Of course, here is a very lengthy and detailed guide on how to enable Secure Boot for Vanguard.
A Comprehensive Guide: How to Enable Secure Boot for Vanguard
Hey there, Valorant players and PC enthusiasts! Are you getting that pesky "Vanguard requires Secure Boot to be enabled" error? Don't worry, you're not alone. This is a common hurdle for many players, but it's a security measure put in place to ensure a fair and cheat-free gaming environment. In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of enabling Secure Boot. Ready to get back to the action? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Check Your System's Current Status
Before we start tinkering with BIOS settings, let's first check if your system is even compatible with Secure Boot and what its current status is. This is a crucial first step!
How To Enable Secure Boot For Vanguard |
Sub-step 1.1: Verify Your Windows Installation
First, we need to ensure your Windows installation is running in UEFI mode, not Legacy BIOS. Secure Boot is a feature of UEFI firmware, so it won't work on older Legacy BIOS systems.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type
msinfo32
and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.In the System Summary, look for the line that says "BIOS Mode".
If it says "UEFI", you're good to go!
If it says "Legacy" or "CSM", you'll need to convert your disk from MBR to GPT. We'll cover that in a later section.
Sub-step 1.2: Check Secure Boot State
Now, let's see if Secure Boot is already enabled or disabled.
In the same System Information window, look for the line "Secure Boot State".
If it says "On", congratulations! Secure Boot is already enabled, and your Vanguard issue might be due to another problem.
If it says "Off" or "Unsupported", then you need to proceed with the next steps.
Step 2: Access the BIOS/UEFI Settings
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Now for the main event! We need to enter your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings. This is where we'll enable Secure Boot.
Sub-step 2.1: Restart and Enter BIOS
The key you need to press to enter BIOS varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
Restart your computer.
As your PC boots up, repeatedly press the BIOS key. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, or Delete.
Keep an eye on the screen; a message like "Press F2 to enter Setup" will usually flash for a few seconds.
Sub-step 2.2: Navigate to the Boot or Security Tab
Once you're in the BIOS, things might look a little different depending on your motherboard's interface. Don't worry, the general layout is similar.
Look for a tab or menu item labeled "Boot", "Security", or "Authentication".
Use your keyboard arrow keys to navigate the menus.
Step 3: Enable Secure Boot and Configure Settings
This is the most critical part of the process. We're going to find and enable the Secure Boot option.
Sub-step 3.1: Find the Secure Boot Option
Within the Boot or Security menu, look for an option called "Secure Boot".
It might be under a submenu like "OS Type" or "Boot Mode".
Sub-step 3.2: Switch to UEFI Mode and Enable Secure Boot
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
If you see an option for "OS Type" or "Boot Mode", make sure it is set to "UEFI" or "Windows UEFI Mode". This is essential!
Now, find the "Secure Boot" option and change its state from Disabled to Enabled.
Sub-step 3.3: Manage Secure Boot Keys (If Needed)
In some cases, especially on older motherboards, you might need to manage the Secure Boot keys.
Look for an option like "Key Management", "Restore Factory Keys", or "Clear Secure Boot Keys".
You can try to Restore Factory Keys or Install Default Secure Boot Keys. This will load the standard Microsoft keys, which are necessary for Secure Boot to work with Windows.
Step 4: Save and Exit
You're almost there! Don't forget this final step.
Navigate to the "Exit" tab in your BIOS.
Select "Save Changes and Exit" or "Exit Saving Changes".
Confirm your decision. Your computer will now restart.
Step 5: Verify Again!
After your PC restarts, let's double-check to make sure everything is working as it should.
Press the Windows key + R and type
msinfo32
.In the System Information window, check the "Secure Boot State". It should now say "On".
Launch Valorant and see if the Vanguard error is gone. You should be able to play without any issues!
What If My PC is in Legacy BIOS Mode? (MBR to GPT Conversion)
If your BIOS Mode was "Legacy" in Step 1, you need to convert your disk from MBR to GPT. Be warned: this process carries a risk of data loss. Back up your important files before proceeding!
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type
mbr2gpt /validate
and press Enter. This will check if your disk is compatible with the conversion. If it is, you'll see a message like "Validation completed successfully."If the validation is successful, type
mbr2gpt /convert
and press Enter.The conversion will begin. Once it's done, you can follow the steps above to enable Secure Boot in the UEFI BIOS.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Write down what you learned.
How to check if my motherboard supports UEFI?
You can check this in the System Information window (msinfo32) by looking at the "BIOS Mode" line. If it's "UEFI", it supports it. If it's "Legacy", it doesn't, or it's just not configured for it. You can also check your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's website.
How to find the BIOS key for my motherboard?
The BIOS key is typically displayed on the screen during startup. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, or Delete. If you miss it, you can search online for "BIOS key for [Your Motherboard Model]".
How to fix the "Secure Boot State: Unsupported" error?
This usually means your motherboard doesn't have the Secure Boot feature, or it's not enabled in the BIOS. Follow the steps in this guide to check and enable it. If the option isn't there, your motherboard may not support it.
How to enable CSM/Legacy mode after converting to GPT?
After converting from MBR to GPT and enabling Secure Boot, you should not re-enable CSM (Compatibility Support Module) or Legacy mode. Doing so can prevent your computer from booting and will disable Secure Boot.
How to revert the changes if something goes wrong?
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
If your PC doesn't boot after enabling Secure Boot, you can enter the BIOS again and disable Secure Boot, or change the boot mode back to Legacy/CSM. This will allow you to boot into Windows and troubleshoot.
How to check if Secure Boot is required for other games?
Secure Boot is becoming a standard security feature for many modern games with anti-cheat software, especially those using kernel-level drivers like Valorant. It's a good practice to keep it enabled for better security and compatibility.
How to backup my data before MBR to GPT conversion?
You can back up your data to an external hard drive, a cloud storage service like Google Drive or OneDrive, or use a disk imaging tool like Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla to create a complete image of your drive.
How to update my BIOS firmware?
You can update your BIOS by downloading the latest firmware from your motherboard manufacturer's website. This process can be risky, so follow the provided instructions carefully. An updated BIOS might have new features and improved stability.
How to fix "Vanguard is not loading" after enabling Secure Boot?
If you've enabled Secure Boot and Vanguard still doesn't load, try reinstalling Valorant and Vanguard. You can also check for driver updates for your GPU and other components, as well as ensure your Windows is fully updated.
How to know if my GPU drivers are up to date?
You can check for GPU driver updates using the software provided by your GPU manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin Software). Keeping your drivers updated is crucial for game performance and compatibility.