You've just booted up your PC, you're ready to dive into a game of Valorant or League of Legends, but then... a message pops up saying "Vanguard not running" or you simply can't queue. Frustrating, right? Riot Vanguard, Riot Games' proprietary anti-cheat system, is a crucial component for playing their popular titles. It runs at a deep, "kernel-level" to detect and prevent cheating, which means it needs to be active and correctly functioning for you to play. But how do you actually check if it's doing its job, and what do you do if it's not? Let's break it down, step by step!
How to Check if Vanguard is Running: Your Comprehensive Guide
Checking Vanguard's status isn't always as straightforward as checking other applications, given its deep integration with your system. However, there are several reliable ways to confirm if it's up and running.
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| How To Check If Vanguard Is Running Reddit |
Step 1: Engage with Your System Tray - The Quick Visual Check!
Alright, before we dive into anything technical, let's start with the easiest and often most reliable method! Have you ever noticed a tiny shield icon in your system tray?
- Locate Your System Tray: Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen, near your clock and other small icons. This is your system tray.
- Spot the Shield: You're looking for a small, white or grey shield icon. This is the Riot Vanguard icon. If you see it, it's a good sign!
- Right-Click for Options: Right-click on the Vanguard shield icon. You should see options like "Exit Vanguard" or "About Vanguard." If these options are available and selectable, it indicates Vanguard is running.
- What if it's hidden? Sometimes, icons are hidden to keep the tray tidy. Click the small up-arrow (^) to "Show hidden icons." If it's there, then you're golden!
This method is your first, best indicator that Vanguard's user-mode component is active.
Step 2: Dive into the Task Manager - Unveiling Background Processes
The Task Manager is your window into what's truly running on your computer. Vanguard operates with multiple processes, and checking them here can give you a deeper understanding of its status.
Sub-heading: Accessing Task Manager
- Method A (Keyboard Shortcut): Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escsimultaneously. This is the fastest way. - Method B (Start Menu): Right-click on the Windows Start button (or press
Windows Key + X) and select "Task Manager" from the menu. - Method C (Ctrl+Alt+Del): Press
Ctrl + Alt + Deland select "Task Manager."
Sub-heading: Looking for Vanguard Processes
Once Task Manager is open:
- Navigate to the "Processes" Tab: This is usually the default tab.
- Look for Riot Vanguard: Scroll through the list of processes under "Apps" and "Background processes." You're specifically looking for entries related to Riot Vanguard or vgc. You might see:
- Riot Vanguard (under Apps)
- vgc (Vanguard Gaming Client - often under background processes)
- vgtray.exe (Vanguard tray icon application - if the icon is visible)
- Check "Details" Tab for More Depth: For a more comprehensive view, switch to the "Details" tab. Sort by "Name" and look for:
vgc.exevgtray.exe- You might also see other Riot-related processes like
RiotClientServices.exeorVALORANT.exe, butvgc.exeis the core Vanguard service.
If you see these processes running, especially vgc.exe, it's a strong indication that Vanguard is active. If they are not present, or if their CPU/Memory usage is 0 and they seem "stuck," it could indicate a problem.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
Step 3: Inspecting Windows Services - The Heart of Vanguard
Vanguard runs as a Windows service, which is a program that runs in the background, often starting with Windows itself. This is a critical place to check its operational status.
Sub-heading: Opening Services Manager
- Method A (Run Dialog): Press
Windows Key + Rto open the Run dialog. Typeservices.mscand press Enter. - Method B (Start Menu Search): Type "Services" into the Windows search bar and select the "Services" desktop app.
Sub-heading: Locating and Verifying the VGC Service
Once the Services window is open:
- Find "vgc": Scroll down alphabetically until you find a service named "vgc."
- Check "Status": Look at the "Status" column for the "vgc" service. It should say "Running."
- Check "Startup Type": The "Startup Type" should ideally be set to "Automatic." This ensures Vanguard attempts to start with your computer.
- If it's not running: If the status is empty or says "Stopped," right-click on "vgc" and select "Start." If it fails to start, this points to a more significant issue.
This step directly checks the core service that Vanguard relies on. If vgc isn't running, Vanguard isn't truly operational.
Step 4: Leveraging Riot Client Feedback - The Game's Perspective
Ultimately, the games that require Vanguard will tell you if it's not running. This is often the first way users realize there's an issue.
Sub-heading: Launching a Riot Game (Valorant or League of Legends)
- Open the Riot Client: Launch the Riot Games client.
- Attempt to Launch a Game: Try to start Valorant or League of Legends.
- Observe Error Messages: If Vanguard isn't running or encounters an issue, you'll likely receive an error message. Common messages include:
- "VAN 57: Vanguard Not Running"
- "You need to have Vanguard running to play"
- "Riot couldn't start"
- Other "VAN" error codes (e.g., VAN 1, VAN 6, VAN 1067). These indicate various issues with Vanguard's operation or connection.
These in-game messages are definitive proof that Vanguard is not satisfying the game's requirements.
Troubleshooting if Vanguard is NOT Running
If you've gone through the steps above and found that Vanguard isn't running, or you're encountering error messages, here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting:
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Step 1: The Universal Fix: Restart Your PC
Believe it or not, a simple restart often resolves a multitude of software glitches! Vanguard is designed to start with your system. If it didn't initiate properly the first time, a fresh boot can often kick it into gear.
- Go to Start Menu > Power > Restart.
- After restarting, repeat Step 1, 2, and 3 from the "How to Check" section to verify if Vanguard is now running.
Step 2: Manually Starting the VGC Service
If a restart didn't work, try manually starting the core service.
- Open Services (refer to Step 3 above).
- Locate "vgc".
- Right-click on "vgc" and select "Start."
- If "Start" is greyed out, or if it gives an error, proceed to the next steps.
