How To Fix Vanguard Error Valorant

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Oh, the dreaded Vanguard error! It's one of the most frustrating things a Valorant player can encounter, turning your exciting gaming session into a troubleshooting nightmare. But don't worry, you're not alone, and many of these errors have common solutions. Let's dive in and get you back into the action, step by step!

How to Fix Valorant Vanguard Errors: Your Ultimate Guide

Step 1: Don't Panic! Let's Start with the Basics.

First things first, let's take a deep breath. Experiencing a Vanguard error can be annoying, especially when you're hyped for a match. But often, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Have you tried restarting your computer? Seriously, this is the number one fix for a surprising number of tech issues, including many Vanguard errors (like VAN 0, VAL 45, VAL 57, and more). Riot Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat, meaning it runs deep within your system, and a fresh restart can often clear up any conflicts or initialization problems.

Common Initial Troubleshooting Steps:

Restart Valorant and the Riot Client: Close both completely from your taskbar or Task Manager, then try launching Valorant again.
Restart Your PC: This is crucial as it fully reinitializes Riot Vanguard.

If a simple restart doesn't do the trick, let's move on to more targeted solutions.

Step 2: Check for Common Error Codes and Their Specific Fixes

Valorant's Vanguard errors often come with specific codes. Knowing what these codes mean can significantly narrow down the problem. Let's look at some of the most common ones and their direct solutions.

Understanding VAN vs. VAL Codes:

VAL codes (e.g., VAL 19, VAL 45) usually indicate client-side issues or general game errors.
VAN codes (e.g., VAN 0, VAN 1067) are specifically related to Riot Vanguard anti-cheat problems.

Sub-heading 2.1: Connection-Related VAN Errors (VAN 0, VAN -102, VAN -104, VAN 128, VAN 185)

These errors often point to problems with Vanguard connecting to Riot's servers or issues with its initialization.

VAN 0 / VAN 128 / VAN -102 / VAN -104: These often mean there's a general connection issue or Vanguard isn't initializing correctly.
- Solution: Always start by restarting your computer. If that fails, proceed to Step 3: Reinstall Riot Vanguard.
- For VAN 128 specifically, some users also found success by ensuring the "vgc" service is set to Automatic (see Step 4).
VAN 185: Can be caused by leaving the Riot Client open for too long or being logged in on multiple devices.
- Solution: Restart Valorant and the Riot Client. Make sure you're logged out of the client on any other devices.

Sub-heading 2.2: Vanguard Initialization/Running Errors (VAL 45, VAL 57)

These codes mean Vanguard isn't running as it should be, which is essential for Valorant.

VAL 45 / VAL 57: Indicates that Vanguard needs to reboot or isn't running.
- Solution: Restart your computer. If the error persists, you'll likely need to uninstall and reinstall Vanguard (see Step 3). Also, ensure Vanguard isn't being blocked by your antivirus or firewall (see Step 6).

Sub-heading 2.3: System Configuration VAN Errors (VAN 9001, VAN 9003, VAN 9005, VAN 9006)

These errors suggest that your system's settings aren't compliant with Vanguard's security requirements. This is common on Windows 11 or newer systems.

VAN 9001 / VAN 9003: "This build of Vanguard requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled."
- Solution: You'll need to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. This is a more advanced step and varies by motherboard. Consult your motherboard's manual or manufacturer's website for specific instructions on how to access and enable these settings. A general guide is provided in Step 7.
VAN 9005: Related to Virtualization-Based Security (VBS).
- Solution: You might need to disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) or Core Isolation in Windows settings if you're experiencing this error. See Step 8 for details.
VAN 9006: You're running an older, unsupported version of Windows.
- Solution: Update your Windows operating system to at least Windows 10 version 20H1 or later.

Step 3: Perform a Clean Reinstallation of Riot Vanguard

If simpler restarts or specific error code fixes haven't worked, a fresh reinstallation of Vanguard is often the most reliable solution. This ensures all Vanguard files are clean and correctly installed.

