Hey there, fellow gamer! Are you staring at that frustrating "This version of Vanguard requires UEFI" error message when all you want to do is jump into a game of Valorant or another Riot title? Don't worry, you're not alone, and we're going to fix this together! This error typically means Riot's anti-cheat, Vanguard, needs your system to be running in a more modern, secure boot environment. It's not as scary as it sounds, and with this detailed guide, we'll get you back in the game.
Let's dive in!
Understanding the "Vanguard Requires UEFI" Error
Before we start tinkering with settings, let's quickly understand what UEFI and Secure Boot are.
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): Think of UEFI as the modern successor to the traditional BIOS. It's the firmware that boots your computer before your operating system even loads. UEFI offers several advantages over BIOS, including faster boot times, support for larger hard drives, and, crucially for Vanguard, enhanced security features.
Secure Boot: This is a security feature within UEFI that helps protect your system from malware by ensuring that only trusted software (like your operating system) can load during the boot process. Vanguard leverages this feature to ensure a secure gaming environment and prevent cheating.
The error you're seeing means Vanguard detects that your system isn't currently using UEFI mode with Secure Boot enabled, or at least not in a way it expects.
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| How To Fix This Version Of Vanguard Requires Uefi |
Step 1: Check Your Current BIOS Mode and Secure Boot Status
First things first, let's confirm your current system's configuration. This will help us pinpoint exactly what needs changing.
Sub-heading: Are you running Legacy BIOS or UEFI?
Engage with your system's search bar: On your Windows taskbar, click the Search icon (magnifying glass) or press Windows Key + S.
Type
msinfo32and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode".
If it says "UEFI", that's a good start! You're already in UEFI mode.
If it says "Legacy" or "CSM" (Compatibility Support Module), then your system is currently booting in the older BIOS mode, and we'll need to convert it to UEFI.
While you're in the System Information window, also look for "Secure Boot State".
If it says "On", great! Secure Boot is enabled.
If it says "Off" or "Unsupported", we'll need to enable it in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
Take note of these two values. They will guide our next steps!
Step 2: Preparing for the Switch (Important Considerations!)
Before we dive into your system's firmware, there are some crucial steps to take. Skipping this could lead to data loss or a non-bootable system.
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Sub-heading: Backup Your Important Data
Seriously, do it! While the process of changing BIOS mode and enabling Secure Boot is generally safe, unexpected issues can occur. It's always best to have a backup of your important documents, photos, and files. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage (like Google Drive or OneDrive), or a USB flash drive.
Sub-heading: Convert MBR to GPT (If you're on Legacy BIOS)
If your "BIOS Mode" was "Legacy" in Step 1, your primary drive (where Windows is installed) is likely formatted with the Master Boot Record (MBR) partition style. UEFI requires the GUID Partition Table (GPT) style.
Warning: Converting MBR to GPT without data loss is possible with Windows' built-in
mbr2gpttool, but it's still a critical step. If you have multiple partitions, or if your system is particularly old, it's safer to back up everything.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
Search for
cmdin the Windows search bar.Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator."
Check disk layout:
Type
diskpartand press Enter.Type
list diskand press Enter.Identify your system disk (usually Disk 0, the one with your Windows installation). Look at the "Gpt" column. If there's no asterisk (*) next to your system disk, it's MBR.
Type
exitto exit diskpart.
Validate disk for conversion:
Type
mbr2gpt /validate /disk:0 /allowfullos(replace0with your system disk number if it's different).If it says "Validation completed successfully", you're good to proceed. If not, you might have issues like too many primary partitions, or your current Windows version might not be supported. In such cases, a clean installation of Windows in UEFI mode might be the most straightforward, albeit time-consuming, option after backing up your data.
Perform the conversion:
Type
mbr2gpt /convert /disk:0 /allowfullos(again, replace0if needed).This process might take a few moments. Once it's complete, you should see a success message.
Do NOT restart your computer yet if you just converted MBR to GPT! We need to enable UEFI next.
Step 3: Entering Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
This is where the magic happens! We'll be accessing your computer's firmware settings. The exact key to press varies by manufacturer, but here are the common ones:
Restart your computer.
As soon as the screen goes black and before the Windows logo appears, repeatedly press the BIOS/UEFI access key. Common keys include:
Del (Dell, ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte)
F2 (Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo)
F10 (HP, some Lenovo)
F12 (Dell, some Lenovo)
Esc (HP, some Acer)
If you're unsure, consult your motherboard manual or look up "[Your PC/Motherboard Brand] BIOS key".
Keep pressing until you see the BIOS/UEFI setup utility. It often has a blue or grey background with various menus.
Sub-heading: Navigating the BIOS/UEFI Interface
The BIOS/UEFI interface is usually navigated with your keyboard arrow keys and Enter. Some modern UEFI interfaces also support mouse input. Look for sections like:
Boot
Security
Advanced
Exit
Step 4: Enabling UEFI Mode and Secure Boot
Now, let's find and change those crucial settings.
Sub-heading: Switching to UEFI Boot Mode (If you were on Legacy/CSM)
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
If your "BIOS Mode" was "Legacy" in Step 1, this is your primary goal here.
Navigate to the "Boot" tab or a similar section.
Look for an option like "Boot Mode," "UEFI/BIOS Boot Mode," "OS Type," or "Boot Device Control."
Change this setting from "Legacy," "CSM," or "Other OS" to "UEFI" or "Windows UEFI Mode."
Sometimes, enabling UEFI might automatically disable CSM or Legacy options.
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Sub-heading: Enabling Secure Boot
Regardless of your initial "BIOS Mode," you'll need to enable Secure Boot.
Navigate to the "Security" or "Boot" tab.
Look for an option named "Secure Boot."
Change its status from "Disabled" or "Off" to "Enabled."
