, you can re-enable your services and startup programs one by one to find the culprit.

Sub-heading: Reset Windows

This is the nuclear option. If nothing else works and you suspect a deeper Windows corruption, resetting your PC can resolve file and configuration issues. You can choose to keep your personal files, but you will need to reinstall all your applications.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

  2. Under "Reset this PC," click Reset PC and follow the on-screen prompts.

  3. Choose Keep my files to save your personal data, and then proceed with the reset.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to check if Vanguard is running?

You can check if Vanguard is running by looking for the small red shield icon in your system tray (the area next to the clock on your taskbar). If you don't see it, it's not running.

How to reinstall Vanguard without reinstalling VALORANT?

You can uninstall Riot Vanguard from Apps & features in Windows settings. When you launch VALORANT again, it will automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard.

How to fix the vgk.sys Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?

The vgk.sys BSOD is often caused by driver conflicts, especially with overclocking software or security features like VBS. Follow the steps in this guide, particularly those on updating drivers, disabling VBS, and adjusting BIOS settings.

How to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0?

You must enter your PC's BIOS/UEFI settings to enable these. The process varies by motherboard. You'll typically find these options in the Boot or Security menus. Refer to your motherboard's manual for specific instructions.

How to fix Vanguard error VAN 9002?

This error indicates that Exploit Protection is not enabled. You can enable it in Windows' Exploit Protection settings. It's often recommended to remove Riot Games, VALORANT, and Vanguard from program settings within Exploit Protection before restarting your PC and re-adding them.

How to fix connection errors like VAN 0, 1, 6, and 84?

These are usually connection issues. Restarting your PC and router, flushing your DNS, and checking your firewall and antivirus settings are the most effective solutions.

How to add Vanguard to my antivirus exceptions?

The process differs for each antivirus software. Generally, you can go to your antivirus program's settings, find the "Exclusions," "Exceptions," or "Whitelist" section, and add the VALORANT and Riot Vanguard installation folders to the list.

How to fix "Vanguard not initialized" errors?

This can be caused by a failed update or service issue. The best fix is to restart your PC and ensure the vgc service is set to "Automatic" in the Windows Services app.

How to check for corrupted Windows files?

You can use the System File Checker tool. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow. This will scan and repair corrupted system files.

How to submit a ticket to Riot Support?

If all else fails, you can submit a ticket on the official Riot Games support website. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including the exact error message, what you were doing when the error occurred, and all the troubleshooting steps you've already tried.

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