Sub-heading 3.1: Uninstalling Riot Vanguard
1. Close Valorant and the Riot Client: Make sure they are completely shut down.
2. Open "Apps & Features": Press Windows Key + I to open Settings, then go to Apps > Apps & features. Alternatively, you can type "Add or remove programs" in the Windows search bar and click the result.
3. Locate Riot Vanguard: In the list of installed applications, find "Riot Vanguard."
4. Uninstall: Click on "Riot Vanguard" and then click the Uninstall button. Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm the uninstallation.
5. Confirm Removal: Once uninstalled, the Riot Vanguard icon should disappear from your system tray.
Sub-heading 3.2: Reinstalling Riot Vanguard
1. Launch Valorant: Open the Valorant game client.
2. Automatic Reinstallation: When you launch Valorant, the Riot Client will detect that Vanguard is missing and automatically begin reinstalling it. You'll usually see a progress bar.
3. Restart Your PC: Once the reinstallation is complete, the client will prompt you to restart your computer. It's crucial to do this. Vanguard requires a system restart to fully integrate.
4. Check for Vanguard Icon: After restarting, you should see the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray, confirming it's running.

Step 4: Ensure the 'vgc' Service is Set to Automatic

Riot Vanguard relies on a specific Windows service called 'vgc'. If this service isn't running or isn't set to start automatically, it can cause errors.

Open Services: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Locate 'vgc': In the Services window, scroll down and find "vgc" (Vanguard Anti-Cheat).
Check Startup Type: Right-click on "vgc" and select Properties.
Set to Automatic: In the "General" tab, find "Startup type" and set it to Automatic.
Start the Service: If the "Service status" is "Stopped," click the Start button.
Apply and OK: Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Restart Your PC: It's a good idea to restart your computer after making changes to services.

Step 5: Update Your Windows Operating System

Outdated Windows versions can sometimes conflict with Vanguard, especially as Riot Games frequently updates its anti-cheat to counter new threats.

Open Windows Update Settings: Press Windows Key + I to open Settings, then go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or Windows Update (Windows 11).
Check for Updates: Click Check for updates.
Install Updates: Download and install any available updates.
Restart Your PC: Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Step 6: Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall or Add Exceptions

While essential for security, some aggressive antivirus software or firewall settings can incorrectly flag Riot Vanguard as a threat, preventing it from running properly.

Temporarily Disable: Try temporarily disabling your antivirus program before launching Valorant. If the game launches without error, you've found the culprit.
Add Exceptions: If disabling works, you'll need to add Valorant and Riot Vanguard to your antivirus's exception or whitelist. The exact steps vary by antivirus software, but generally, you'll look for settings related to "Exclusions," "Allowed Apps," or "Whitelisting."
- Typical Paths to Add:
  - C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\VALORANT.exe
  - C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgtray.exe
  - C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgc.exe
Windows Firewall: Ensure Valorant and Vanguard are allowed through your Windows Defender Firewall.
1. Search for "Windows Defender Firewall" in the Windows search bar.
2. Click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall."
3. Click "Change settings," then find Valorant and Riot Vanguard in the list and ensure both "Private" and "Public" boxes are checked. If they're not listed, click "Allow another app..." and browse to their executable files.

Step 7: Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (For VAN 9001/9003 Errors)

This step is generally required for Windows 11 and newer Vanguard versions to ensure a higher level of system security. Proceed with caution as incorrectly changing BIOS settings can cause system instability.

Sub-heading 7.1: Check Your System Information
1. Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
2. In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode" (it should be UEFI) and "Secure Boot State" (it should be On) and "TPM 2.0 State" (it should be On). If they are not, you'll need to enable them in your BIOS.
Sub-heading 7.2: Accessing Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
1. Restart your computer.
2. As your computer starts, repeatedly press the BIOS key. This key varies by manufacturer:
  - Dell: F2 or F12
  - HP: F10 or Esc
  - Lenovo: F1 or F2
  - Acer: F2 or Del
  - ASUS: Del or F2
  - MSI: Del
  - If you're unsure, search online for "how to access BIOS [your computer model/motherboard model]".
3. Once in the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to sections like "Boot," "Security," or "Advanced."
Sub-heading 7.3: Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
1. Secure Boot: Look for "Secure Boot" and enable it. You might need to set your "Boot Mode" to "UEFI" first if it's currently "Legacy" or "CSM."
2. TPM 2.0: Look for "Trusted Platform Module (TPM)" or "Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)" (for Intel CPUs) or "AMD fTPM" (for AMD CPUs) and enable it.
3. Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. Your computer will restart.
- Note: On some systems, enabling Secure Boot might require you to "reset factory default keys" or similar, usually within the Secure Boot menu itself.

Step 8: Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) / Core Isolation (For VAN 9005)

While VBS enhances security, it can sometimes conflict with Vanguard. This is a potential workaround if you're encountering VAN 9005 and have confirmed Secure Boot and TPM are enabled.

