Fixing the 'This version of Vanguard requires Secure Boot to be enabled' Error: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey there, Valorant players! Are you ready to jump into a match, only to be stopped dead in your tracks by a popup from Riot Vanguard with the dreaded message: "This version of Vanguard requires Secure Boot to be enabled"? Frustrating, right? Don't worry, you're not alone. This is a common issue, especially for those on Windows 11, and it's actually a security feature designed to keep the game fair.
Let's dive into exactly what this means and, more importantly, how to fix it step by step. We'll get you back into the game, planting the spike and winning rounds in no time!
Why Does Vanguard Need Secure Boot?
Before we start, let's understand why this is happening. Riot Vanguard is the anti-cheat software for Valorant. It's a kernel-level driver, which means it runs at the deepest level of your operating system to detect and prevent cheating. Secure Boot is a security standard that ensures your PC only boots using software that is trusted by the manufacturer. By requiring Secure Boot, Vanguard can be sure that no malicious programs are loaded during the boot process that could interfere with the game or its anti-cheat system. It's all about creating a trusted and secure environment for competitive play.
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| How To Fix This Version Of Vanguard Requires Secure Boot To Be Enabled |
Step 1: Check Your Current Status - Are You Secure Boot Ready?
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Before you start changing settings, let's confirm your current Secure Boot and TPM status. This will help you know exactly what needs to be changed.
Engage with me! On your keyboard, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type
msinfo32and hit Enter.
This will open the System Information window. Now, look for two key entries:
BIOS Mode: This should say UEFI. If it says "Legacy," you have a bit more work to do, but we'll cover that later. Secure Boot only works with UEFI.
Secure Boot State: This will say either On, Off, or Unsupported. If it says "On," then Secure Boot is already enabled, and you might have a different issue. If it says "Off," you're in the right place, and we're ready to fix it. If it says "Unsupported," your hardware doesn't support it, and unfortunately, you won't be able to play Valorant on this machine.
Sub-heading: Don't Forget About TPM 2.0!
Vanguard often requires both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Let's check that, too.
In the Run dialog box, type
tpm.mscand hit Enter.Look at the "Status" section. If it says "The TPM is ready for use," you're good. If it says a compatible TPM cannot be found, you will need to enable it in your BIOS as well. Look for settings like "Intel PTT," "AMD fTPM," or "Security Device Support."
Step 2: Enter the BIOS/UEFI - The Digital Control Center
This is where the magic happens. You need to access your computer's BIOS or UEFI firmware settings to enable Secure Boot.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Restart Your PC. The easiest way to get into the BIOS is by restarting your computer and pressing a specific key during the boot process.
Find Your Key. The key to enter the BIOS varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, or the Delete key. As your computer starts to boot up, you'll often see a message on the screen telling you which key to press, like "Press DEL to enter Setup" or "Press F2 for BIOS."
Alternative Method: If you're on Windows 11, you can access the BIOS through the Advanced Startup menu.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery (or System in Windows 11).
Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now."
Your PC will restart into a blue menu. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
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Step 3: Enable Secure Boot and UEFI Mode
Now that you're in the BIOS, be very careful and only change the settings we're discussing. The layout of the BIOS can be different depending on your motherboard, so the names of the options might vary slightly.
Navigate with your keyboard: In the BIOS, your mouse may not work, so use the arrow keys and Enter key to navigate.
Locate the
BootorSecurityTab: Look for a tab with a name like "Boot," "Security," or "Authentication."Disable CSM/Legacy Mode: This is a crucial step. Secure Boot requires your system to be in UEFI mode. Look for an option called "CSM" (Compatibility Support Module) or "Legacy Mode" and disable it. This will ensure your system boots in UEFI mode.
Enable Secure Boot: Within the same menu, find the "Secure Boot" option. It might be set to "Disabled" or "Custom." Change it to "Enabled." You may also need to set the Secure Boot Mode to "Standard."
Enable TPM (if needed): If you had issues with TPM 2.0 in Step 1, now is the time to enable it. Look for options like "Trusted Computing," "TPM State," "Intel PTT," or "AMD fTPM switch" and enable it.
Step 4: Save and Exit - The Final Countdown
You're almost there! Once you've made the necessary changes, you need to save them.
Save Your Changes: Look for an "Exit" or "Save and Exit" option in the BIOS menu.
Press the Save Key: Often, the BIOS will tell you which key to press to save and exit, such as F10. Press that key, confirm that you want to save the changes and exit, and your computer will restart.
Your PC will now boot up with Secure Boot enabled. After the restart, launch Valorant, and Riot Vanguard should now be able to run without the error message. Congratulations, you've successfully fixed the issue!
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 common questions related to this topic, with quick and clear answers.
How to check if my motherboard supports Secure Boot? You can check your motherboard's manual or visit the manufacturer's website and search for your specific model. Most modern motherboards support it, especially those built in the last decade.
How to check if my OS Drive is MBR or GPT? In Windows, press Windows key + X and select Disk Management. Right-click on your main drive (usually C:), go to Properties > Volumes, and look at the "Partition style." It should be GUID Partition Table (GPT) for Secure Boot to work.
How to convert my drive from MBR to GPT without losing data? Microsoft provides a built-in tool called MBR2GPT. You can use it from the command prompt in Windows Recovery Environment. Please back up your data first, as this is a critical process.
How to find the BIOS key for my specific PC? The BIOS key is usually displayed on the screen during startup, but if you miss it, you can search online for "BIOS key for [your PC brand/motherboard model]."
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
How to find my motherboard model?
Open the Run dialog box (Windows key + R), type msinfo32, and look for "BaseBoard Manufacturer," "BaseBoard Product," and "BaseBoard Version."
How to enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS? In your BIOS, look for a "Security" tab and find an option like "Intel PTT," "AMD fTPM," or "Security Device Support." Enable it and save your settings.
How to update my BIOS firmware? Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website, find the support page for your model, download the latest BIOS update, and follow their instructions carefully. This is an advanced procedure, so be cautious.
How to run Valorant in compatibility mode? Right-click on the Valorant shortcut, go to Properties > Compatibility, check the box for "Run this program in compatibility mode for," and select an older version of Windows like "Windows 8."
How to reinstall Riot Vanguard? Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Riot Vanguard, and click "Uninstall." You can then reinstall it by launching Valorant, which will prompt you to install Vanguard again.
How to troubleshoot if the Secure Boot option is greyed out in BIOS? This often happens if CSM/Legacy Mode is enabled. Make sure you disable CSM first, save, and then check if the Secure Boot option becomes available. If it still doesn't, you may need to update your BIOS.
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