Hold on! It seems there might be a slight misunderstanding in the topic you've provided. "Vanguard" typically refers to Riot Vanguard, which is an anti-cheat software used with games like Valorant. It's a software that runs on your operating system, not something you would directly "fix" within your computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).
The BIOS is a low-level firmware that initializes your computer's hardware before the operating system loads. While certain BIOS settings can impact how software like Vanguard functions (especially security-related settings like Secure Boot or TPM), you wouldn't typically "fix Vanguard in BIOS."
Perhaps you're encountering one of these scenarios:
- Vanguard is preventing your game from launching, and you suspect a BIOS setting is the cause. (e.g., "Vanguard requires Secure Boot to be enabled," or "TPM 2.0 is required for Vanguard.")
- You're getting a specific error message from Vanguard that points towards a system or hardware issue, and you believe the BIOS might be involved.
- You're trying to install Windows 11, which has strict hardware requirements (like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot) that Vanguard also leverages, and you're having trouble enabling them.
Since "fixing Vanguard in BIOS" isn't a direct operation, I'll address the most common scenarios where BIOS settings interact with Vanguard's requirements. This will involve guiding you through checking and potentially adjusting relevant BIOS settings that are crucial for Vanguard to function correctly, especially concerning Secure Boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module).
Troubleshooting Vanguard-Related Issues Through BIOS Settings: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you experiencing frustrating issues with Riot Vanguard, preventing you from diving into your favorite games like Valorant? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many players encounter problems related to Vanguard's system requirements, and often, the solution lies within your computer's BIOS settings. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to identify and adjust these settings, ensuring Vanguard can run smoothly on your system.
Step 1: Let's Get Started – What Exactly Is Going On?
Before we dive into the intricate world of your BIOS, tell me, what specific problem are you encountering with Vanguard? Are you seeing an error message? Is your game failing to launch? Understanding the exact symptom will help us narrow down the potential causes and guide our troubleshooting efforts more effectively.
- Common Scenarios:
- "Vanguard Error VAN9001 / VAN9003" (often related to Secure Boot or TPM)
- "Vanguard requires a compatible system"
- Game crashes or doesn't launch when Vanguard is active
- Issues installing or updating Windows 11 alongside Vanguard
Once you have a clear idea of the error or behavior, we can proceed!
Step 2: Accessing Your BIOS – The Gateway to System Configuration
The first hurdle is getting into your computer's BIOS or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, the modern successor to BIOS). The method varies depending on your computer's manufacturer.
Sub-heading: How to Enter BIOS/UEFI
- Restart your computer.
- As soon as it starts to boot up, repeatedly press the designated key to enter BIOS. This key is typically displayed on the screen during the initial boot sequence, but it flashes by quickly.
- Common BIOS/UEFI Access Keys:
- Dell: F2 or F12
- HP: F10 or Esc
- Lenovo: F1 or F2 (or Enter then F1/F2)
- Acer: F2 or Del
- Asus: Del or F2
- MSI: Del
- Gigabyte: Del or F12
- Custom Builds: Usually Del or F2, depending on the motherboard manufacturer.
- If you miss it, just restart and try again! It might take a few attempts to get the timing right.
Step 3: Navigating the BIOS/UEFI Interface
Once inside the BIOS/UEFI, you'll find a text-based (or sometimes graphical) interface that you navigate using your keyboard (arrow keys, Enter, Esc). The layout can differ significantly between manufacturers, but the core sections are generally similar.
Sub-heading: Understanding BIOS Sections
- Main/Information: Displays basic system information.
- Boot: Contains boot order settings, boot mode (Legacy/CSM vs. UEFI), and potentially Secure Boot options.
- Security: Houses settings for passwords, TPM, and often Secure Boot.
- Advanced/Peripherals: May contain various hardware-related settings.
- Exit: Options to save changes and exit, or discard changes and exit.
Be careful while navigating your BIOS settings. Unnecessary changes can lead to system instability. Only modify the settings specifically mentioned in this guide.
Step 4: Enabling Secure Boot – A Crucial Security Feature for Vanguard
Secure Boot is a security standard developed by PC manufacturers to help ensure that your PC boots using only software that is trusted by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Vanguard, especially in its newer iterations, heavily relies on Secure Boot for its anti-cheat mechanisms.
Sub-heading: Locating and Enabling Secure Boot
- Navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" tab in your BIOS/UEFI.
- Look for an option called "Secure Boot," "Boot Mode," or similar.
- You might need to first set your "Boot Mode" to "UEFI" (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) if it's currently set to "Legacy" or "CSM (Compatibility Support Module)." Secure Boot will only be available if your system is in UEFI mode.
- Important Note: Switching from "Legacy" to "UEFI" boot mode can sometimes prevent your current Windows installation from booting if it was installed in Legacy mode. If this happens, you may need to convert your disk from MBR to GPT or reinstall Windows. Proceed with caution. For most modern systems, Windows is already installed in UEFI mode.
- Once in UEFI mode, locate "Secure Boot" and set it to "Enabled."
- You might need to generate or reset Secure Boot keys or enter a "Supervisor Password" to enable it. Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Example Paths:
- Boot -> Secure Boot -> Enabled
- Security -> Secure Boot -> Enabled
- Boot Options -> UEFI/BIOS Boot Mode -> UEFI (then save and reboot to re-enter BIOS to find Secure Boot)
Step 5: Enabling TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) – Another Vanguard Requirement
TPM 2.0 is a cryptographic processor that provides hardware-level security functions. It's a key requirement for Windows 11 and increasingly for robust anti-cheat systems like Vanguard.
