How to Enable TPM Version 2.0 for Vanguard: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you a Valorant player who has been hit with the frustrating "This build of Vanguard requires TPM version 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled" error? Don't worry, you're not alone. This message can be a bit intimidating, but fixing it is a lot simpler than it sounds. It’s all about enabling some crucial security features in your computer's BIOS, which is a key step towards making your PC more secure and allowing Vanguard, Riot Games' anti-cheat software, to run properly.
Let's dive right into it and get you back into the game!
How To Enable Tpm Version 2.0 Vanguard |
Step 1: Check Your System's Current Status - Are You Ready?
Before you start tinkering with your PC's settings, the first and most important step is to check if TPM 2.0 is already enabled. You'd be surprised how often it's just a quick check away from being fixed.
Here's how you can check if your system is already good to go:
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the 'Run' dialog box.
In the text field, type
tpm.msc
and press Enter.A new window titled "TPM Management on Local Computer" will appear. Look at the "Status" section.
If it says, "The TPM is ready for use," you're in luck! Your TPM is already enabled. The issue might be with Secure Boot, which we'll address in the next steps.
If you see a message like "Compatible TPM cannot be found," it means your TPM is either disabled in your BIOS or your hardware doesn't support it. Most modern PCs (within the last 5-7 years) have TPM hardware, but it might be turned off by default.
Pro Tip: To check if your BIOS is in UEFI mode and Secure Boot is on, you can also press Windows key + R, type msinfo32
, and press Enter. In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode" and "Secure Boot State." For Vanguard to work, your BIOS Mode should be UEFI and the Secure Boot State should be On.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Step 2: Enter the BIOS/UEFI Settings
This is where the magic happens. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is your computer's firmware, a pre-boot environment that allows you to configure hardware settings.
Restart your PC.
As your PC boots up, you need to press a specific key repeatedly to enter the BIOS/UEFI. This key varies depending on your motherboard or PC manufacturer. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, or Delete (Del). Look for a message on your screen during the boot process that says something like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press DEL to enter BIOS."
Once you've entered the BIOS/UEFI, you'll be greeted by a different-looking screen with a variety of settings. Don't be intimidated! Just follow the steps carefully.
Step 3: Navigate and Enable TPM
The location of the TPM setting can be a bit different depending on your motherboard's brand. It's often found in a "Security" or "Advanced" menu.
Here are common pathways for different motherboard brands:
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
Sub-heading 3.1: For AMD Users (fTPM)
Look for a setting named: AMD fTPM switch, AMD PSP fTPM, or something similar.
Location: This is often found under Advanced > CPU Configuration or Advanced > AMD CBS.
Action: Change the setting from Disabled to Enabled.
Sub-heading 3.2: For Intel Users (PTT)
Look for a setting named: Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT), TPM State, or Security Device Support.
Location: This is typically located under Advanced > PCH-FW Configuration, Advanced > CPU Configuration, or a dedicated Security tab.
Action: Change the setting from Disabled to Enabled.
Important Note: The names can be a bit generic. You might have to explore the BIOS menu a bit. Look for keywords like "TPM," "Trust," "Security," "fTPM," or "PTT."
Here are some specific examples for popular brands:
MSI: Go to Settings > Security > Trusted Computing. Enable "Security Device Support" and then select "TPM 2.0" as the TPM Device Selection.
ASUS: Go to Advanced > PCH-FW Configuration and enable "TPM Device Selection" and "Intel Platform Trust Technology."
Gigabyte: Go to Settings > Miscellaneous > Trusted Computing. Enable "Security Device Support" and set the TPM Device Select to "TPM 2.0."
Dell: During boot, press F2 to enter BIOS. Go to Security > TPM Security. Check the box to enable "TPM Security" and click "Apply."
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
Step 4: Enable Secure Boot
Enabling TPM is only half the battle. Vanguard also requires Secure Boot to be active. Secure Boot is a security standard that ensures your PC only boots using software that is trusted by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
Find the Secure Boot setting. This is usually located under the Boot, Security, or Authentication tab in the BIOS.
Ensure your BIOS mode is set to UEFI. Secure Boot will not work in legacy BIOS mode. If it's not, you'll need to change it to UEFI. Be careful with this step! Changing the BIOS mode can sometimes cause issues with your existing Windows installation, so proceed with caution.
Enable Secure Boot: Change the setting from Disabled to Enabled.
Save and Exit: Find the "Save & Exit" option (often on the main menu or a dedicated tab), save the changes, and exit the BIOS. Your PC will restart.
Step 5: Verify Your Changes and Relaunch Valorant
After your PC restarts, you can once again check if the changes have been applied.
Press Windows key + R and type
tpm.msc
. The status should now show "The TPM is ready for use."Press Windows key + R and type
msinfo32
. The "Secure Boot State" should now show "On."Launch Valorant. You should now be able to run the game without the Vanguard error. If the error still persists, a simple PC restart might be all you need to finalize the changes.
Related FAQ
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
How to check if my PC supports TPM 2.0? You can check for a 'Security processor' section in the Windows Security app under 'Device security.' If it's there and shows a specification version of 2.0, your PC has the hardware.
How to find my motherboard's BIOS key? The key to enter BIOS is usually displayed on the screen during startup, but if you miss it, you can check your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's website. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, or Delete.
How to change my BIOS from Legacy to UEFI mode? In your BIOS, navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Mode" settings and change the option from "Legacy" or "CSM" to "UEFI." Be aware that this can sometimes require a reinstallation of Windows.
How to fix the Vanguard error after enabling TPM and Secure Boot? If you still get the error, try reinstalling Valorant and its anti-cheat, Vanguard. Also, ensure your Windows is fully updated to the latest version.
How to know if I have a PTT or fTPM? Intel CPUs use a firmware-based TPM called PTT (Platform Trust Technology), while AMD CPUs use a similar one called fTPM (Firmware TPM). The option will be named accordingly in your BIOS.
How to update my BIOS? You can update your BIOS by visiting your motherboard manufacturer's website, downloading the latest BIOS version for your model, and following their specific instructions. This is an advanced step and should be done with care.
How to reset my BIOS settings if I mess something up? Most BIOS menus have a "Load Defaults" or "Load Optimized Defaults" option, which will reset all settings to their factory configuration. This is usually located in the "Save & Exit" tab.
How to check my current BIOS mode?
Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32
, and press Enter. Look for "BIOS Mode" in the System Summary.
How to enable TPM on a Dell computer? Restart your system, press F2 repeatedly to enter the BIOS, go to the "Security" section, select "TPM Security," check the box to enable it, and then apply and exit.
How to enable TPM on an MSI motherboard? In the BIOS, navigate to "Settings" > "Security" > "Trusted Computing" and enable "Security Device Support."