How To Boot Vanguard Valorant

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Playing Valorant is an incredibly engaging experience, but sometimes, getting past the initial hurdles of Riot Vanguard can feel like defusing a spike with seconds to spare! Don't worry, Agent, we've all been there. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to ensure Vanguard boots up smoothly and you can jump into your next match without a hitch.

The Valorant Vanguard Challenge: Why It's So Important

Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly understand why Vanguard is such a critical component of Valorant. Riot Games designed Vanguard as a kernel-level anti-cheat system. What does "kernel-level" mean? Essentially, it runs at the deepest layer of your operating system, giving it comprehensive oversight to detect and prevent cheating. This deep integration is what makes Valorant's anti-cheat so effective, but it also means Vanguard needs specific system configurations to run properly. Think of it as a highly trained security guard for your PC, ensuring fair play for everyone.

Now, let's get you in the game!

Step 1: Let's Start with the Basics, Shall We? - The All-Important Restart!

I know, I know, it sounds almost too simple, doesn't it? But trust me, a surprising number of Valorant Vanguard issues can be resolved with a good old-fashioned system restart. Vanguard is designed to initialize when your computer boots up. If it encountered a hiccup during its initial launch, a fresh restart can give it the clean slate it needs.

Sub-heading: Why This Works (More Often Than You Think!)

Temporary Glitches: Sometimes, background processes or minor software conflicts can prevent Vanguard from launching correctly. A restart clears these temporary issues.
Vanguard's Nature: As a kernel-level anti-cheat, Vanguard often needs to "boot" with your system. A restart ensures it gets this opportunity.

So, go ahead, close everything, and restart your computer. Once it's back up, try launching Valorant again. If it works, fantastic! If not, don't fret, we've got more advanced steps to follow.

Step 2: Verifying Vanguard's Health - Checking its Status

If a simple restart didn't do the trick, it's time to check if Vanguard is actually running and configured correctly.

Sub-heading: Checking VGC Service Status

Vanguard relies on a service called "VGC" to operate. We need to make sure this service is running and set to start automatically.

Open the Run Dialog: Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
Type msconfig: In the Run dialog box, type msconfig and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration tool.
Navigate to the Services Tab: Click on the "Services" tab.
Hide Microsoft Services: Crucially, check the box that says "Hide all Microsoft services." This prevents you from accidentally disabling vital system services.
Locate "VGC": Scroll through the list and look for a service named "VGC" (often labeled "Riot Vanguard").
Enable and Apply:
- If the box next to VGC is unchecked, check it.
- Click "Apply," then "OK."
- You'll likely be prompted to restart your PC. Do so.

Sub-heading: Setting VGC Service to Automatic Startup

Even if VGC is checked, its startup type might be preventing it from launching correctly.

Open Services Manager: Press Windows Key + R again, type services.msc, and press Enter. This opens the Services window.
Find VGC: Scroll down and locate "VGC" in the list.
Access Properties: Right-click on "VGC" and select "Properties."
Set Startup Type to Automatic: In the "General" tab, find "Startup type." From the dropdown menu, select "Automatic."
Start the Service (if not running): If the "Service status" shows "Stopped," click the "Start" button.
Apply and OK: Click "Apply," then "OK."
Restart Your PC: Again, restart your computer to ensure these changes take effect.

Step 3: The Windows 11 Mandate - Secure Boot and TPM 2.0

For Windows 11 users, Riot Games has implemented a strict requirement: your system must have Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) enabled. This is a significant security measure to prevent more sophisticated forms of cheating. If you're on Windows 10, while not strictly required for all Valorant play, enabling these can still improve system security and prevent potential issues.

Sub-heading: Checking Your Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 Status

Before diving into your BIOS (which can seem daunting!), let's quickly check your current status.

Open System Information: Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. This opens the System Information window.
Locate Key Information:
- Look for "BIOS Mode." It should say "UEFI." If it says "Legacy," you'll need to convert your OS drive (more on that below).
- Look for "Secure Boot State." It should say "On."
- Look for "TPM Version" or "PCR7 Configuration." It should indicate 2.0. You can also type tpm.msc into the Run dialog (Windows Key + R) and check the "Status" which should say "The TPM is ready for use" and "Specification Version 2.0."

If both Secure Boot State is "On" and TPM Version is "2.0" (or TPM is ready for use), you're good to go on this front. If not, proceed to the next sub-steps.