Sub-heading: Locating and Enabling TPM
- Navigate to the "Security," "Advanced," or "Peripherals" tab in your BIOS/UEFI.
- Look for options like "TPM State," "Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)," or "AMD fTPM (Firmware TPM)."
- Set the TPM option to "Enabled."
- For Intel systems, "Intel PTT" is the firmware-based TPM, and enabling it typically suffices.
- For AMD systems, "AMD fTPM" is the firmware-based TPM.
- Some motherboards might have a physical TPM module slot; if you have one installed, you'll enable "Discrete TPM."
- Example Paths:
- Security -> Trusted Platform Module -> Enabled
- Advanced -> PCH-FW Configuration -> Intel(R) Platform Trust Technology (PTT) -> Enabled (for Intel)
- Settings -> Security -> Trusted Platform Module 2.0 -> Enabled (for AMD)
Step 6: Saving Changes and Exiting BIOS
Once you've made the necessary adjustments to Secure Boot and TPM, it's crucial to save your changes before exiting.
Sub-heading: Finalizing Your BIOS Configuration
- Navigate to the "Exit" tab in your BIOS/UEFI.
- Select "Save Changes and Exit" or "Exit Saving Changes."
- Confirm your decision when prompted.
- Your computer will restart.
Step 7: Verifying Changes in Windows and Testing Vanguard
After your computer restarts, it's a good idea to confirm that Secure Boot and TPM are recognized by Windows.
Sub-heading: Checking Secure Boot and TPM Status in Windows
- To check Secure Boot:
- Press
Windows Key + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
msinfo32and press Enter to open System Information. - In the System Information window, look for "Secure Boot State." It should say "On."
- Press
- To check TPM:
- Press
Windows Key + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
tpm.mscand press Enter to open the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management console. - Under "Status," it should say "The TPM is ready for use." And under "TPM Manufacturer Information," you should see "Specification Version: 2.0."
- Press
If both are showing as enabled, then you're on the right track! Now, try launching your game that uses Vanguard. Hopefully, your issues are resolved!
Troubleshooting Tips if Problems Persist:
- BIOS Updates: Sometimes, an outdated BIOS can cause compatibility issues. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS updates. Proceed with extreme caution when updating BIOS, as an interruption can brick your motherboard.
- Clear CMOS: If you've made changes and your system isn't booting correctly, you might need to clear your CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) to reset your BIOS settings to default. This usually involves removing the CMOS battery on your motherboard or using a jumper. Consult your motherboard manual.
- Reinstall Vanguard: If all else fails, a clean reinstallation of Riot Vanguard might be necessary.
- Contact Riot Support: If you're still facing persistent issues, gather all error codes and system information and contact Riot Games Player Support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Fix Vanguard in BIOS
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to further assist you with Vanguard and BIOS-related concerns:
How to Check if My PC Supports Secure Boot?
You can check if your PC supports Secure Boot by opening System Information (msinfo32) in Windows and looking for "Secure Boot State." If it says "Unsupported" or "Off," your motherboard may not support it or it's disabled.
How to Enable UEFI Mode in BIOS?
To enable UEFI mode, access your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2 or Del at startup), navigate to the "Boot" section, and look for "Boot Mode," "UEFI/Legacy Boot," or similar options. Change it to "UEFI."
How to Verify if TPM 2.0 is Active?
Open the Run dialog (Windows Key + R), type tpm.msc, and press Enter. The TPM Management console will show the status of your TPM. Look for "The TPM is ready for use" and "Specification Version: 2.0."
How to Update My BIOS?
To update your BIOS, visit your motherboard manufacturer's official website, download the latest BIOS version for your specific model, and follow their provided instructions carefully. This typically involves using a USB drive.
How to Convert MBR to GPT for UEFI Boot?
You can convert an MBR disk to GPT without data loss using the MBR2GPT.exe tool built into Windows. You'll need to boot into the Windows recovery environment or a Windows installation media to run the command.
How to Troubleshoot Vanguard VAN9001 Error?
The VAN9001 error usually indicates issues with Secure Boot or TPM. Ensure both Secure Boot is enabled in UEFI mode and TPM 2.0 is active in your BIOS settings.
How to Reset BIOS Settings to Default?
Access your BIOS/UEFI and navigate to the "Exit" tab. Look for an option like "Load Setup Defaults," "Load Optimized Defaults," or "Restore Defaults." Select it and save changes before exiting.
How to Know Which BIOS Key to Press for My Computer?
The BIOS key is usually displayed on the screen during the initial boot-up sequence. Common keys include F2, Del, F10, F12, or Esc. If unsure, check your computer or motherboard's manual or search online for your specific model.
How to Reinstall Riot Vanguard if it's Corrupted?
To reinstall Riot Vanguard, first uninstall it from "Apps & features" in Windows settings, then restart your PC. After the restart, launch Valorant, and it should prompt you to reinstall Vanguard.
How to Contact Riot Games Support for Vanguard Issues?
You can contact Riot Games Player Support through their official support website. Provide as much detail as possible, including error codes, troubleshooting steps you've already taken, and system information.