How to Ensure Riot Vanguard is Running: A Comprehensive Guide
Hello, gamers! Have you ever tried to jump into a game of VALORANT or League of Legends, only to be hit with an error message saying that Vanguard isn't running? It can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're ready to get into the action. But don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common issue, and the good news is that it's often easily fixable. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step process to ensure Riot Vanguard is up and running smoothly on your PC. Let's get started!
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| How To Make Sure Vanguard Is Running |
Step 1: Check the Most Obvious Place – The System Tray
Let's start with the simplest check. Before you do anything else, take a look at your system tray. Do you see the Riot Vanguard icon? It's a small, shield-shaped icon with a 'V' in it, usually located in the bottom right corner of your taskbar, next to the clock.
If you see the icon: This is a great sign! It means Vanguard is active and running. You can right-click the icon to see options like "Exit Vanguard" or "Uninstall Vanguard". If the icon is there, but you're still getting an error, it might be a temporary glitch. Try restarting your computer and the Riot Client first.
If you don't see the icon: This is a clear indicator that Vanguard is not running. It could be due to a number of reasons, which we'll explore in the next steps. Don't panic! We'll get it sorted.
Step 2: Investigate the Task Manager and Services
Now that you've checked the system tray, it's time to dig a little deeper. We need to confirm if Vanguard's related services are running.
Sub-heading: Using the Task Manager
Open Task Manager: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escon your keyboard, or right-click the taskbar and select "Task Manager."Go to the "Details" tab: In the Task Manager window, navigate to the "Details" tab. This tab provides a more in-depth view of all the processes running on your system.
Look for 'vgtray.exe' and 'vgc.exe': In the list of processes, look for
vgtray.exeandvgc.exe.vgtray.exeis the tray icon application you saw (or didn't see) in Step 1.vgc.exeis the Riot Vanguard client.If you see both: They are running. This means the issue might be with the game client itself or a conflict with another application.
If you don't see them: Vanguard is not running. This is a crucial finding that points to a potential issue with the service.
Sub-heading: Checking the Services Menu
Even if the processes aren't visible, the underlying service might be configured to not start. Let's check that.
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Open the 'Run' dialogue box: Press
Windows Key + Ron your keyboard.Type 'services.msc' and hit Enter: This will open the Services window, which lists all the services on your computer.
Find 'vgc' service: Scroll down the list until you find a service named "vgc" (Vanguard's game client service).
Check its status and startup type:
Status: The "Status" column should say "Running".
Startup Type: The "Startup Type" column should be set to "Automatic".
Fix the startup type and start the service:
If the status is anything other than "Running," or the startup type is not "Automatic," right-click on "vgc" and select "Properties."
In the "General" tab, change the "Startup type" to Automatic.
Then, click the "Start" button under "Service status."
Click "Apply" and "OK."
Restart your computer: It is essential to restart your PC after making changes to the service settings. This ensures the changes take effect and Vanguard can initialize properly with the system boot.
Step 3: Troubleshoot Common Conflicts and Issues
If Vanguard is still not running after checking the system tray and services, it's time to troubleshoot for potential conflicts. Vanguard is a powerful anti-cheat system and can sometimes clash with other software.
Sub-heading: Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Firewalls
Some antivirus programs and firewalls can be overly aggressive and might block Vanguard from starting. Temporarily disabling your third-party antivirus or firewall can help you determine if this is the cause.
Open your antivirus/firewall software.
Find the option to disable it temporarily. This is usually found in the system tray icon's right-click menu or within the software's settings.
Disable it for a short period, like 15-30 minutes.
Try to launch the Riot Client and the game again.
If this works, you'll need to create an exception or whitelist for Riot Vanguard and the Riot Games folder in your antivirus software's settings. Remember to re-enable your security software after testing!
Sub-heading: Ensure Drivers are Up to Date and Signed
Outdated or unsigned drivers can cause conflicts with Vanguard. Vanguard requires a secure computing environment to run effectively.
Update your drivers: You can use a driver updater tool or manually update your drivers through Device Manager.
Check for unsigned drivers: You can use the
sigveriftool. PressWindows Key + R, typesigverif, and press Enter. This will open the File Signature Verification tool. Let it scan for unsigned drivers. If it finds any, you'll need to update or replace them.
Sub-heading: Reinstall Riot Vanguard
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Sometimes, a fresh installation is the best solution for corrupted files. This is a common and highly effective fix.
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Uninstall Vanguard:
Press
Windows Key + Rand typeappwiz.cpl.Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list of installed programs.
Right-click and select "Uninstall."
Restart your computer. This is a crucial step to ensure all related files are removed.
Launch the Riot Client: When you launch the Riot Client for VALORANT or League of Legends, it will automatically detect that Vanguard is missing and prompt you to reinstall it.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Vanguard.
Restart your PC again after the installation is complete.
Step 4: Check for Windows Updates and System Integrity
Vanguard's security protocols are constantly updated. It's vital that your operating system is also up-to-date.
Check for Windows updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click "Check for updates."
Enable HVCI (Memory Integrity): This is a Windows security feature that can enhance Vanguard's performance. Go to Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation and turn on Memory integrity. You may need to enable virtualization in your BIOS/UEFI settings for this to work.
Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM: These are built-in Windows tools that can fix corrupted system files.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter.After that, type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter.
10 Related How-To FAQs
How to check if Riot Vanguard is properly installed?
You can check if Riot Vanguard is installed by going to "Add or remove programs" in Windows settings or by checking for the "Riot Vanguard" entry in the appwiz.cpl list as described in Step 3.
How to manually start the Vanguard service?
You can manually start the vgc service by opening the Services window (services.msc), finding "vgc," right-clicking it, and selecting "Start."
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
How to create an exception for Vanguard in my antivirus?
Each antivirus program is different, but generally, you'll go to the antivirus software's settings, find the "Exceptions," "Whitelist," or "Exclusions" section, and add the Riot Vanguard folder (usually located at C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard) to the list of trusted applications.
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard?
The easiest way is to use "Add or remove programs" in Windows settings, find "Riot Vanguard," and click "Uninstall." You can also right-click the system tray icon and select "Uninstall Vanguard."
How to check for the latest version of Vanguard?
Vanguard updates automatically with the Riot Client. To ensure you have the latest version, simply open the Riot Client, and it will check for updates. You can also check the Riot Games support website for the latest patch notes.
How to fix the 'Vanguard Not Initialized' error?
The steps in this guide, especially restarting your PC, ensuring the vgc service is set to automatic, and reinstalling Vanguard, are the most effective ways to fix this error.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
How to enable Secure Boot for Vanguard?
You need to enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, F12, or Del). In the BIOS settings, find the "Secure Boot" option (often under a "Boot" or "Security" tab) and enable it. Remember to save and exit the BIOS.
How to enable TPM 2.0 for Vanguard?
Like Secure Boot, you need to enable TPM 2.0 in your BIOS/UEFI settings. The location varies by motherboard manufacturer, but it's typically found under "Security," "Advanced," or "Peripherals." Look for options like "Trusted Platform Module" or "TPM Device Selection."
How to fix Vanguard if it's causing a blue screen (BSOD)?
A blue screen error can be a sign of a deeper conflict. First, try reinstalling Vanguard. If the problem persists, check for driver updates, especially for your motherboard and GPU, and consider disabling any conflicting software or overlays.
How to contact Riot Games support for Vanguard issues?
If all else fails, you can submit a support ticket to Riot Games directly through their official support website. Provide as much detail as possible, including the error code, a description of the issue, and the steps you've already taken.
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