Facing the dreaded Vanguard Error 9003 when trying to play Valorant or other Riot Games titles? You're not alone! This error, often accompanied by messages like "This build of Vanguard requires Secure Boot to be enabled," can be incredibly frustrating. But don't worry, with this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of diagnosing and fixing it. Let's get you back into the game!
How to Fix Vanguard Error 9003: A Comprehensive Guide
The Vanguard Error 9003 primarily indicates an issue with your system's compliance with Riot Games' anti-cheat system, Vanguard, specifically concerning Secure Boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) settings. Windows 11, in particular, heavily relies on these security features. Let's dive in and fix it!
Step 1: Let's Confirm the Culprit – Check Your System Information
Before we start tinkering with BIOS settings, let's confirm that Secure Boot and TPM are indeed the issues. This will save you a lot of time and effort!
- Are you ready to become a system detective? Let's see what your PC is telling us.
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
msinfo32and press Enter. This will open the System Information window. - In the System Information window, look for the following entries on the right-hand pane:
- BIOS Mode: This should say UEFI. If it says "Legacy" or "CSM," we've found a major clue!
- Secure Boot State: This should say On. If it says "Off" or "Unsupported," that's another piece of the puzzle.
- Now, let's check TPM:
- Press the Windows key + R again to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
tpm.mscand press Enter. This opens the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management on Local Computer window. - Check the "Status" section. It should say "The TPM is ready for use." If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be found" or indicates it's disabled, we know what to do next.
If you found "Legacy" BIOS Mode, "Off" or "Unsupported" Secure Boot State, or a disabled/missing TPM, then you're on the right track! The following steps are specifically designed for you.
Step 2: Entering the Sacred Halls of BIOS/UEFI
This is where the magic happens. Accessing your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings is crucial for enabling Secure Boot and TPM. Be careful in here, as incorrect changes can affect your system's stability.
Sub-step 2.1: Restarting and Accessing BIOS/UEFI
- Save all your work and close all applications. You're about to restart your computer.
- Restart your computer. As soon as your computer begins to restart (often when you see the manufacturer's logo, like Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, etc.), you need to repeatedly press a specific key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
- Common BIOS/UEFI Keys:
- Dell: F2 or F12
- HP: F10
- Lenovo (Laptops): F2 or Fn+F2
- Lenovo (Desktops): F1
- ASUS: Del or F2
- Acer: F2 or Del
- MSI: Del
- Gigabyte: Del or F8
- If none of these work, you can search online for "how to enter BIOS [Your Laptop/Motherboard Model]".
Sub-step 2.2: Navigating the BIOS/UEFI Interface
- Once you're in the BIOS/UEFI, you'll typically use your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select. Some modern UEFI interfaces also support mouse input.
- The layout varies greatly between manufacturers, but we'll be looking for sections related to Boot, Security, or Advanced Settings.
Step 3: Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
This is the core of fixing Error 9003. We need to ensure these critical security features are enabled.
Sub-step 3.1: Configuring Secure Boot
- In the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" tab.
- Look for an option called "Secure Boot."
- If it's disabled, change its status to "Enabled".
- You might also find an "OS Type" or "Boot Mode" option within or near the Secure Boot settings. Ensure it's set to "Windows UEFI Mode" (or similar, depending on your BIOS). Avoid "Other OS" or "CSM" if you're running Windows 11.
- Sometimes, before enabling Secure Boot, you might need to "Restore Factory Default Keys" or "Enroll All Factory Default Keys" under Secure Boot settings. If you see such an option and Secure Boot isn't enabling, try this first.
Sub-step 3.2: Enabling TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0
- Still in the BIOS/UEFI, look for options related to "Security," "Advanced," or "PCH-FW Configuration" (for Intel CPUs) or "fTPM" (for AMD CPUs).
- Find the "TPM" or "Trusted Platform Module" setting.
- Ensure it is enabled. If there's an option for TPM version, make sure it's set to "2.0".
- For AMD systems, this might be called "AMD fTPM switch" and needs to be set to "Enabled." For Intel systems, look for "Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)" and enable it.
Sub-step 3.3: Disabling CSM (Compatibility Support Module) - Crucial for UEFI
- If your "BIOS Mode" was "Legacy" in Step 1, you must disable CSM. This module allows your UEFI firmware to emulate a traditional BIOS, which conflicts with Secure Boot.
- Go to the "Boot" tab in your BIOS/UEFI.
- Find "CSM Support" or "Compatibility Support Module."
- Disable this option.
- Important Note: Disabling CSM and enabling UEFI/Secure Boot might cause your Windows installation to become unbootable if your hard drive is formatted in MBR (Master Boot Record) instead of GPT (GUID Partition Table). Windows 11 strictly requires GPT for UEFI/Secure Boot. If you encounter boot issues after this step, you may need to convert your drive from MBR to GPT. We'll briefly cover this in the FAQ, but it's a more advanced step.
Sub-step 3.4: Save Changes and Exit
- Once you've made these changes, navigate to the "Exit" or "Save & Exit" tab in your BIOS/UEFI.
- Select "Save Changes and Exit" or "Exit Saving Changes." Confirm your choice when prompted. Your computer will then restart.
