Of course, here is a lengthy blog post on the topic of "how to do Vanguard Secure Boot" with a step-by-step guide and FAQs.
How to Do Vanguard Secure Boot: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Hey there, Valorant players! Are you tired of facing the dreaded "Vanguard secure boot" error? Do you want to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience? Well, you've come to the right place! Let's get this sorted out together, step by step.
Before we dive into the technicalities, let's understand why this is important. Vanguard, the anti-cheat software for Valorant, requires Secure Boot to be enabled on your system to ensure a cheat-free environment. Secure Boot is a security standard that helps protect your computer from malware and unauthorized software during the boot-up process. When you enable it, your system's firmware checks the digital signature of the bootloader, ensuring that only trusted software can run.
So, are you ready to embark on this journey to a seamless Valorant experience? Let's go!
Step 1: Checking Your Current System Status
The very first and most crucial step is to determine if your system is currently running with Secure Boot enabled. You can't fix what you don't know is broken, right?
Open the System Information Tool:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type
msinfo32and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.
Locate the 'Secure Boot State':
In the System Summary, look for the entry titled 'Secure Boot State'.
What does it say?
If it says 'On', congratulations! You're already good to go. You can close this window and get back to your game.
If it says 'Off' or 'Unsupported', don't worry! We'll fix that in the next steps.
Step 2: Accessing Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
To enable Secure Boot, we need to enter your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings. The method for this varies depending on your computer's manufacturer.
Restart Your PC:
Click on the Start menu, select the power icon, and choose Restart.
Enter BIOS/UEFI:
As your computer is restarting, you need to press a specific key repeatedly to enter the BIOS/UEFI. The most common keys are F2, F10, F12, DEL, or ESC.
Tip: The key is often displayed on your screen during the boot-up process. If not, a quick Google search for "[Your PC/Motherboard Manufacturer] + BIOS key" will give you the answer.
For example: For a Dell PC, it's usually F2. For an HP, it's often F10.
Step 3: Navigating to the Boot or Security Settings
Once you're in the BIOS/UEFI, the interface can look a bit different depending on your motherboard. However, the general layout is similar.
Look for the 'Boot' or 'Security' Tab:
Use the arrow keys to navigate the menu.
Look for a tab or menu item labeled 'Boot', 'Security', or 'Authentication'.
Find the Secure Boot Option:
Within the chosen menu, search for an option called 'Secure Boot', 'Secure Boot Mode', or something similar. It might be under a sub-menu like 'OS Type' or 'UEFI Settings'.
Step 4: Enabling Secure Boot
This is where you make the magic happen!
Enable Secure Boot:
Select the 'Secure Boot' option and change its status from 'Disabled' to 'Enabled'.
Important: In some cases, you might first need to set the 'OS Type' to 'Windows UEFI mode' or 'UEFI' to make the Secure Boot option available. If you see an option for 'Legacy' or 'CSM' (Compatibility Support Module), make sure it is disabled.
Save and Exit:
Look for an option to 'Save Changes and Exit' or something similar. This is usually found in a tab called 'Exit'.
Press the key to save and exit (often F10). Confirm your choice when prompted.
Your computer will now restart.
Step 5: Verifying the Changes
After the restart, let's double-check our work.
Repeat Step 1:
Go back to the System Information tool (press Windows key + R, type
msinfo32).
Check the 'Secure Boot State':
Now, the 'Secure Boot State' should show as 'On'.
If it does, congratulations! You have successfully enabled Secure Boot. You should now be able to launch Valorant without any issues.
Troubleshooting and Additional Tips
'Secure Boot State' says 'Unsupported': This means your system is running on Legacy BIOS mode. You need to convert your drive from MBR to GPT. This is a bit more advanced, so proceed with caution.
First, check if your motherboard supports UEFI. Most modern motherboards do.
Then, convert your disk. You can use the MBR2GPT tool in Windows or third-party software. Always back up your data before doing this!
The option is greyed out: You might need to set a BIOS administrator password to make the option editable.
Valorant still gives an error:
Make sure you are also running with TPM 2.0 enabled. Check the System Information tool for 'TPM Status'.
Update your Windows to the latest version.
Reinstall Vanguard and Valorant.
Now that you're a Secure Boot pro, let's get to those frequently asked questions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my PC supports UEFI?
You can check if your PC supports UEFI by going to the System Information tool (msinfo32). Look for the 'BIOS Mode' entry. If it says 'UEFI', your PC supports it. If it says 'Legacy', it is not currently in UEFI mode.
How to convert MBR to GPT without losing data?
You can use the built-in Windows tool MBR2GPT from the Command Prompt. It's designed to convert a disk from MBR to GPT without data loss, but it's crucial to back up your data first as a precaution.
How to find my motherboard's BIOS key?
The BIOS key is usually displayed on the screen during the boot-up process. If not, a quick online search for "[Your PC/Motherboard manufacturer] + BIOS key" will give you the answer. Common keys include F2, F10, DEL, and ESC.
How to enable TPM 2.0 for Vanguard?
Like Secure Boot, you need to enable TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) in your BIOS/UEFI settings. Look for an option like 'TPM', 'fTPM' (AMD), or 'PTT' (Intel) under the 'Security' or 'Advanced' settings.
How to update my BIOS/UEFI firmware?
Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website and download the latest firmware from their support page. Follow their instructions carefully to update it, as an improper update can cause issues.
How to resolve the Secure Boot state being 'Unsupported'?
This means your Windows installation is on an MBR partition on a system running in Legacy BIOS mode. You need to switch to UEFI mode and convert your disk from MBR to GPT to enable Secure Boot.
How to know if my Windows is installed on a GPT or MBR disk?
Open Disk Management (press Windows key + X and select 'Disk Management'). Right-click on your primary drive, go to 'Properties', then the 'Volumes' tab. You will see the 'Partition style' listed as 'Master Boot Record (MBR)' or 'GUID Partition Table (GPT)'.
How to reset my BIOS settings to default?
In your BIOS/UEFI settings, there is usually an option to 'Load Defaults' or 'Reset to Default'. This can be found in the 'Exit' tab.
How to check if my graphics card is compatible with Secure Boot?
Secure Boot is a motherboard/firmware feature, not a GPU feature. Your graphics card does not affect Secure Boot compatibility. However, ensure your GPU drivers are updated for optimal performance.
How to fix Vanguard errors after enabling Secure Boot?
If you're still facing errors, try updating your Windows, reinstalling Vanguard/Valorant, or checking for other compatibility issues like TPM 2.0. You can also contact Riot Games support for further assistance.