Sub-heading 8.1: Check VBS Status
1. Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
2. Look for "Virtualization-based security" and check its status.
Sub-heading 8.2: Disable Core Isolation (Memory Integrity)
1. Search for "Core isolation" in the Windows search bar and open Core isolation settings.
2. Under "Memory integrity," toggle it Off.
3. You'll likely be prompted to restart your PC. Do so.
Sub-heading 8.3: Disable Hyper-V (Advanced Users)
- If the above doesn't work and VBS is still enabled, you might need to disable Hyper-V. This is more advanced and should only be done if you know you don't need Hyper-V for other applications.
  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off and press Enter.
  3. Restart your computer.

Step 9: Verify and Repair Valorant Game Files

Corrupted game files can also cause Vanguard errors. The Riot Client has a built-in repair option.

Open Riot Client: Launch the Riot Games client (where you launch Valorant).
Go to Settings: Click on your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Settings.
Repair Game: Find Valorant in the left-hand menu, then click Repair at the bottom.
The client will scan and repair any corrupted files. Once complete, try launching Valorant again.

Step 10: Check for Conflicting Software

Some background applications, especially other anti-cheat software or system monitoring tools, can interfere with Vanguard.

Close Background Applications: Before launching Valorant, close all unnecessary background applications. Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to end tasks for programs you don't need running.
Identify Conflicts: If the problem persists, try a clean boot to identify conflicting software. Search "msconfig" in Windows search, go to the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," then "Disable all." On the "Startup" tab, "Open Task Manager" and disable all startup items. Restart and see if Valorant works. If it does, re-enable services/startup items one by one to find the culprit.

Step 11: If All Else Fails: Contact Riot Support

If you've tried all the above steps and are still facing Vanguard errors, it's time to reach out to Riot Games Support. They have dedicated teams to help with these issues and can provide more personalized assistance, including analyzing your system logs.

How to Contact Riot Support:
1. Go to the official Valorant Support page: support-valorant.riotgames.com/hc/en-us.
2. Click on Submit a Ticket.
3. Fill out the form with as much detail as possible, including:
  - The exact error code you're receiving.
  - A detailed description of the problem.
  - All the troubleshooting steps you've already tried.
  - Attach any relevant screenshots or system logs if requested.

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to check Valorant server status?

You can check the official Valorant Server Status page on the Riot Games support website, or follow their social media channels for real-time updates on server maintenance or outages.

How to run Valorant as an administrator?

Right-click on the Valorant shortcut or executable (VALORANT.exe), select Run as administrator. You can also set it permanently by going to Properties > Compatibility tab and checking "Run this program as an administrator."

How to update graphics drivers for Valorant?

Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific GPU model. Alternatively, use their respective software (GeForce Experience for NVIDIA, AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition for AMD) to check for and install updates.

How to clear DNS cache to fix Valorant connection issues?

Open Command Prompt as an administrator, then type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. This can resolve certain network-related Vanguard errors.

How to fix Valorant black screen on startup?

This can be caused by outdated graphics drivers, conflicting software, or incorrect display settings. Try updating your drivers (Step 5), disabling fullscreen optimizations (right-click Valorant shortcut > Properties > Compatibility), running as administrator (FAQ 2), or temporarily disabling your antivirus (Step 6).

How to ensure Vanguard is actually running?

Look for the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of your desktop, near the clock). If it's not there, it might not be running or initialized correctly. You can also check the services.msc for the 'vgc' service as described in Step 4.

How to prevent Vanguard from conflicting with other programs?

Ensure your other programs are updated to their latest versions. Temporarily disable any other anti-cheat software, VPNs, or aggressive system monitoring tools when playing Valorant. Adding Valorant and Vanguard to your antivirus/firewall exceptions (Step 6) is also key.

How to find my motherboard's BIOS key?

The BIOS key varies by manufacturer and model. During your computer's startup, look for a message indicating which key to press (e.g., "Press DEL to enter Setup," "Press F2 for BIOS"). If not, search online for "[Your PC/Motherboard Model] BIOS key."

How to check if TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled?

Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode," "Secure Boot State," and "TPM 2.0 State."

How to provide logs to Riot Support for Vanguard errors?

Riot Support will usually guide you through the process of gathering specific logs if they need them. Generally, this involves navigating to specific folders (%localappdata%\VALORANT\saved\logs) and attaching the relevant files to your support ticket.

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