Hello there, gamer! Are you encountering that frustrating "This version of Vanguard requires UEFI secure boot to be enabled" error when you try to launch Valorant? You're not alone. Many players run into this issue, and it's all about ensuring your system is secure enough for Riot Games' powerful anti-cheat software, Vanguard.
Think of Secure Boot as a digital bouncer for your computer's startup process. It checks the "ID" of every piece of software that tries to run, making sure it's signed with a trusted cryptographic key. This prevents malicious software, like rootkits, from loading before your operating system even starts. Vanguard needs this level of security to ensure a fair playing field for everyone.
Ready to get back in the game? Let's walk through the steps together to enable Secure Boot and get you back in the action. Just remember to be careful and follow the instructions precisely, as we'll be making changes in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 1: Check Your Current Secure Boot and BIOS Status
Before we dive into the BIOS, let's see what your current settings are. This will help us confirm if Secure Boot is already enabled or if you need to make changes.
Engage with your keyboard! Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
In the box, type
msinfo32and hit Enter. This will open the System Information window.In the System Summary, look for two key entries:
"BIOS Mode": It should say UEFI. If it says "Legacy" or "CSM," you will likely need to convert your drive from MBR to GPT and switch to UEFI mode before enabling Secure Boot. We'll touch upon this later.
"Secure Boot State": It should say On. If it says "Off," you're in the right place! We'll need to enable it. If it says "Unsupported," your motherboard may not support Secure Boot. You'll need to check your motherboard's manual or manufacturer's website.
Excellent! Now you know your starting point. If your BIOS Mode is already UEFI and Secure Boot State is Off, you're ready for the next step. If it says "Legacy," don't worry, we'll address that too.
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| How To Enable Vanguard Secure Boot |
Step 2: Access Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or its modern successor, UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), is a firmware interface that controls your hardware. To enable Secure Boot, we need to access this area.
Restart your computer.
As your computer boots up, you need to press a specific key repeatedly to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. This key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Common keys include:
F2
Delete (Del)
F10
F12
Esc
Look for a message on the screen during the boot process that says something like "Press F2 to enter setup" or "Press Del to enter BIOS."
If you miss it, don't worry! Just restart again and try a different key from the list. You can also quickly search online for "[Your motherboard brand] + BIOS key" to be sure.
Step 3: Navigate the BIOS/UEFI and Enable Secure Boot
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
Once you are in the BIOS, navigating can be a bit different. You'll primarily use your keyboard's arrow keys, Enter key, and sometimes the Esc key to go back. Some modern UEFI interfaces also support mouse input.
Find the "Boot" or "Security" Tab. The location of the Secure Boot option can vary greatly between motherboards. Look for a main menu or tab with names like "Boot," "Security," "Authentication," or "Boot Options."
Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module). If you see a CSM option, you must disable it. This is a critical step, as Secure Boot only works in UEFI mode, and CSM allows for legacy BIOS compatibility. Disabling CSM can sometimes prevent your system from booting if your OS was installed in Legacy mode.
Locate "Secure Boot." Within the relevant tab, find the "Secure Boot" option. It might be in a sub-menu.
Enable Secure Boot. Change the setting for Secure Boot from Disabled to Enabled.
Set OS Type to "Windows UEFI mode." You might see an "OS Type" or "Boot Protocol" setting. Make sure this is set to "Windows UEFI mode" or "UEFI."
Verify TPM is Enabled. While you're in the BIOS, it's a great idea to also check if TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is enabled, as Vanguard often requires it as well. Look for a setting with names like "Security Device," "TPM State," "AMD fTPM switch," or "Intel PTT" and make sure it is Enabled or Auto.
Step 4: Save Changes and Exit
You're almost there! Now you need to save the changes you've made.
Look for a tab or option that says "Save & Exit," "Exit," or similar.
Select "Save Changes and Exit" or press the key indicated on the screen (often F10).
A confirmation box will likely appear asking if you want to save and exit. Select Yes or OK.
Your computer will now restart.
After the restart, your PC should boot up with Secure Boot enabled. You can confirm this by following the steps in Step 1 again. The "Secure Boot State" should now say On.
Important Consideration: MBR to GPT Conversion
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If in Step 1 your "BIOS Mode" was "Legacy," this means your OS drive uses the MBR (Master Boot Record) partition style, which is incompatible with Secure Boot. You need to convert it to GPT (GUID Partition Table).
This is a more advanced step and can cause issues if done incorrectly. It's highly recommended to back up your important files before proceeding.
You can use the mbr2gpt command-line tool built into Windows to do this without data loss.
Open the Start Menu and search for "Command Prompt."
Right-click on it and select "Run as administrator."
In the Command Prompt window, type
mbr2gpt /validate /disk:0 /allowFullOSand press Enter. (Note: thedisk:0may need to be changed to match your OS disk number, which you can find in Disk Management.) This command checks if your disk can be converted.If it validates successfully, type
mbr2gpt /convert /disk:0 /allowFullOSand press Enter.After the conversion is complete, you can now go back into your BIOS and switch the BIOS Mode from Legacy to UEFI and enable Secure Boot.
Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the complexities of your PC's firmware and enabled Secure Boot. You should now be able to launch Valorant without any issues.
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10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Secure Boot and Vanguard:
How to check if my motherboard supports Secure Boot?
You can check in the System Information window (msinfo32), where "Secure Boot State" will say "Unsupported" if it's not supported. Alternatively, consult your motherboard's manual or visit the manufacturer's website.
How to find my motherboard's BIOS key?
Restart your computer and watch the screen for a message like "Press F2 to enter setup." If you miss it, a quick online search for "[Your PC/motherboard brand] BIOS key" will give you the answer.
How to enable TPM 2.0 along with Secure Boot?
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
In your BIOS settings, look for a "Security" or "Advanced" tab. Find the option for "TPM," "PTT," or "fTPM" and set it to Enabled. This is often required for Vanguard and Windows 11.
How to fix a black screen after enabling Secure Boot?
If your system won't boot after enabling Secure Boot, you may need to go back into the BIOS and toggle it back to its previous state. This can happen if your OS was installed in Legacy mode and you didn't convert your drive to GPT.
How to convert my MBR disk to GPT?
You can use the mbr2gpt command-line tool in an administrative Command Prompt, as detailed in the steps above. Remember to back up your data first!
How to fix the "VAN9001" or "VAN9003" error in Valorant?
The most common fix is to enable both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. You can also try running Valorant and Riot Vanguard as an administrator, and ensuring your Windows and drivers are up to date.
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How to know if my BIOS is in UEFI mode?
Open the System Information window (msinfo32) and check the "BIOS Mode" entry. It should say "UEFI."
How to check if Riot Vanguard is up to date?
Riot Vanguard updates automatically with Valorant. If you're having issues, you can try reinstalling the game and Vanguard to ensure a clean installation.
How to reset Secure Boot keys in BIOS?
In the Secure Boot settings of your BIOS, there is often a "Key Management" or "Restore Factory Keys" option. You can use this to reset the keys to their default settings, which can sometimes resolve issues.
How to access the advanced startup menu in Windows?
Go to Settings > System > Recovery. Under "Advanced startup," click Restart now. This will bring you to the blue recovery screen where you can access your UEFI Firmware Settings.
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