Are you ready to dive into the world of VALORANT and ensure your anti-cheat is in tip-top shape? You've come to the right place! Riot Vanguard is the unsung hero that keeps VALORANT fair and competitive. Without it, you wouldn't be able to enjoy the game. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about checking Riot Vanguard, understanding its role, and troubleshooting common issues. Let's get started!
Understanding Riot Vanguard: The Silent Guardian
Before we delve into checking its status, let's briefly understand what Riot Vanguard is. Riot Vanguard is a custom-built anti-cheat software developed by Riot Games specifically for VALORANT (and more recently, League of Legends). It's a two-part system:
A kernel-mode driver: This part runs at a deep level of your operating system (Windows) from the moment your PC boots up. Its purpose is to detect and prevent cheating by monitoring for known vulnerabilities and suspicious activity. This is why you often need to restart your PC after installing or updating VALORANT/Vanguard.
A client: This component works alongside the game to actively observe for any suspicious behavior while you're playing VALORANT.
While Vanguard's deep integration has raised privacy concerns for some, Riot Games maintains that it's crucial for maintaining competitive integrity and preventing sophisticated cheats like aimbots and wallhacks.
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| How To Check Vanguard Valorant |
Step 1: Confirming Riot Vanguard is Running
The simplest way to check if Riot Vanguard is active is right from your desktop!
Sub-heading: Checking the System Tray Icon
This is your first and fastest check.
Locate your System Tray: Look in the bottom-right corner of your Windows desktop, near your clock and network icon. You might need to click the small up arrow (often called the "Show hidden icons" arrow) to reveal all hidden icons.
Spot the Vanguard Icon: You should see a small, red shield-like icon. This is the Riot Vanguard icon.
Right-Click for Options: If you see it, right-click on the Vanguard icon. You'll usually see options like "Exit Vanguard" or "About Vanguard." This confirms it's running.
If you don't see the icon: Don't panic just yet! Proceed to the next steps. It might be running in the background without a visible tray icon due to certain settings or a temporary glitch.
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
Step 2: Verifying Vanguard Services in Task Manager
If the system tray doesn't show the icon, the next step is to check if the Vanguard services are actually running.
Sub-heading: Inspecting Background Processes
This method gives you a more direct look at what's happening under the hood.
Open Task Manager: You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard, or by right-clicking on your Windows Taskbar and selecting "Task Manager."
Navigate to the "Details" Tab: In the Task Manager, click on the "Details" tab. This tab lists all processes running on your computer.
Look for Vanguard Processes: Scroll through the list and look for processes starting with "vg" or "vanguard." The primary process you're looking for is often named
vgtray.exeorvgc.exe.Confirm Status: If these processes are listed, it indicates that Riot Vanguard is active on your system.
If you don't find these processes: This is a strong indicator that Vanguard is not running. This could be due to a recent crash, a conflict with other software, or simply not having launched properly.
Step 3: Checking Vanguard Service Status
For a more in-depth check of Vanguard's core components, you can inspect its services.
Sub-heading: Services Manager Inspection
This method helps you see if the core Vanguard services are running and set to start automatically.
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Open Services: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type
services.mscand press Enter.Locate Vanguard Services: In the Services window, scroll down and look for services related to Riot Vanguard. You'll typically find:
"vgc" (Vanguard Game Client): This is the main Vanguard service.
Check Status and Startup Type:
Status: The "Status" column should show "Running."
Startup Type: The "Startup Type" should ideally be set to "Automatic."
Troubleshooting (If Not Running):
If the "Status" is not "Running," right-click on the "vgc" service and select "Start."
If the "Startup Type" is not "Automatic," right-click on the service, select "Properties," and change the "Startup type" to "Automatic." Click "Apply" and "OK."
After making changes, it's a good idea to restart your computer and then try launching VALORANT again.
Step 4: Launching VALORANT (The Ultimate Test)
The most definitive way to check if Vanguard is working correctly is to simply launch VALORANT.
Sub-heading: Game Launch and Error Messages
Launch VALORANT: Double-click your VALORANT shortcut or launch it from the Riot Client.
Observe the Loading Screen: As VALORANT loads, it will perform a check to ensure Vanguard is running.
Successful Launch: If the game launches without any error messages related to Vanguard, congratulations! Your Vanguard is working as intended.
Encountering Error Codes: If you encounter an error message, it will likely provide a specific code (e.g., VAN 1, VAN 57, VAN 9003, VAN 9001). These codes are crucial for diagnosing the exact problem. Make a note of any error codes you receive.
Step 5: Addressing Common Vanguard Issues and Error Codes
If Vanguard isn't running or you're encountering errors, here's a step-by-step guide to common fixes.
Sub-heading: Restarting and Reinstallation Strategies
Restart Your PC: This is the classic first step for almost any computer issue. A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches with Vanguard or its services.
Restart Riot Client: Sometimes, just restarting the Riot Client itself can prompt Vanguard to initialize correctly. Close the client completely (ensure it's not just minimized to the system tray), then reopen it.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
Sub-heading: Reinstalling Riot Vanguard
This is a frequently recommended solution for persistent Vanguard problems.
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Uninstall Vanguard (via Command Prompt):
Press Windows Key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
In the command prompt, type
sc delete vgcand press Enter. You should see a success message.Then, type
sc delete vgkand press Enter.Close the Command Prompt.
