Hey there, future Radiant! Ready to dive into the world of VALORANT? Before you can outplay your opponents with sick flicks and strategic abilities, you'll need to get Riot Vanguard up and running. Don't worry, it's not a separate download you have to hunt down! Vanguard is Riot Games' custom-built anti-cheat software, and it's absolutely essential for playing VALORANT. It installs automatically alongside the game. Think of it as your virtual bouncer, keeping the game fair and fun for everyone.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting VALORANT and Vanguard installed, from initial checks to troubleshooting common issues. Let's get started!
Step 1: Prepare for Battle - System Requirements & Pre-Checks
Before you even think about hitting that download button, let's make sure your system is ready for the intense action of VALORANT. Nothing's worse than eagerly downloading a game only to find out your PC can't handle it!
1.1 Check Your System Specifications
VALORANT is known for being relatively accessible, but it's still good to confirm. Here's a quick look at the system requirements:
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Minimum Specs (30 FPS):
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 / AMD Athlon 200GE
- RAM: 4 GB
- GPU: Intel HD 4000 / Radeon R5 200
- OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
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Recommended Specs (60 FPS):
- CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 / Ryzen 3 1200
- RAM: 4 GB
- GPU: Geforce GT 730 / Radeon R7 240
- OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
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High-End Specs (144+ FPS):
- CPU: Intel i5-9400F 2.90GHz / Ryzen 5 2600X
- RAM: 4 GB
- GPU: GTX 1050 Ti / Radeon R7 370
- OS: Windows 10 (Build 19041+) or 11 64-bit
- For Windows 11, TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot are also required.
You can quickly check your system specs by pressing
Windows Key + R, typingdxdiag, and hitting Enter.
1.2 Free Up Disk Space
The VALORANT client is approximately 31.3 GB, and with Vanguard, it's about 200 MB more. Make sure you have at least 40-50 GB of free space on your hard drive to accommodate the game, future updates, and temporary files.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
1.3 Ensure a Stable Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading the game and for a smooth in-game experience. Run a quick speed test online (search "speedtest" on Google) to ensure your connection is reliable.
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| How To Download Vanguard For Valorant |
Step 2: Downloading and Installing VALORANT (and Vanguard!)
This is where the magic happens! Remember, you don't download Vanguard separately. It comes bundled with the VALORANT installer.
2.1 Head to the Official VALORANT Website
- Open your preferred web browser.
- Go to the official VALORANT website:
playvalorant.com. - You'll see a prominent "Play Now" or "Download" button. Click on it!
2.2 Create or Log In to Your Riot Account
- If you already have a Riot Games account (for League of Legends, Legends of Runeterra, etc.), you can simply log in.
- If you're new to Riot Games, you'll be prompted to create a new account. Follow the on-screen instructions to register. This is a quick and straightforward process.
2.3 Download the VALORANT Installer
- After logging in or creating your account, the VALORANT installer (
VALORANT.exeor similar) should begin downloading automatically. - If it doesn't, look for a manual download link on the page.
2.4 Run the VALORANT Installer
- Once the installer finishes downloading, locate the downloaded file (usually in your "Downloads" folder) and double-click it to run it.
- You might see a Windows User Account Control prompt asking for permission; click "Yes."
2.5 Configure Installation Settings
- The Riot Games installer will appear. You'll typically see a large "Install" button.
- Below the "Install" button, you'll often find an "Advanced Options" or "Advanced Settings" link. If you want to change the installation directory (the default is usually your C: drive), click on "Advanced Settings" and choose your preferred location.
- Otherwise, click the "Install" button to begin the process.
2.6 The Installation Process
- The installer will now download the main VALORANT game files. This can take some time depending on your internet speed.
- During this process, Riot Vanguard will also be automatically installed in the background. You typically won't see a separate progress bar for Vanguard.
2.7 Restart Your Computer
- This is a crucial step! After VALORANT finishes installing, the installer will likely prompt you to restart your computer.
- Do not skip this step. Riot Vanguard, being a kernel-mode anti-cheat, requires a system reboot to properly initialize and function. Without this restart, you may encounter errors when trying to launch VALORANT.
Step 3: Launching VALORANT and Verifying Vanguard
Once your computer has restarted, you're almost ready to jump into the action!
3.1 Launch the Riot Client or VALORANT Shortcut
- You should now have a VALORANT shortcut on your desktop. Double-click it.
- Alternatively, you can open the Riot Client from your Start Menu.
3.2 Vanguard Initialization
- When you launch VALORANT for the first time after installation, Riot Vanguard will fully initialize. You might see a small Vanguard icon in your system tray (the bottom right corner of your taskbar, near the clock).
- If Vanguard is running correctly, you should be able to proceed to the game's main menu.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Vanguard and VALORANT Issues
Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to tackle them:
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
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4.1 "Vanguard Not Initialized" or "VALORANT Requires a System Restart" Errors
- Solution: This is almost always due to not restarting your PC after installation. Simply restart your computer again. If you've restarted and still see the error, try the next steps.
