Facing the "Vanguard Secure Boot" error on Windows 11 can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're just trying to jump into a game of Valorant or other Riot titles. But don't despair! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to resolve this issue and get you back into the action.
Ready to conquer that Vanguard Secure Boot error? Let's dive in!
The Core of the Issue: Why Vanguard Demands Secure Boot on Windows 11
Before we get our hands dirty, let's understand why this error even exists. Riot Vanguard, the anti-cheat software for games like Valorant, is designed to provide a secure and fair gaming environment. On Windows 11, this often means leveraging the operating system's advanced security features, namely Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.
- Secure Boot is a security standard developed by members of the PC industry to help ensure that your PC boots using only software that is trusted by the PC manufacturer. When the PC starts, the firmware checks the signature of each piece of boot software, including firmware drivers, EFI applications, and the operating system itself. If any signature is deemed invalid, the PC won't boot, preventing malicious software from loading early in the boot process.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) is a cryptographic processor that provides hardware-based security-related functions. It's a key component for many Windows 11 security features, including Secure Boot.
Vanguard requires these features to be enabled to ensure that no unauthorized software or cheats are loaded during the game's execution, thus maintaining the integrity of the competitive environment.
Step 1: Verify Your Current Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 Status (Engage!)
Alright, let's start by figuring out what's going on with your system right now! This initial check is crucial to understand if Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are indeed disabled or causing the conflict.
Sub-heading 1.1: Checking Secure Boot State via System Information
This is the quickest way to see if Secure Boot is currently active.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
msinfo32and press Enter. This will open the System Information window. - In the left pane, ensure System Summary is selected.
- In the right pane, look for "Secure Boot State".
- If it says ***"On"***: Great! Secure Boot is enabled. The issue might lie elsewhere, or you might need to proceed to check TPM 2.0.
- If it says ***"Off"***: This is likely the culprit! You'll need to enable it in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
- If it says ***"Unsupported"***: Your system might not support Secure Boot. This is less common on Windows 11 machines, but it's a possibility. In this rare case, you might need a BIOS update or your hardware might be too old.
- Also, observe the "BIOS Mode". For Secure Boot to work, it must be "UEFI". If it says "Legacy" or "CSM", you'll need to switch to UEFI mode in your BIOS.
Sub-heading 1.2: Checking TPM 2.0 Status via tpm.msc
Next, let's confirm your TPM status.
- Press the Windows key + R again to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
tpm.mscand press Enter. - A new window will appear, displaying your Trusted Platform Module (TPM) information.
- If you see a message stating ***"The TPM is ready for use"***, then TPM is enabled.
- Under "TPM Manufacturer Information," check the "Specification Version". It should be 2.0. If it's 1.2, or if you see a message that TPM is not found or disabled, you'll need to enable it in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
Keep these results in mind as we move to the next steps!
Step 2: Entering Your PC's BIOS/UEFI Settings (The Command Center!)
This is where the real work begins. To enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, you need to access your computer's BIOS or UEFI firmware settings. This part can be a bit tricky as the method varies by manufacturer, but don't worry, we'll guide you.
Sub-heading 2.1: Common Ways to Access BIOS/UEFI
-
Restart and Press a Key: The most common method. Restart your computer and, as it's booting up (often before any Windows logo appears), repeatedly press the designated BIOS key. Common keys include:
- Delete (Del)
- F2
- F10
- F12
- Esc
- Pro-tip: If you miss it, just restart and try again. You might even see a brief message on your screen indicating which key to press. If you're unsure, search online for "how to enter BIOS [Your PC or Motherboard Brand/Model]".
-
Through Windows 11 Advanced Startup: This is a more reliable method if you're struggling with the key-mashing approach.
- Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
- Navigate to System > Recovery.
- Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now".
- Your PC will restart into a blue screen with several options.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
- This will directly boot you into your BIOS/UEFI settings.