Crucially, some motherboards require you to set the "Secure Boot Mode" to "Standard" instead of "Custom" if it's an option. If it's on "Custom," you might need to "Restore Factory Keys" or "Install Default Secure Boot Keys" first to make Secure Boot functional. This will typically be a sub-option within the Secure Boot menu.
If your system has a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) setting, ensure it's also enabled. This is usually found under "Security" or "Advanced" and might be called "PTT" (Intel Platform Trust Technology) or similar for AMD systems. While not always directly required for the "Vanguard requires UEFI" error, it's a good security practice and often works in conjunction with Secure Boot.
Sub-heading: Saving Changes and Exiting
Once you've made these changes, navigate to the "Exit" tab.
Look for an option like "Save Changes and Exit," "Exit Saving Changes," or "Save & Exit Setup."
Confirm your decision, usually by pressing "Y" for Yes or selecting "Yes" and pressing Enter.
Your computer will now restart.
Step 5: Verify the Changes and Launch Valorant
After your computer restarts, Windows should boot up normally (and hopefully faster!). Now, let's confirm everything is in order.
Check System Information again: Repeat Step 1 (open
msinfo32).Verify that "BIOS Mode" now says "UEFI".
Verify that "Secure Boot State" now says "On".
If both are correct, congratulations! You've successfully configured your system.
Launch Valorant (or your Riot game):
Open the Riot Client and launch the game that was giving you the error.
Vanguard should now initialize correctly, and you should be able to enter the game without the UEFI error.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Can't find Secure Boot or UEFI options: Different motherboard manufacturers (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, Dell, HP, Lenovo) have varying BIOS/UEFI layouts. Look around carefully in the "Boot," "Security," or "Advanced" sections. Sometimes, options are hidden until you disable "CSM" or "Legacy Boot."
Computer won't boot after changes:
If you converted MBR to GPT and then enabled UEFI, it should boot. If not, you might need to revert the changes in BIOS (go back to Legacy/CSM) to get back into Windows, then re-evaluate the MBR to GPT conversion.
If you only enabled Secure Boot and now can't boot, try disabling Secure Boot again in the BIOS. Sometimes, Windows might require a reinstall if the boot records get corrupted.
Important: Ensure your Windows installation itself supports UEFI. Older Windows installations (e.g., Windows 7 or very old Windows 10 versions) might not boot correctly in UEFI mode even after the conversion. A fresh installation of Windows 10/11 is often the most reliable solution in such cases.
Vanguard still giving errors (e.g., VAN 9001, VAN 9003): Even after enabling UEFI and Secure Boot, other Vanguard errors can occur.
Restart your PC: A simple restart often resolves transient Vanguard issues.
Reinstall Vanguard:
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
Find "Riot Vanguard" and uninstall it.
Restart your computer.
Launch your Riot game; it should automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard. Follow the prompts.
Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows is fully updated.
Disable conflicting software: Some antivirus programs or other security software might conflict with Vanguard. Temporarily disable them to test.
Check Exploit Protection/Memory Integrity (HVCI): Windows 11 often requires Memory Integrity (also known as Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity or HVCI) to be enabled.
Search for "Core isolation" in Windows search.
Toggle "Memory integrity" to On.
Restart your PC if prompted.
If it won't enable due to incompatible drivers, you'll need to update or remove those drivers.
Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
How to check if my system is UEFI or Legacy?
You can check by opening System Information (msinfo32) and looking for "BIOS Mode." It will state either "UEFI" or "Legacy."
How to enable UEFI mode in my BIOS?
Restart your PC and repeatedly press your BIOS key (e.g., Del, F2, F10, F12, Esc). Once in the BIOS, navigate to the "Boot" section and change the "Boot Mode" or "OS Type" to "UEFI."
How to enable Secure Boot in my BIOS?
After entering your BIOS/UEFI settings (using the key mentioned above), navigate to the "Security" or "Boot" tab. Find "Secure Boot" and set it to "Enabled." You might also need to set "Secure Boot Mode" to "Standard" or "Install Default Secure Boot Keys."
How to convert MBR to GPT without losing data?
Open Command Prompt as administrator and use the mbr2gpt /convert /disk:0 /allowfullos command (replace 0 with your system disk number). Always back up your data beforehand.
How to find my motherboard's BIOS key?
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
The BIOS key varies by manufacturer (Dell, HP, ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Lenovo, Acer). You can usually find it by checking your motherboard or PC manual, or by searching online for "[Your PC/Motherboard Brand] BIOS key."
How to resolve "Secure Boot state: Unsupported" in System Information?
This typically means Secure Boot is not properly configured or your motherboard doesn't fully support it (unlikely on modern systems). Ensure your BIOS is updated to the latest version and try reinstalling the default Secure Boot keys in the BIOS settings.
How to reinstall Riot Vanguard?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features), find "Riot Vanguard," and uninstall it. Restart your PC, then launch your Riot game, and it will prompt you to reinstall Vanguard automatically.
How to fix Valorant VAN 9001 or VAN 9003 errors?
These errors are often related to TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Ensure both UEFI mode and Secure Boot are enabled in your BIOS, and check that TPM 2.0 is also enabled (usually in the "Security" or "Advanced" section of your BIOS).
How to update my BIOS/UEFI firmware?
Visit your motherboard or PC manufacturer's official website. Find your specific model, download the latest BIOS firmware, and follow their instructions (usually involving a USB flash drive and a built-in flashing utility within the BIOS).
How to reset BIOS settings to default?
In your BIOS/UEFI settings, there's usually an "Exit" tab with an option like "Load Optimized Defaults" or "Load Setup Defaults." Select this, save changes, and exit. You'll then need to re-enable UEFI and Secure Boot if desired.
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