Sub-heading: Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in BIOS/UEFI

This is the most critical and potentially complex step for many users. The exact steps can vary significantly depending on your motherboard manufacturer (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Dell, HP, Lenovo). Always consult your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's website for precise instructions.

Restart and Enter BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer. As soon as it starts booting up, repeatedly press the key to enter your BIOS/UEFI settings. Common keys include:
- F2
- Del (Delete)
- F10
- F12
- Esc
- If you're unsure, a quick Google search for "[Your PC/Motherboard Model] BIOS key" will usually tell you.
Navigate to Security/Boot Options: Once in the BIOS/UEFI, you'll typically navigate using your keyboard (mouse might not work). Look for tabs or sections related to:
- "Security"
- "Boot"
- "Advanced"
- "Trusted Computing"
Enable TPM (if applicable):
- Within one of these sections, look for options like:
  - "Security Device Support"
  - "TPM State"
  - "AMD fTPM switch"
  - "Intel PTT" (Platform Trust Technology)
- Enable this setting. Save changes and exit BIOS to see if it makes a difference. You might need to restart and re-enter BIOS for the Secure Boot option to appear.
Enable Secure Boot:
- Once TPM is enabled, or if it was already enabled, navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" section.
- Look for "Secure Boot."
- Enable it.
- You might need to set the "Boot Mode" to "UEFI" if it's currently set to "Legacy" or "CSM." Important: Changing from Legacy to UEFI without converting your OS drive can make your Windows unbootable. See the next sub-heading.
Save and Exit: After making these changes, find the "Save & Exit" option (often F10) and confirm. Your computer will restart.

Sub-heading: Converting Your OS Drive from MBR to GPT (If BIOS Mode is "Legacy")

If your "BIOS Mode" in msinfo32 shows "Legacy," you'll need to convert your operating system's drive from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) to enable UEFI and subsequently Secure Boot. Back up your data before attempting this!

Windows 10/11 has a built-in tool called MBR2GPT that can do this without data loss.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for "cmd" in the Windows search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
Validate the Disk (Important Pre-Check): Type mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS and press Enter. This will check if your disk is eligible for conversion. If it shows errors, you'll need to resolve them first (e.g., too many primary partitions).
Convert the Disk: If validation is successful, type mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS and press Enter.
Restart and Change BIOS Mode: After the conversion is complete, restart your PC and go back into your BIOS/UEFI settings (Step 3.1). Now, change your "Boot Mode" from "Legacy" to "UEFI." You should then be able to enable "Secure Boot."
Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your system should now boot into Windows with UEFI and Secure Boot enabled.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Vanguard Issues

Sometimes, even with Secure Boot and TPM enabled, Vanguard can still be stubborn. Here are some additional troubleshooting steps.

Sub-heading: Running Valorant and Riot Client as Administrator

Insufficient permissions can sometimes prevent Vanguard from launching or interacting correctly.

Right-click Valorant Shortcut: Right-click on your Valorant desktop shortcut (or the VALORANT.exe in its installation directory).
Run as Administrator: Select "Run as administrator."
Do the Same for Riot Client: Repeat this process for the Riot Client itself.
Set Permanent Admin Rights (Optional): If this resolves the issue, you can make it permanent:
- Right-click the shortcut, go to "Properties."
- Click on the "Compatibility" tab.
- Check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator."
- Click "Apply," then "OK."

Sub-heading: Temporarily Disabling Antivirus/Firewall

While essential for security, sometimes your antivirus or firewall can mistakenly flag Vanguard as a threat.

Disable Temporarily: Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus software and Windows Defender Firewall.
Test Valorant: Try launching Valorant. If it works, you've found the culprit!
Add Exceptions: Re-enable your antivirus/firewall and add Valorant and Riot Vanguard (and their respective installation folders) as exceptions in your security software. Consult your antivirus's documentation for how to do this.

Sub-heading: Reinstalling Riot Vanguard

A corrupted Vanguard installation can lead to various errors. Reinstalling it often resolves these.

Uninstall Vanguard:
- Open "Apps & features" (search for it in Windows Start).
- Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list.
- Click on it and select "Uninstall."
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Restart Your PC: This is crucial after uninstalling.
Reinstall Vanguard: Open the Riot Client and launch Valorant. The client should automatically detect that Vanguard is missing and prompt you to install it. Let it complete the installation.

Sub-heading: Repairing Valorant Game Files

Corrupted game files can also cause issues with Vanguard.

