How to Check if Riot Vanguard is Running: A Comprehensive Guide
Hello, fellow gamer! Have you ever tried to launch VALORANT or League of Legends, only to be met with a frustrating error message saying that Riot Vanguard isn't initialized or running? It's a common issue, and it can be a real head-scratcher. But don't worry, you've come to the right place. We're going to dive deep into all the ways you can check the status of Riot Vanguard and ensure it's doing its job to keep your gaming experience fair and secure.
Let's get started with the most straightforward method.
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| How To Check If Riot Vanguard Is Running |
Step 1: Check the System Tray for the Vanguard Icon
This is the easiest and most common way to confirm if Riot Vanguard is active. If you can't see the icon, don't panic; it might just be hidden.
Sub-heading 1.1: Spot the Icon in the System Tray
Look for the system tray, which is the area on the right side of your Windows taskbar, next to the clock and other icons.
You are looking for a small, red icon that looks like a shield with the Riot Games logo.
If you see it, that's a great sign! It means the Vanguard client is running and active on your system.
Sub-heading 1.2: Unhide the Icon
If you don't see the icon, it could be hidden in the "overflow" area.
Click the small up arrow () on the taskbar. This will expand the system tray and show all the hidden icons.
Check for the red Vanguard shield icon in this expanded view. If you find it, it's running!
You can also right-click on the icon to access options like "Exit Vanguard" or view notifications. Keep in mind, exiting Vanguard will prevent you from playing Riot Games that require it until you restart your computer.
Step 2: Use the Task Manager to Check Processes
The Task Manager is a powerful tool to see what's running on your computer in real-time. This method is a bit more technical but provides a definitive answer.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Sub-heading 2.1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously. This is the fastest way to open the Task Manager.
Alternatively, you can right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the context menu.
Sub-heading 2.2: Find Vanguard's Processes
In the Task Manager window, navigate to the "Processes" tab (or "Details" tab in older versions of Windows).
Look for a process named
vgtray.exeorRiot Vanguard. This is the user-facing part of the anti-cheat.You may also see a background process related to Vanguard's kernel-level driver, often named
vgc.exeor something similar.If you see these processes running, especially
vgtray.exe, it's a very strong indicator that Vanguard is active.
Step 3: Check the Services in Windows
Riot Vanguard runs as a Windows service that starts automatically with your computer. Checking its service status is a reliable way to verify its operation.
Sub-heading 3.1: Open the Services Application
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type
services.mscand press Enter. This will open the Services window.
Sub-heading 3.2: Locate the Vanguard Service
In the Services window, scroll down the list and look for a service named
vgc.Look at the "Status" column for this service. If it shows "Running", that means the core Vanguard service is active.
The "Startup Type" should be set to "Automatic". If it's not, that could be the reason why Vanguard isn't running automatically when you boot up your PC.
Step 4: Use the Command Prompt for a Quick Check
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
For those comfortable with command-line tools, you can quickly check the status of the Vanguard kernel mode driver.
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Sub-heading 4.1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Click on the Start Menu and type
cmd.Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator".
Sub-heading 4.2: Execute the Status Check Command
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sc query vgk
You will see output that includes the
STATEof the service.If the state is
4 RUNNING, then the Vanguard kernel-mode driver is running.
If you've followed these steps and found that Riot Vanguard is NOT running, you might encounter error codes like VAN 57 or VAN 128 when trying to play your game. In such cases, you might need to restart your PC, reinstall Vanguard, or check for conflicting software.
10 Related FAQs
How to restart Riot Vanguard?
The easiest way to restart Riot Vanguard is to simply restart your computer. Since Vanguard is a kernel-mode driver, it starts up with your system. A full reboot will ensure it launches correctly.
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard?
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
To uninstall Vanguard, go to "Add or remove programs" in Windows Settings, find "Riot Vanguard," and click "Uninstall." You may need to restart your computer afterward. You can also use the command prompt with administrator privileges to manually delete the services by running sc delete vgc and sc delete vgk.
How to check if Vanguard is installed?
You can check if Vanguard is installed by going to "Add or remove programs" in Windows Settings and searching for "Riot Vanguard" in the list of installed applications.
How to fix Vanguard not initialized error?
Try restarting your PC first. If that doesn't work, reinstall Riot Vanguard. You can also check if the vgc service is set to "Automatic" in the Services window and ensure that any third-party antivirus or firewall software is not blocking it.
How to enable Vanguard to run on startup?
Vanguard is designed to run on startup. If it's not, you can go to the Services window (services.msc), find the vgc service, right-click it, go to "Properties," and set the "Startup type" to "Automatic".
How to stop Vanguard from running?
You can temporarily stop Vanguard by right-clicking the shield icon in the system tray and selecting "Exit Vanguard." You will need to restart your computer to re-enable it for playing Riot games.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
How to update Riot Vanguard?
Riot Vanguard updates automatically with the game client. When you update VALORANT or League of Legends, Vanguard will also be updated. If a Vanguard update is required, the game client will often prompt you to restart your PC to finalize the installation.
How to check Vanguard logs?
Riot Vanguard logs can be more difficult to access for the average user. If you are troubleshooting a persistent issue, it is best to submit a support ticket to Riot Games, as they will often ask for specific logs to help diagnose the problem.
How to resolve conflicts with Vanguard?
Vanguard can sometimes conflict with other software, especially security and overclocking tools. If you are experiencing issues, try temporarily disabling or closing other background applications. The Vanguard system tray icon will also often notify you if it has blocked a specific program.
How to fix Vanguard if it's causing BSODs (Blue Screen of Death)?
BSODs related to Vanguard are rare but can happen. Make sure all your drivers are up to date, especially your graphics and motherboard drivers. If the problem persists, a clean reinstallation of both the game and Vanguard is recommended. If the issue continues, it is crucial to contact Riot Games Support, as they can provide more advanced troubleshooting for these critical system errors.
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