4.2 "We couldn't install a required dependency" or Installation Stuck
- Solution A: Restart and Retry. Close the Riot Client, restart your computer, and try launching VALORANT again.
- Solution B: Run as Administrator. Right-click on the VALORANT shortcut or the Riot Client executable and select "Run as administrator."
- Solution C: Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall. Sometimes, overly zealous antivirus software or firewalls can interfere with Vanguard's installation. Temporarily disable them (remember to re-enable them after successful installation!) and try again.
- Solution D: Reinstall Vanguard (Specific Commands). If Vanguard is severely corrupted, you might need to manually uninstall and reinstall it.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for "CMD" in Start Menu, right-click and "Run as administrator").
- Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
sc delete vgcsc delete vgk
- Restart your computer.
- Launch VALORANT. The client should automatically detect the missing Vanguard and reinstall it.
- Solution E: Update Windows. Ensure your Windows operating system is fully up to date. Outdated Windows versions can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
4.3 VAN Errors (e.g., VAN 9001, VAN 9003, VAN 9005)
- These errors often relate to system security settings, especially on Windows 11.
- Check TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot: For Windows 11 users, TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot are often required for Vanguard. You'll need to enable these in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. The exact steps vary by motherboard manufacturer, so you may need to consult your motherboard manual or search online for specific instructions for your PC model.
- Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): In some cases, VBS can interfere. You can try disabling it through Windows Security settings. Search for "Core isolation" in Windows search and toggle off "Memory integrity." Be aware that disabling VBS can slightly reduce your system's security posture.
4.4 Riot Vanguard is Blocking Other Programs
- Riot Vanguard is designed to run at a deep system level to detect cheats. Occasionally, it might conflict with other legitimate programs, especially those that also interact with low-level system processes (e.g., some overclocking software, monitoring tools, or even certain drivers).
- Solution: If you notice conflicts, try closing other background applications before launching VALORANT. If the issue persists, you might need to identify the conflicting program and consider whether you need to run it simultaneously with VALORANT. Riot Games support can also help diagnose specific conflicts.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! By following these steps, you should have successfully downloaded VALORANT and installed Riot Vanguard. Remember, Vanguard is there to create a fair playing field for everyone, so it's a necessary component of the VALORANT experience. If you encounter persistent issues, don't hesitate to reach out to Riot Games Support – they have excellent resources and a dedicated team to help you out.
Now go forth, agent, and make those plays! Good luck, have fun, and we'll see you on the battlefield!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if Riot Vanguard is running?
You can check if Riot Vanguard is running by looking for its icon in your system tray (the hidden icons area in the bottom right corner of your taskbar, near the clock). If it's active, the icon will be visible.
How to temporarily disable Riot Vanguard?
You can temporarily disable Riot Vanguard by right-clicking on its icon in the system tray and selecting "Exit Vanguard" or a similar option. Keep in mind that you'll need to restart your computer to reactivate it before playing VALORANT again.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
How to completely uninstall Riot Vanguard?
To completely uninstall Riot Vanguard, you can go to "Add or Remove Programs" in Windows Settings, find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, and click "Uninstall." Alternatively, you can use the Command Prompt method mentioned in Step 4.2. Note: Uninstalling VALORANT does NOT uninstall Vanguard automatically.
How to reinstall Riot Vanguard if it's corrupted?
The easiest way to reinstall a corrupted Riot Vanguard is to uninstall it first (using "Add or Remove Programs" or the Command Prompt method), then restart your computer, and finally launch the VALORANT client. The client should automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard.
How to fix "Vanguard has encountered an error" messages?
These errors often require a restart of your PC. If that doesn't work, try running VALORANT as an administrator, ensuring your Windows is updated, or temporarily disabling your antivirus/firewall. Manual reinstallation of Vanguard (as detailed in Step 4.2) is also a common fix.
How to update Riot Vanguard?
Riot Vanguard generally updates automatically with VALORANT game patches. You don't usually need to manually update it. If a new update is available, the Riot Client will handle it when you launch the game.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
How to ensure my system meets Vanguard's requirements (especially for Windows 11)?
For Windows 11, ensuring your system has TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings is crucial. You can often check for TPM 2.0 in Device Manager under "Security Devices."
How to resolve Vanguard conflicts with other software?
If Vanguard conflicts with other software, try closing unnecessary background applications before launching VALORANT. If you can identify the specific conflicting program, you might need to adjust its settings or temporarily disable it when playing VALORANT. Riot Support can also help identify known conflicts.
How to contact Riot Games Support for Vanguard issues?
You can contact Riot Games Support through their official support website: support.riotgames.com. Submit a ticket with detailed information about your issue, including any error codes and steps you've already tried.
How to know if my internet speed is sufficient for VALORANT and Vanguard download?
For downloading, faster is always better. For gaming, a stable connection with low latency (ping) is more important than raw download speed. Generally, anything above 5-10 Mbps download speed is sufficient for the download itself, but for a smooth in-game experience, aim for consistent speeds and low ping. Use an online speed test to check.
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