You're trying to get Vanguard, Riot Games' anti-cheat system for games like Valorant and League of Legends, up and running, but it's throwing a "TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot" error, right? Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a very common hurdle for many players, especially those on Windows 11. The good news is that Vanguard doesn't actually need you to "download" TPM 2.0; rather, it requires your system to have and enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot features, which are typically built into modern motherboards and managed within your PC's BIOS/UEFI settings.
This guide will walk you through the process of enabling these essential security features to get you back into the game!
Understanding TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for Vanguard
Before we dive into the steps, let's briefly understand what TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are and why Vanguard requires them.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module 2.0): This is a hardware-based security chip on your motherboard. It's designed to provide hardware-level security functions, such as storing cryptographic keys and protecting data. For Windows 11, it's a core requirement, and Vanguard leverages it for a more secure anti-cheat environment.
- Secure Boot: This is a security feature in your computer's UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware that helps prevent malicious software from loading when your PC starts up. It verifies the digital signature of boot components, ensuring only trusted software can run.
Vanguard requires both of these for a "trusted" system state, meaning it wants to ensure your system hasn't been compromised or tampered with, giving everyone a fair playing field.
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| How To Download Vanguard Tpm 2.0 |
Step 1: Verify Your System's TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot Status
First things first, let's check if your system already has TPM 2.0 enabled and if Secure Boot is active. This will help us determine what steps you need to take.
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Sub-heading 1.1: Checking TPM 2.0 Status
- Open the Run dialog: Press
Windows Key + Ron your keyboard. - Type
tpm.msc: In the "Run" dialog box, typetpm.mscand press Enter. - Check the TPM Management Console:
- If you see a message saying "Compatible TPM could not be found," it means TPM is either not present on your motherboard, or it's severely disabled.
- If the "TPM Management on Local Computer" window opens, look for the "Status" section. It should say "The TPM is ready for use."
- Also, check the "Specification Version." It should be
2.0. - If both of these are true, your TPM 2.0 is already enabled! You can skip to Sub-heading 1.2.
Sub-heading 1.2: Checking Secure Boot Status
- Open System Information: Press
Windows Key + R, typemsinfo32, and press Enter. - Navigate to System Summary: In the System Information window, ensure "System Summary" is selected on the left.
- Look for "Secure Boot State" and "BIOS Mode":
- Secure Boot State: This should say "On" (or "Enabled").
- BIOS Mode: This must be "UEFI". If it says "Legacy" or "CSM," you'll need to convert your drive to GPT and switch to UEFI mode, which is a more involved process. We'll touch on this later if necessary.
- If both are good, you can proceed to try launching your game! If not, continue to Step 2.
Step 2: Entering Your PC's BIOS/UEFI Settings
This is where the magic happens! You'll need to restart your computer and enter its BIOS/UEFI settings to enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
Sub-heading 2.1: How to Access BIOS/UEFI
The key to enter BIOS/UEFI varies depending on your computer's manufacturer and motherboard model.
- Restart your PC: Go to Start > Power > Restart.
- Press the BIOS key repeatedly: As your computer starts to boot up (often before the Windows logo appears), repeatedly press the designated key to enter BIOS/UEFI. Common keys include:
Del(Delete)F2F10F12Esc- Tip: If you miss it the first time, restart and try again. You might see a brief message on screen indicating which key to press, like "Press DEL to enter Setup."
- For some systems, especially newer ones with fast boot: You might need to use the Advanced Startup options in Windows. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. After restarting, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
Step 3: Enabling TPM 2.0 in BIOS/UEFI
Once you're in the BIOS/UEFI, navigating can be a bit tricky as interfaces vary widely. Look for sections related to Security, Boot, Advanced, or Peripherals.
Sub-heading 3.1: Locating the TPM Setting
- Common locations:
- Advanced > Trusted Computing
- Security > Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
- Advanced > PCH-FW Configuration (for some Intel systems, look for "Intel Platform Trust Technology" or "Intel PTT")
- Settings > Security (for some MSI motherboards)
- AMD fTPM Switch (for AMD systems)
- The setting name might vary: It could be labeled as:
TPM StateSecurity Device SupportTPM Device SelectionIntel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)AMD fTPM SwitchSecurity Device
- Enable it: Once you find the setting, change it from Disabled to Enabled or Auto.
Sub-heading 3.2: Saving Changes (Crucial Step!)
After enabling TPM, it's absolutely critical to save your changes before exiting BIOS/UEFI. Look for an option like:
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
Save & ExitSave Changes and ExitF10 (Save and Exit)(often displayed at the bottom of the screen)
Select this option and confirm to restart your PC.
Step 4: Enabling Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI
Now that TPM 2.0 is enabled, let's tackle Secure Boot. This usually resides in the Boot or Security sections of your BIOS/UEFI.
Sub-heading 4.1: Preparing for Secure Boot (If Necessary: UEFI Mode)
- Important Check: Remember from Step 1.2 that your BIOS Mode must be UEFI for Secure Boot to function. If it showed "Legacy" or "CSM," you have a bit more work to do.
