How To Fix Valorant Vanguard Tpm 2.0

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Are you seeing that annoying "This build of Vanguard requires TPM version 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled in order to play" error when you try to launch Valorant? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many players encounter this, especially with Windows 11's stricter security requirements. But fear not, Agent, because we're about to guide you through a step-by-step process to get you back into the action.

Valorant's anti-cheat system, Vanguard, relies on these security features (TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot) to ensure a fair and secure gaming environment. Essentially, they act as guardians for your PC, making sure only trusted software loads during startup. So, while it might seem like a hassle, it's ultimately for the good of the game!

Let's dive in and get this sorted!

Step 1: Engage! Let's Check Your System's Current State

Before we start tinkering in the BIOS, let's see what your system currently says about TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. This will help us determine exactly what needs to be enabled.

Sub-heading: Checking TPM 2.0 Status

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type tpm.msc and press Enter.
A "Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management on Local Computer" window will appear.
- If you see "The TPM is ready for use" and under "TPM Manufacturer Information" the "Specification Version" is 2.0, then your TPM 2.0 is already enabled and working. Great!
- If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be found" or the "Specification Version" is less than 2.0, then you'll need to enable it in your BIOS. Don't worry, we'll cover that next.

Sub-heading: Checking Secure Boot Status

Press the Windows key + R again to open the Run dialog box.
Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.
In the left panel, click on System Summary.
In the right panel, scroll down and look for:
- BIOS Mode: This should ideally say UEFI. If it says "Legacy" or "CSM," you'll likely need to change it to UEFI in your BIOS to enable Secure Boot. This might require converting your disk from MBR to GPT (more on that later if needed).
- Secure Boot State: This should say On. If it says "Off" or "Unsupported," then you'll need to enable it in your BIOS.

Take note of these findings. They will guide our next steps!

Step 2: Entering the BIOS/UEFI - The Command Center of Your PC

This is where the magic happens! Accessing your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware is crucial for enabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. The exact key to enter BIOS varies by motherboard manufacturer, but here are the common ones:

Dell: F2 or F12
HP: F10 or Esc
Lenovo: F1 or F2 (for desktops), F2 or Fn + F2 (for laptops)
ASUS: Del or F2
MSI: Del
Acer: F2 or Del
Gigabyte: Del

Sub-heading: How to Access Your BIOS/UEFI

Save all your work and close all applications. You're about to restart your computer.
Restart your PC.
As soon as your PC starts to boot up (often when you see the manufacturer's logo), start repeatedly pressing the BIOS access key for your system (e.g., F2, Del, etc.). You might need to press it quite quickly and persistently.
If successful, you will enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility. It often has a text-based interface, but newer systems might have a more graphical, mouse-friendly interface.

Important Note: Be very careful when navigating and changing settings in the BIOS. Incorrect settings can cause your computer to malfunction or fail to boot. If you are unsure, consult your motherboard's manual or a professional.

Step 3: Enabling TPM 2.0

Once you're in the BIOS, the location of the TPM setting can vary. Look for sections related to Security, Advanced, or Trusted Computing.

Sub-heading: Common Locations and Names for TPM Settings

Security Device Support: This is a common setting that needs to be enabled.
TPM State: Ensure this is set to Enabled.
Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT): If you have an Intel CPU, this is often the equivalent of TPM 2.0. Enable it.
AMD fTPM switch: If you have an AMD CPU, this is the firmware-based TPM. Enable it.
Security Chip: Sometimes simply labeled as this.

Navigate through your BIOS menu using your keyboard's arrow keys (or mouse if supported).
Locate the setting that controls TPM.
Change the setting to "Enabled" or "On."
Ensure the specification version is 2.0 if you see an option for it.

Step 4: Enabling Secure Boot and Setting Boot Mode to UEFI

This step often goes hand-in-hand with TPM 2.0, especially for Windows 11. Secure Boot requires your system to be in UEFI BIOS mode.

Sub-heading: Changing Boot Mode to UEFI (if necessary)

This setting is typically found under Boot Options, Boot, or Advanced Settings.
Look for "Boot Mode," "BIOS Mode," or "CSM (Compatibility Support Module)."
If it's set to "Legacy" or "CSM," you'll need to change it to "UEFI."
Crucial: If your operating system was installed in Legacy/MBR mode, changing to UEFI might prevent your system from booting. You might need to convert your disk from MBR to GPT. We'll address this in the FAQ if it's an issue for you. For now, if it's already UEFI, proceed to the next sub-heading.