Manually Delete Vanguard Folder (if it exists):
Navigate to
C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard(this is the default location).Delete the entire "Riot Vanguard" folder. If you encounter permission issues, you might need to restart your PC in Safe Mode or take ownership of the folder (advanced).
Restart Your PC: This is a critical step after uninstalling. It ensures all components are properly removed before reinstallation.
Relaunch VALORANT: When you launch VALORANT after uninstalling Vanguard, the Riot Client will automatically detect that Vanguard is missing and prompt you to reinstall it. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
Sub-heading: Updating Drivers and Windows
Outdated software can often cause conflicts with Vanguard.
Update Windows:
Go to Settings (Windows Key + I) > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
Restart your PC after updating.
Update Graphics Drivers:
Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
Download and install the latest drivers for your specific GPU.
Restart your PC after updating.
Sub-heading: Checking Security Software and Firewall
Antivirus or firewall software can sometimes incorrectly flag Vanguard as a threat.
Add Exceptions: Add VALORANT and Riot Vanguard to your antivirus and firewall exception lists.
For Windows Defender Firewall: Search for "Windows Defender Firewall" in the Start menu, then select "Allow an app through Windows Firewall." Click "Change settings," then "Allow another app," and browse to the VALORANT and Riot Vanguard installation directories to add their executables (
VALORANT.exeandvgtray.exeorvgc.exe).
Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall: As a temporary troubleshooting step, try disabling your antivirus or firewall software and then launching VALORANT. If the game launches, you've found the conflict, and you'll need to configure your security software to allow Vanguard. Remember to re-enable your security software afterward!
Sub-heading: Resolving Specific Error Codes (e.g., VAN 9001, VAN 9003)
Some Vanguard errors require specific system settings to be enabled.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
VAN 9001 / VAN 9003 (TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot): These errors often indicate that your system doesn't meet the security requirements for Vanguard (primarily on Windows 11).
Check TPM 2.0:
Press Windows Key + R, type
tpm.msc, and press Enter.Check the "Status" under "Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management on Local Computer." It should say "The TPM is ready for use" and "Specification Version: 2.0."
Check Secure Boot:
Press Windows Key + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter.Look for "BIOS Mode" (should be UEFI) and "Secure Boot State" (should be On).
Enable in BIOS/UEFI: If TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot are disabled, you'll need to enable them in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. The steps vary significantly by motherboard manufacturer. You'll typically need to:
Restart your PC and repeatedly press a key (e.g., F2, F10, F12, Del) to enter BIOS.
Look for "Security," "Boot," or "Advanced" sections to find options for TPM/Intel PTT and Secure Boot.
Consult your motherboard's manual or search online for specific instructions for your model.
After enabling, save changes and exit BIOS. Your PC will restart.
VAN -1, VAN 0, VAN 1, VAN 38, VAN 68, VAN 84, VAN -81, VAN -102, VAN -104, VAN 128, VAN 1067 (Connection Issues): These usually point to network or connection problems.
Restart your router/modem.
Check your internet connection.
Try a wired connection if you're on Wi-Fi.
Temporarily disable VPN or proxy software.
Flush DNS: Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type
ipconfig /flushdnsthen press Enter.Consider a clean reinstallation of both VALORANT and Vanguard as a last resort.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to further assist you:
How to know if Riot Vanguard is interfering with other programs? You might notice other programs crashing, freezing, or not launching after VALORANT/Vanguard is installed. Check event viewer logs for error messages or temporarily disable Vanguard (via system tray) to see if the issue resolves.
How to temporarily disable Riot Vanguard? Right-click the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray and select "Exit Vanguard." You'll need to restart your PC to relaunch it or launch VALORANT, which will prompt a restart.
How to fully uninstall Riot Vanguard?
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run sc delete vgc and sc delete vgk. Then, manually delete the Riot Vanguard folder from C:\Program Files. Restart your PC afterward.
How to fix "Vanguard Not Initialized" error? Often, a simple PC restart or restarting the Riot Client can fix this. If not, try reinstalling Vanguard using the steps above.
How to check if my PC supports TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?
Press Windows Key + R, type tpm.msc for TPM status, and msinfo32 for BIOS Mode and Secure Boot State.
How to enable Secure Boot in BIOS? Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del key). Navigate to security or boot options to find and enable "Secure Boot." Save and exit. (Specific steps vary by motherboard).
How to prevent Vanguard errors in the future? Keep your Windows OS and drivers updated, ensure your security software allows Vanguard, and avoid tampering with Vanguard files.
How to contact Riot Games Support for Vanguard issues? If all troubleshooting steps fail, visit the official Riot Games Support website for VALORANT and submit a ticket, providing all relevant error codes and details of the steps you've already taken.
How to check for corrupted Vanguard files? You can't directly "check" for corrupted Vanguard files, but repairing your VALORANT game files via the Riot Client settings (Profile Icon > Settings > VALORANT > Repair) often addresses underlying issues that might affect Vanguard.
How to improve Vanguard's performance on my PC? Ensure your system meets VALORANT's minimum requirements. While Vanguard is lightweight, general PC optimization (closing unnecessary background apps, ensuring sufficient RAM) can help overall game performance.
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