- If your BIOS Mode is Legacy/CSM: You'll likely need to convert your operating system drive from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) and then switch your BIOS to UEFI mode. This is a more advanced process and carries a risk of data loss if not done correctly. It's highly recommended to back up your data before attempting this. Many tutorials are available online for "MBR to GPT conversion for Windows" if this applies to you. Once converted, you can then proceed with enabling UEFI mode and Secure Boot.
- If your BIOS Mode is already UEFI: Great! Proceed to Sub-heading 4.2.
Sub-heading 4.2: Locating and Enabling Secure Boot
- Navigate to the Secure Boot section: Look under Boot, Security, or Authentication.
- Enable Secure Boot: Change the setting from Disabled to Enabled.
- Secure Boot Mode (if applicable): Some BIOS/UEFI versions will have a "Secure Boot Mode" option. Set it to Standard or Windows UEFI mode.
- Restore Factory Keys/Reset to Default (if Secure Boot is Enabled but not Active): If Secure Boot appears enabled but the "Secure Boot State" in
msinfo32still shows "Off" or "Disabled" after a restart, you might need to reset the factory keys. Look for options like:Restore Factory KeysInstall Default Secure Boot KeysClear Secure Boot Keys(then re-enable and restore defaults)- This helps Windows properly recognize and utilize Secure Boot.
Sub-heading 4.3: Saving Changes and Exiting BIOS/UEFI
- Just like with TPM, save your changes and exit your BIOS/UEFI. Your PC will restart.
Step 5: Verifying Changes in Windows
After your computer restarts, it's a good idea to confirm that both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are now active.
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- Check TPM 2.0 again:
- Press
Windows Key + R, typetpm.msc, and press Enter. - Confirm that the status is "The TPM is ready for use" and the Specification Version is
2.0.
- Press
- Check Secure Boot again:
- Press
Windows Key + R, typemsinfo32, and press Enter. - Confirm that "Secure Boot State" is "On" and "BIOS Mode" is "UEFI".
- Press
If both are confirmed, you're all set! You should now be able to launch your game and bypass the Vanguard error.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
Troubleshooting and Additional Tips
- BIOS Updates: If you can't find the TPM or Secure Boot options, or if they are greyed out, your BIOS might be outdated. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS updates. Be extremely careful when updating BIOS, as an interruption can brick your motherboard.
- Motherboard Manual: Your motherboard's manual is your best friend! It will have precise instructions and diagrams for your specific model's BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Manufacturer Support: If you're completely stuck, reach out to your PC or motherboard manufacturer's support. They can often provide specific guidance for your hardware.
- Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: While Vanguard now requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on Windows 11, it typically does not impose these requirements on Windows 10. If enabling these features proves too difficult or your hardware truly doesn't support them, a downgrade to Windows 10 might be an option, but this is a last resort.
- Other Anti-Cheat Conflicts: Sometimes, other anti-cheat software or background applications can interfere with Vanguard. Try temporarily disabling or closing other programs if issues persist.
- Reinstalling Valorant/League of Legends: In rare cases, a fresh installation of the game might resolve lingering issues after enabling TPM and Secure Boot.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to check if my motherboard supports TPM 2.0?
You can often find this information by checking your motherboard's specifications on the manufacturer's website or by physically inspecting your motherboard for a TPM header (though this is less common for integrated TPMs). Running tpm.msc (as in Step 1.1) is the quickest software check.
How to update my BIOS/UEFI?
Visit your motherboard manufacturer's official website, locate your specific motherboard model, and download the latest BIOS/UEFI update. Follow their provided instructions carefully, as the process varies by manufacturer.
How to convert my MBR drive to GPT for UEFI boot?
This typically involves using the MBR2GPT tool in Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment). It's a command-line process and requires careful execution to avoid data loss. Always back up your data first!
How to disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module) in BIOS?
CSM is often found in the "Boot" or "Advanced" section of your BIOS. Disabling it is usually necessary before you can enable Secure Boot.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
How to reset BIOS settings to default?
Most BIOS/UEFI interfaces have an option to "Load Optimized Defaults" or "Reset to Defaults" within the "Save & Exit" section. This can sometimes resolve unexpected issues.
How to fix "Secure Boot State: Off" even after enabling it in BIOS?
In your BIOS, go to the Secure Boot section and look for options like "Restore Factory Keys" or "Install Default Secure Boot Keys." This helps Windows recognize the enabled Secure Boot.
How to confirm Vanguard is now working after enabling TPM/Secure Boot?
Simply launch the game (Valorant or League of Legends). If the error message about TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot does not appear, and the game launches successfully, then Vanguard is recognizing your system's trusted state.
How to identify my motherboard model?
Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In the System Information window, look for "BaseBoard Manufacturer" and "BaseBoard Product" to find your motherboard details.
How to access Advanced Startup options in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup, and then click "Restart now."
How to troubleshoot a "Compatible TPM could not be found" error?
This usually indicates your motherboard either doesn't have a TPM chip, or it's deeply disabled in the BIOS. First, thoroughly check your BIOS for any TPM-related settings. If none are found, or they remain unavailable, your hardware might not support TPM 2.0. In such cases, you might consider an older Windows version (like Windows 10) if gaming is your primary concern, or a hardware upgrade.
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