Sub-heading: Enabling Secure Boot

Once you've ensured your BIOS mode is UEFI, navigate to the Secure Boot option. This is usually located under the Boot or Security tab.
Enable Secure Boot.
You might see an option for "Key Management" or "Restore Factory Keys." If prompted, you can usually restore default factory keys to ensure proper functioning.

Step 5: Save Changes and Exit BIOS

You've made the necessary changes! Now it's time to save them and restart your computer.

Look for an option like "Save & Exit," "Exit Saving Changes," or similar. This is often found on a dedicated "Exit" tab or by pressing a specific key (e.g., F10).
Confirm that you want to save changes and exit.
Your computer will restart.

Step 6: Verify the Changes in Windows

After your computer restarts, let's double-check that TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are now recognized as enabled by Windows.

Repeat Step 1 (Checking TPM 2.0 Status): Press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. Verify that the TPM is ready for use and the specification version is 2.0.
Repeat Step 1 (Checking Secure Boot Status): Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Verify that "BIOS Mode" is UEFI and "Secure Boot State" is On.

If both are showing as enabled, congratulations! You've successfully configured your system.

Step 7: Launch Valorant!

Now, with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled, try launching Valorant. The Vanguard error should no longer appear, and you should be able to jump into your games without a hitch.

Troubleshooting and Additional Considerations

If you still encounter issues:
- Disable Virtualization-based Security (VBS): In some cases, VBS can interfere.
  1. Search for "Core isolation" in Windows search and open Device security settings.
  2. Toggle "Memory integrity" off and restart your computer.
  3. If that doesn't work, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type: bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off then restart.
- Update your BIOS: An outdated BIOS might not fully support TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, even if your hardware does. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS updates and follow their instructions carefully.
- Reinstall Riot Vanguard: Sometimes, a corrupted Vanguard installation can cause issues. Uninstall it from "Add or remove programs," then restart Valorant to prompt a fresh installation.
- Reinstall Valorant: As a last resort, if all else fails, a fresh installation of Valorant might resolve any corrupted game files.
Windows 10 Users: While Windows 11 mandates TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for Valorant, Windows 10 generally has more leeway. However, enabling them on Windows 10 can still improve system security and sometimes resolve similar Vanguard errors.

This comprehensive guide should help you overcome the Valorant Vanguard TPM 2.0 error. Remember to proceed carefully, especially when making changes in the BIOS. Good luck, and have fun in Valorant!

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to check if my motherboard supports TPM 2.0?

You can generally check your motherboard's specifications on the manufacturer's website or in its manual. Most modern motherboards (within the last 5-7 years) support TPM 2.0, even if it's disabled by default.

How to convert my disk from MBR to GPT without losing data?

You can use Microsoft's MBR2GPT.exe tool, which is a command-line utility designed for this purpose. However, it's highly recommended to back up your data before attempting this, as data loss can occur if there are issues.

How to update my BIOS?

Visit your motherboard manufacturer's official website, locate your specific motherboard model, and download the latest BIOS version. Follow their provided instructions meticulously, as the process varies. This often involves flashing the BIOS from a USB drive.

How to disable Virtualization-based Security (VBS)?

You can disable "Memory integrity" within Windows Security's "Core isolation" settings. Alternatively, you can use Command Prompt (as administrator) and type bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off and then restart your PC.

How to find my BIOS access key?

The BIOS access key is usually displayed on the screen briefly during startup, or you can find it in your motherboard's manual or by searching online for your specific computer/motherboard model. Common keys include Del, F2, F10, F12, and Esc.

How to re-enable TPM after disabling it?

You would follow the same steps to enter your BIOS/UEFI as described in Step 2, navigate to the TPM settings (as in Step 3), and re-enable it.

How to troubleshoot if my PC won't boot after BIOS changes?

If your PC doesn't boot, try to re-enter the BIOS (using the same access key) and revert the last changes you made. If you can't access BIOS, you might need to reset your motherboard's CMOS (refer to your motherboard manual for instructions on this, as it typically involves removing a small battery or shorting specific pins).

How to know if my Windows installation is UEFI or Legacy?

Open System Information (msinfo32) and look for "BIOS Mode." If it says "UEFI," your installation is UEFI. If it says "Legacy" or "CSM," it's a Legacy BIOS installation.

How to check if Riot Vanguard is installed and updated?

Riot Vanguard is automatically installed with Valorant. You can check if it's running by opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and looking for "vgc.exe" or "Riot Vanguard" processes. For updates, Valorant itself usually prompts you to update Vanguard when launching.

How to contact Valorant Support for further assistance?

If all else fails, you can submit a support ticket directly to Riot Games' Valorant support team through their official website. They can provide more personalized troubleshooting steps.

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