Step 4: Verify the Fix
After your computer restarts, it's time to confirm if your efforts paid off!
- Repeat Sub-step 1.1 (open
msinfo32) to check your BIOS Mode and Secure Boot State. - Repeat Sub-step 1.2 (open
tpm.msc) to check your TPM status. - Ideally, both "BIOS Mode" should be "UEFI" and "Secure Boot State" should be "On," and your TPM should be "Ready for use."
Step 5: Additional Troubleshooting Steps (If Error 9003 Persists)
Sometimes, even with Secure Boot and TPM enabled, the error might linger. Here are some further steps to take:
Sub-step 5.1: Update Windows and Drivers
- Keep Windows Up-to-Date: An outdated Windows version can sometimes cause compatibility issues with Vanguard.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for updates." Install any pending updates and restart your PC.
- Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated GPU drivers can lead to various game-related issues.
- Visit your graphics card manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific GPU model. Perform a clean installation.
Sub-step 5.2: Reinstall Riot Vanguard and Valorant
Corrupted Vanguard files or a glitchy installation can also be the culprit.
- Uninstall Riot Vanguard:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, right-click, and select "Uninstall."
- Restart your computer after uninstalling.
- Reinstall Riot Vanguard (Automatically):
- Open the Valorant game client. It should automatically prompt you to reinstall Vanguard. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer again after Vanguard is reinstalled.
- Consider a full Valorant Reinstallation (as a last resort): If the above doesn't work, a complete reinstallation of Valorant might be necessary.
- Uninstall both Valorant and Riot Vanguard from "Programs and Features."
- Download the latest Valorant installer from the official Riot Games website and perform a fresh installation.
Sub-step 5.3: Run in Compatibility Mode
While not a primary fix for 9003, sometimes compatibility settings can resolve underlying conflicts.
- Locate the Valorant shortcut on your desktop or in your game installation folder.
- Right-click on the Valorant shortcut and select "Properties."
- Go to the "Compatibility" tab.
- Check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select "Windows 8" from the dropdown menu.
- Also, check "Run this program as an administrator."
- Click "Apply" and then "OK."
Step 6: Check for Malware and Network Issues
Although less common for Error 9003, these can sometimes interfere with game processes.
Sub-step 6.1: Run a Full System Scan for Malware
- Use your preferred antivirus software to perform a full system scan. Malware can sometimes interfere with anti-cheat systems.
Sub-step 6.2: Ensure Proper Network Settings
- Stable Internet Connection: A flaky internet connection can cause various game errors. Ensure your connection is stable.
- Power Cycle Router/Modem: Turn off your router and modem, wait for a minute, and then turn them back on. This can resolve temporary network glitches.
- Flush DNS/Reset Winsock: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdnsnetsh winsock resetnetsh int ip reset- Restart your PC after running these commands.
Step 7: Contact Riot Support
If you've followed all these steps meticulously and are still facing the error, it's time to reach out to the experts.
- Visit the official Riot Games Support website.
- Provide them with a detailed description of your issue, including the error code, all the troubleshooting steps you've already taken, and your system information (BIOS Mode, Secure Boot State, TPM Status). Screenshots can also be very helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Fix Vanguard Error 9003
Here are 10 common questions related to fixing Vanguard Error 9003, with quick answers:
How to check if Secure Boot is enabled?
You can check Secure Boot status by opening System Information (msinfo32) and looking for "Secure Boot State." It should say "On."
How to enable Secure Boot in BIOS?
Restart your PC and repeatedly press the BIOS key (often F2, F10, F12, or Del). Navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" section and enable "Secure Boot."
How to enable TPM 2.0?
Access your BIOS/UEFI settings, go to "Security" or "Advanced" settings, and enable the "TPM" or "fTPM" (for AMD) or "Intel PTT" (for Intel) option. Ensure it's set to version 2.0 if an option is given.
How to disable CSM to enable Secure Boot?
In your BIOS/UEFI, go to the "Boot" section and locate "CSM Support" or "Compatibility Support Module." Disable this option.
How to convert MBR to GPT without losing data?
This is an advanced step. You can use the mbr2gpt.exe tool built into Windows. However, always back up your data first. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS then mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS.
How to update my BIOS/UEFI firmware?
This process varies significantly by motherboard manufacturer. Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website, find your specific model, and follow their instructions for BIOS/UEFI updates. This is a sensitive process and should be done carefully.
How to reinstall Riot Vanguard?
Uninstall Riot Vanguard from "Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features," restart your PC, then launch Valorant, which will prompt you to reinstall Vanguard automatically.
How to update Windows to the latest version?
Go to "Settings > Windows Update" and click "Check for updates." Install any available updates and restart your computer.
How to run Valorant in compatibility mode?
Right-click the Valorant shortcut, go to "Properties," select the "Compatibility" tab, check "Run this program in compatibility mode for," and choose "Windows 8." Also, check "Run this program as an administrator."
How to contact Riot Games Support for Vanguard error 9003?
Visit the official Riot Games Support website, navigate to the Valorant support section, and submit a ticket detailing your issue and the steps you've already attempted.