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigating the BIOS/UEFI Interface
Once you're in the BIOS/UEFI, remember that your mouse might not work, so you'll primarily use your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select. Look for sections like:
- Boot
- Security
- Authentication
- Advanced
- System Configuration
Step 3: Enabling UEFI Boot Mode (If Necessary)
Secure Boot requires your system to be in UEFI boot mode. If Step 1.1 showed your BIOS Mode as "Legacy" or "CSM", this is a critical step.
- Within your BIOS/UEFI settings, locate the "Boot" or "Boot Configuration" section.
- Find an option related to "Boot Mode", "BIOS Mode", or "OS Type".
- Change this setting from "Legacy" or "CSM" to "UEFI" or "Windows UEFI Mode".
- Important Note: Switching from Legacy to UEFI mode without your disk being in the GPT partition style can lead to your Windows installation becoming unbootable. Most modern Windows 11 installations on newer machines are already GPT, but it's worth checking beforehand. You can check your disk's partition style by pressing Win + X, selecting Disk Management, right-clicking your OS drive (usually C:), choosing Properties > Volumes tab, and looking for "Partition style." If it's MBR and you need to convert it, that's a more involved process. For the scope of this guide, we assume your Windows 11 installation is already GPT, which is the standard for Secure Boot.
Step 4: Enabling Secure Boot
Now for the main event!
- In your BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" section. Some manufacturers might place it under "Authentication" or "Advanced."
- Look for the "Secure Boot" option.
- Set this option to ***"Enabled"***.
- You might also find options like "Secure Boot Mode." Ensure it's set to "Standard" or "Custom" (and then accept the default keys if prompted). If it's "Setup," you might need to perform an additional step to set it to "User Mode" (often by disabling Secure Boot, then re-enabling it, which might trigger a prompt to restore factory default keys).
Sub-heading 4.1: Manufacturer-Specific Secure Boot Locations
- ASUS: Look under Boot > Secure Boot.
- Dell: Check Boot Configuration > Boot Sequence (set to UEFI) then Secure Boot.
- HP: Navigate to System Configuration > Boot Options tab > Secure Boot.
- MSI: Often found under Settings > Security > Secure Boot.
- Gigabyte: Look for BIOS Features > Secure Boot.
These are common paths, but your specific motherboard might have a slightly different layout. Refer to your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's website if you're having trouble locating it.
Step 5: Enabling TPM 2.0 (If Necessary)
If Step 1.2 indicated that TPM 2.0 was disabled or not present, you'll need to enable it here.
- Within your BIOS/UEFI settings, look for a section related to "Security", "Advanced", or "Trusted Computing".
- Find an option like "TPM State", "Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)" (for Intel CPUs), or "AMD fTPM Switch" (for AMD CPUs).
- Set this option to ***"Enabled"***.
- Ensure the TPM version is set to 2.0 if you have a choice.
Step 6: Save Changes and Exit BIOS/UEFI
This is a crucial step! If you don't save your changes, all your efforts will be in vain.
- Look for an option like "Save & Exit", "Exit Saving Changes", or similar. This is often found on a dedicated "Exit" tab.
- You'll likely be prompted to confirm your changes. Select "Yes" or "OK".
- Your computer will restart.
Step 7: Verify Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 After Restart
Once Windows 11 boots up, it's essential to double-check that your changes have stuck.
- Repeat Step 1.1 (Checking Secure Boot State via System Information). Confirm that "Secure Boot State" now says "On" and "BIOS Mode" is ***"UEFI"***.
- Repeat Step 1.2 (Checking TPM 2.0 Status via
tpm.msc). Confirm that TPM is "Ready for use" and the Specification Version is 2.0.
If both are confirmed, congratulations! You've successfully enabled the necessary features.
Step 8: Reinstall/Update Riot Vanguard (If the error persists)
Even after enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, sometimes Vanguard might still be stubborn. A fresh installation can often resolve lingering issues.
- Uninstall Riot Vanguard:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select "Uninstall".
- Follow any on-screen prompts.
- Restart your PC. This is important to ensure all Vanguard components are removed.
- Reinstall Riot Vanguard:
- Launch Valorant (or any Riot game that uses Vanguard).