Open Riot Client: Launch the Riot Client.
Go to Valorant Settings: Click on the Valorant icon.
Repair Game: Look for a "Settings" gear icon (usually in the bottom left or next to the play button). Within the settings, you should find an option to "Repair" or "Verify integrity of game files." Click it and let the process complete.

Sub-heading: Updating Windows and Drivers

Outdated operating systems or graphics drivers can cause compatibility issues with Vanguard.

Windows Update:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security (Windows 10) or Settings > Windows Update (Windows 11).
- Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
Graphics Drivers:
- Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
- Download and install the latest drivers for your specific GPU model. Performing a "clean installation" is often recommended.

Step 5: Advanced Troubleshooting and When to Seek Help

If you've followed all the steps above and are still facing issues, it's time for some more advanced checks or to reach out for professional help.

Sub-heading: Checking for Conflicting Software

Some third-party applications, especially those that interact with your system at a deep level (e.g., other anti-cheat software, certain system monitoring tools, virtual machine software, or even some overlay programs like Discord overlays if not configured correctly), can conflict with Vanguard.

Perform a Clean Boot: Search for "System Configuration" (msconfig) in Windows. Go to the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," and then click "Disable all." Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager," then disable all startup items. Restart your PC. If Valorant works, re-enable services and startup items one by one to pinpoint the culprit.
Review Installed Programs: Think about any recently installed software that might be interfering.

Sub-heading: Contacting Riot Games Support

If all else fails, Riot Games' support team is there to help. They have access to more in-depth diagnostics and can provide personalized assistance.

Visit Valorant Support: Go to the official Valorant Support website.
Submit a Ticket: Look for an option to "Submit a Ticket" or "Contact Us."
Provide Details: Be as detailed as possible in your description of the problem, including:
- What steps you've already tried.
- Any error messages or codes you receive (e.g., VAN 9001, VAL 57).
- Your system specifications (Windows version, CPU, GPU, RAM).
- Screenshots of error messages or your BIOS settings (if relevant).

10 Related FAQ Questions: How to...

Here are some quick answers to common questions you might have about Valorant and Vanguard.

How to Check if My PC Meets Valorant's Minimum Requirements?

You can find the minimum and recommended system requirements on Riot Games' official Valorant website. Generally, you'll need Windows 7/8/10/11 64-bit, an Intel Core i3-370M or equivalent, 4GB RAM, and a graphics card like an Intel HD 3000 or equivalent.

How to Fix "Vanguard Not Initialized" Error (VAN 9001/VAN 9003)?

This usually points to issues with Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 not being enabled. Follow Step 3 of this guide to enable them in your BIOS/UEFI. Also, ensure the VGC service is running (Step 2).

How to Resolve "VAL 57" Error in Valorant?

VAL 57 typically means Vanguard isn't running. Restart your computer first. If that doesn't work, try reinstalling Vanguard (Step 4.3) and ensure the VGC service is set to Automatic (Step 2.2).

How to Update My Graphics Drivers for Valorant?

Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers specific to your GPU model. Follow their installation instructions carefully, often choosing a "clean installation" option.

How to Add Valorant to My Antivirus Exceptions?

The process varies by antivirus software. Generally, you'll open your antivirus program, navigate to its settings or exclusions section, and add the Valorant game folder and the Riot Vanguard folder (usually C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard) as exceptions.

How to Troubleshoot Valorant Network Issues?

Check your internet connection stability, restart your router/modem, try a wired connection if on Wi-Fi, temporarily disable firewalls, and ensure no background downloads are consuming bandwidth. Riot Games also has support articles on port forwarding for Valorant.

How to Fix Valorant Crashing on Startup?

Ensure your drivers are updated, run Valorant as an administrator, disable any conflicting overlays (like Discord or GeForce Experience overlays), and consider repairing game files (Step 4.4).

How to Know if My Motherboard Supports TPM 2.0?

The best way is to check your motherboard's official product page or manual on the manufacturer's website. Most modern motherboards support TPM 2.0, but it might be disabled by default.

How to Completely Reinstall Valorant and Vanguard?

First, uninstall Valorant and Riot Vanguard from "Apps & features" in Windows settings. Then, manually delete any remaining Valorant or Riot Games folders in C:\Program Files and C:\Riot Games. Restart your PC, then download and install the Riot Client from the official Valorant website, which will then install Valorant and Vanguard.

How to Contact Riot Games Support for Valorant Issues?

Visit support.riotgames.com and select Valorant. Look for the "Submit a Ticket" option. Provide all relevant details, including error codes, troubleshooting steps you've tried, and your system information.

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