Step 3: Reinstalling Riot Vanguard - A Fresh Start
Sometimes, Vanguard files can become corrupted or an update might have gone awry. A clean reinstallation can fix this.
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Sub-heading: Uninstalling Vanguard
- Close all Riot Games and the Riot Client. Make sure no Valorant or League of Legends processes are running in Task Manager.
- Go to Control Panel:
- Windows 10/11: Right-click the Start button, then select "Apps and Features" or "Installed apps."
- Older Windows: Open the Start Menu, search for "Control Panel," then go to "Programs" > "Uninstall a program."
- Find "Riot Vanguard": Scroll through the list and locate "Riot Vanguard."
- Uninstall: Select it and click "Uninstall." Follow any on-screen prompts.
Sub-heading: Reinstalling Vanguard
- Restart Your PC: This is crucial after uninstalling Vanguard to ensure all residual files are cleared.
- Launch a Riot Game (e.g., Valorant or League of Legends): When you launch a game that requires Vanguard, the Riot Client will automatically detect its absence and prompt you to install it.
- Follow the Installation Prompts: Allow the installation to complete.
- Restart Your PC AGAIN: Vanguard often requires another restart after installation to fully integrate.
This process should give you a clean, working installation of Vanguard.
Step 4: Addressing Compatibility and System Requirements
Riot Vanguard has specific system requirements, especially on Windows 11. If you're getting specific error codes (like VAN 9001, VAN 9005), these often point to system configuration issues.
Sub-heading: Checking TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot (Windows 11)
- TPM 2.0:
- Press
Windows Key + R, typetpm.msc, and press Enter. - Check the "Status" to see if TPM is enabled and ready for use. The Specification Version should be 2.0.
- Press
- Secure Boot:
- Press
Windows Key + R, typemsinfo32, and press Enter. - In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode" (should be UEFI) and "Secure Boot State" (should be On).
- Press
- If these are not enabled/configured correctly, you'll need to enable them in your BIOS/UEFI settings. This is an advanced step and varies by motherboard manufacturer. Consult your motherboard manual or manufacturer's website for specific instructions. Search for "how to enable TPM 2.0 [your motherboard model]" or "how to enable Secure Boot [your motherboard model]".
Sub-heading: Updating Windows and Drivers
- Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows operating system is fully up to date. Go to
Settings > Windows Updateand check for updates. - Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes interfere. Update them via your graphics card manufacturer's software (NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon Software).
- Unsigned Drivers: Vanguard can be sensitive to unsigned or problematic drivers.
- Press
Windows Key + R, typesigverif, and press Enter. Click "Start" to scan for unsigned drivers. If any are found, research them to determine if they are legitimate or need updating/removal.
- Press
Step 5: Investigating Conflicts (Antivirus/Firewall)
Sometimes, aggressive antivirus software or firewall settings can mistakenly block Vanguard.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
- Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall: Briefly disable your third-party antivirus and Windows Firewall. Then, try launching a Riot game.
- WARNING: Only do this temporarily and ensure you re-enable them immediately after testing.
- Add Exceptions: If disabling works, you'll need to add exceptions for Riot Vanguard and your Riot Games (Valorant, League of Legends) to your antivirus and firewall settings. Refer to your antivirus software's documentation for how to do this.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How-To Quick Answers
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Riot Vanguard, with quick and concise answers:
How to: How to check if Vanguard is installed?
You can check if Vanguard is installed by looking for "Riot Vanguard" in your Windows "Apps and Features" or "Installed apps" list (found via Control Panel or Windows Settings).
How to: How to stop Vanguard from running in the background?
To temporarily stop Vanguard, right-click the Vanguard shield icon in your system tray and select "Exit Vanguard." Note that you'll need to restart your PC to play Riot Games again. To prevent it from running at all, you would need to uninstall it (which also prevents you from playing Riot Games).
How to: How to ensure Vanguard starts with Windows?
Open the Services Manager (type services.msc in Run dialog), find "vgc," right-click it, select "Properties," and ensure the "Startup type" is set to "Automatic."
How to: How to fix Vanguard if it's not initializing?
First, restart your PC. If that doesn't work, try reinstalling Riot Vanguard by uninstalling it from "Apps and Features" and then launching a Riot game to trigger a fresh installation.
How to: How to deal with "VAN" error codes for Vanguard?
Many VAN errors (like VAN 57) indicate Vanguard isn't running. Start by restarting your PC, then check the "vgc" service in Services Manager. For specific codes (e.g., VAN 9001, VAN 9005), check Riot's support page for solutions related to TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or Windows updates.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
How to: How to update Riot Vanguard?
Riot Vanguard updates automatically with Riot Games updates. You don't typically need to manually update it. If an update is required, the Riot Client will usually prompt you to restart your PC.
How to: How to uninstall Riot Vanguard?
Go to "Apps and Features" (or "Uninstall a program" in Control Panel), find "Riot Vanguard," and click "Uninstall." Remember to restart your PC afterward. Note that uninstalling Riot Vanguard will prevent you from playing Valorant and League of Legends.
How to: How to verify if TPM 2.0 is enabled for Vanguard?
Press Windows Key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. Check the "Status" and "Specification Version" (should be 2.0). If not enabled, you'll need to enable it in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings.
How to: How to check if Secure Boot is enabled for Vanguard?
Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode" (should be UEFI) and "Secure Boot State" (should be On). If not enabled, enable it in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings.
How to: How to report a persistent Vanguard issue to Riot Games?
If you've tried troubleshooting and Vanguard still isn't working, visit the Riot Games Support website (support.riotgames.com), navigate to the specific game (e.g., Valorant or League of Legends), and submit a support ticket with detailed information about your issue and the steps you've already taken.
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