- The Riot client should automatically detect that Vanguard is missing and prompt you to install it. Follow the instructions.
- Alternatively, you can download the latest Valorant installer from the official Riot Games website, which will include Vanguard.
- Restart your PC again after the Vanguard installation is complete.
Step 9: Advanced Troubleshooting & Other Potential Fixes
If, after all these steps, you're still encountering the Vanguard Secure Boot error, here are some more advanced troubleshooting steps:
Sub-heading 9.1: Update Your BIOS/UEFI Firmware
An outdated BIOS can sometimes lead to issues with Secure Boot or TPM.
- Identify your motherboard brand and model: You can find this in
msinfo32under "BaseBoard Manufacturer" and "BaseBoard Product." - Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website: Go to their support section and look for your specific model.
- Download the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware: Follow the manufacturer's instructions very carefully for updating your BIOS. Incorrectly updating BIOS can brick your motherboard. This usually involves downloading a file, putting it on a USB drive, and flashing it from within the BIOS itself.
Sub-heading 9.2: Reset Secure Boot Keys
Sometimes, the Secure Boot keys might become corrupted.
- Enter your BIOS/UEFI settings (refer to Step 2).
- Navigate to the "Secure Boot" section.
- Look for an option to "Reset Secure Boot Keys" or "Restore Factory Keys". Confirm the action.
- Save changes and exit. Your PC will restart.
- Re-enable Secure Boot if it automatically disabled after resetting keys.
Sub-heading 9.3: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can sometimes interfere with core Windows functionalities.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator. (Search for "cmd", right-click, and select "Run as administrator").
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Let the scan complete. It will attempt to find and repair any corrupted system files.
- Restart your PC.
Sub-heading 9.4: Check for Windows Updates
Ensure your Windows 11 installation is fully up to date. Microsoft often releases patches that can resolve compatibility issues.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
- Restart your PC after the updates are installed.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions related to "How to fix Vanguard Secure Boot Windows 11" with quick answers:
How to check if my PC supports Secure Boot?
You can check in System Information (msinfo32). Look for "Secure Boot State" and "BIOS Mode." If BIOS Mode is UEFI and Secure Boot State is Off, your PC likely supports it. If it says "Unsupported," it might not.
How to enable Secure Boot in the BIOS?
Restart your PC and repeatedly press the BIOS key (often Del, F2, F10, or Esc). Navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" section and set "Secure Boot" to "Enabled." Save and exit.
How to enable TPM 2.0 in the BIOS?
Access your BIOS settings, usually under "Security" or "Advanced," look for "TPM State," "Intel PTT," or "AMD fTPM Switch," and enable it.
How to convert MBR to GPT without reinstalling Windows?
While possible using tools like MBR2GPT.exe, it's an advanced procedure with risks. It's generally recommended to have a backup and only do it if you're comfortable with disk partitioning.
How to update my motherboard's BIOS?
Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website, download the latest BIOS firmware for your specific model, and follow their provided instructions meticulously. This typically involves using a USB drive.
How to troubleshoot if Vanguard still gives an error after enabling Secure Boot?
Try reinstalling Riot Vanguard, updating your BIOS, resetting Secure Boot keys in the BIOS, running SFC scan, or ensuring Windows 11 is fully updated.
How to determine my BIOS key?
Restart your PC and watch for a quick message on the screen during boot-up (e.g., "Press F2 to enter Setup"). If you miss it, search online for "[Your PC/Motherboard Brand] BIOS key."
How to access BIOS from Windows 11?
Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. Then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
How to revert BIOS settings if something goes wrong?
Most BIOS menus have an option to "Load Optimized Defaults" or "Restore Factory Settings." This can reset your BIOS to a stable state.
How to ensure my Windows 11 is properly installed for Secure Boot?
A clean installation of Windows 11 on a modern PC usually defaults to UEFI mode and GPT partitioning, which are prerequisites for Secure Boot. If you upgraded from Windows 10 and had a Legacy BIOS installation, you might encounter issues.
