Ready to jump into some competitive Valorant action, but getting hit with a pesky error about Vanguard? Don't worry, you're not alone. This is a common hurdle for many players, especially those on Windows 11. Riot's anti-cheat system, Vanguard, is a crucial part of the game's integrity, but it requires specific security features on your PC to be enabled.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of enabling Vanguard for Valorant, step by step. We'll cover everything from checking your system's readiness to diving into your BIOS settings. So, let's get you back in the game and on the path to becoming a Valorant legend!
Step 1: Engage with Your PC's Readiness
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of BIOS settings, let's start with a simple check. Have you been seeing error messages like VAN9001 or VAN9003? If you have, it's a clear sign that you need to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. These are the two key security features that Vanguard requires, especially on Windows 11.
So, let's confirm your PC's current status. It's easy, and it won't take long.
Sub-heading: The Quick Check for Secure Boot & TPM
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the 'Run' dialog box.
Type
tpm.mscand press Enter. This will open the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management window.In the "Status" section, look for a message that says "The TPM is ready for use." If you see this, and the "Specification Version" is 2.0, you're good to go on the TPM front.
Now, let's check Secure Boot. Open the Start Menu, type "System Information" and open the application.
In the System Summary, find the "Secure Boot State" or "Secure Boot Status." It should say "On" or "Enabled."
If either of these is disabled, you'll need to enable them from your BIOS. Don't let the word "BIOS" scare you; it's a manageable process, and we'll guide you through it.
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| How To Enable Vanguard For Valorant |
Step 2: Enter the BIOS - The Gateway to Your PC's Core
This is where you'll make the necessary changes. The steps to enter the BIOS can differ depending on your motherboard's manufacturer, so be prepared to try a few different keys.
Sub-heading: The Reboot and BIOS Entry
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
Restart your PC. This is a crucial first step.
As your PC boots up, you need to press a specific key repeatedly to enter the BIOS. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, or Delete. You'll usually see a message on the screen during the boot process that tells you which key to press, something like "Press DEL to enter Setup" or "Press F2 for BIOS."
Once you hit the right key, you'll be in the BIOS menu. This is a text-based or graphical interface with a lot of settings. Don't change anything unless you know what you're doing, except for the steps we're about to outline!
Step 3: Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
Inside the BIOS, you need to locate the security and boot options. The exact menu names and locations will vary based on your motherboard's brand (e.g., ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, etc.).
Sub-heading: Finding the Right Settings
Navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" tab. You might also find these options under an "Advanced" or "Advanced Mode" menu. Look for something that says "Secure Boot," "Trusted Computing," or a similar name.
Enable Secure Boot. Once you find the Secure Boot option, select it and change the status from "Disabled" to "Enabled." You might also need to set the "Secure Boot Mode" to "Standard" instead of "Custom."
Enable TPM. Look for an option like "TPM State," "Security Device Support," "Intel PTT" (for Intel CPUs), or "AMD fTPM switch" (for AMD CPUs). Enable it.
Note: If you have a Gigabyte motherboard, you might need to go to the "Settings" tab, then "Miscellaneous" and enable the "Trusted Platform Module" selector.
Disable CSM. In the same "Boot" or "Advanced" menu, look for "CSM" (Compatibility Support Module) and make sure it's disabled. Secure Boot requires your system to be in UEFI mode, and CSM is for legacy boot modes.
Step 4: Save and Exit - The Final Reboot
You've made the changes! Now, it's time to apply them and reboot your PC.
Sub-heading: Finalizing the BIOS Changes
Look for an "Exit" or "Save and Exit" option in your BIOS.
Select "Save Changes and Exit" or something similar.
Confirm the changes by selecting "Yes" or "OK" when prompted.
Your PC will now restart. This reboot is crucial as it allows the system to boot with the new security settings enabled.
Step 5: Launch Valorant and Enjoy!
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After the reboot, everything should be set.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Launch Valorant.
Riot Vanguard should now initialize properly.
If you still encounter issues, you might need to run Valorant as an administrator. Right-click the Valorant shortcut and select "Run as administrator." You can also set this as a permanent option in the shortcut's properties.
Congratulations! You should now be able to play Valorant without the Secure Boot and TPM errors.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my PC supports Secure Boot and TPM 2.0?
You can check this by running tpm.msc and msinfo32 (System Information) as described in Step 1. Your motherboard manual or manufacturer's website will also confirm if your hardware supports these features.
How to enter the BIOS?
Restart your PC and press a key like F2, F10, F12, or Delete repeatedly during the boot process. The exact key depends on your motherboard's brand.
How to fix Vanguard not initialized error?
Sometimes, Vanguard may not start automatically. You can manually start it by going to the 'Services' application (type services.msc in the Run dialog), finding "vgc" (Vanguard user mode service), and setting its startup type to "Automatic". Then, right-click and select "Start."
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
How to reinstall Riot Vanguard?
You can't install Vanguard on its own. You have to uninstall it from your PC's "Apps & Features" and then launch Valorant again. The game client will automatically reinstall the latest version of Vanguard.
How to fix the VAN 9001 or VAN 9003 error code?
These error codes are directly related to Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 being disabled. The step-by-step guide above is the direct solution to these errors.
How to enable UEFI mode in the BIOS?
In the "Boot" or "Advanced" menu of your BIOS, find the "Boot Mode" or "BIOS Mode" option and set it to "UEFI" instead of "Legacy" or "CSM."
How to find my motherboard model to check its specs?
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
You can find your motherboard model by opening "System Information" and looking at the "BaseBoard Manufacturer" and "BaseBoard Product" fields.
How to update my drivers to avoid Vanguard issues?
While Vanguard issues are often related to Secure Boot and TPM, outdated drivers can cause conflicts. You can update your drivers through Windows Update or by using your motherboard and graphics card manufacturer's official software.
How to disable my antivirus or firewall for Valorant?
Temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding Valorant and Riot Vanguard to its exceptions list can sometimes resolve conflicts. This is a good troubleshooting step if the BIOS changes don't work.
How to know if my PC meets Valorant's system requirements?
Valorant has relatively low system requirements, but for Windows 11, it requires a 64-bit OS, 4GB RAM, and 1GB VRAM. You can check the detailed specs on the official Valorant website.
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