A Comprehensive Guide to Fixing the Vanguard TPM 2.0 Error on Windows 11
Hey there, fellow gamer! Are you facing the frustrating "This build of Vanguard requires TPM version 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled" error when trying to launch Valorant on your Windows 11 PC? Don't worry, you're not alone. This is a very common issue that many players encounter. But the good news is, it's fixable! This detailed, step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to do to get back into the game.
Let's dive in and get you back to clutching those rounds!
Step 1: Check Your Current Status - Are TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot Enabled?
First things first, let's confirm what your system's current configuration is. This will help us understand exactly what needs to be changed.
Check TPM 2.0 Status:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type
tpm.mscand press Enter.A new window will pop up. If it says "The TPM is ready for use" and under 'TPM Manufacturer Information' the "Specification Version" is 2.0, then your TPM is enabled and good to go.
If you see a message that says "Compatible TPM cannot be found" or the version is not 2.0, you'll need to enable it.
Check Secure Boot Status:
Press the Windows key + R again to open the Run dialog box.
Type
msinfo32and press Enter.In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode" and "Secure Boot State".
For Secure Boot to work, the BIOS Mode must be "UEFI". If it says "Legacy," you'll have to switch it.
The Secure Boot State should be "On". If it says "Off," we need to enable it.
If your check shows that both are already enabled, you might have another issue (like an outdated BIOS), and you can jump ahead to Step 4. But if either one is disabled, let's move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Enter the BIOS/UEFI Settings
This is the most critical part of the process. You need to access your computer's firmware settings, often referred to as the BIOS or UEFI.
Restart and Press the BIOS Key:
Restart your computer.
As soon as your computer's logo (Dell, HP, ASUS, etc.) appears, start repeatedly pressing the BIOS key.
The key varies depending on your motherboard or PC manufacturer. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, Esc, or Delete.
If you're unsure, check your PC or motherboard's manual or do a quick online search for "BIOS key for [Your PC/Motherboard Brand]".
Access from Windows (Alternative):
Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Under "Recovery options", find "Advanced startup" and click "Restart now".
After the PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
Step 3: Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI
Now that you're in the BIOS/UEFI, things can look a bit different depending on your manufacturer. Use your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate as your mouse may not work here.
Sub-heading: Enabling TPM 2.0
Look for Security or Advanced Settings: Navigate through the BIOS menus. Look for a tab or section named "Security," "Advanced," "Peripherals," or "Settings."
Find the TPM Option: Within that section, look for an option related to TPM. It might be labeled as "TPM," "Trusted Computing," "PTT" (Intel's Platform Trust Technology), or "fTPM" (AMD's Firmware TPM).
Enable It: Select the option and change its status from "Disabled" to "Enabled".
Save and Exit: Once enabled, make sure to save your changes. The key for "Save and Exit" is often F10.
Sub-heading: Enabling Secure Boot
Find Boot or Security Settings: Navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" tab in your BIOS.
Switch to UEFI Mode: Secure Boot only works in UEFI mode. If you are in "Legacy" or "CSM" (Compatibility Support Module) mode, you must switch to "UEFI".
Warning: Changing from Legacy/CSM to UEFI can sometimes cause Windows not to boot if your OS drive isn't formatted to GPT. You can check this in
msinfo32under "BIOS Mode." If it's Legacy, you might need to convert your disk to GPT first.
Enable Secure Boot: Find the "Secure Boot" option and set it to "Enabled".
On some motherboards (like ASUS), you might need to go into "Key Management" and "Install Default Secure Boot Keys" to initialize it.
Save and Exit: Press the designated key (usually F10) to save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will restart.
Step 4: Verify the Changes and Launch the Game
After your PC restarts, it's time for the final check and the moment of truth!
Re-Check Status:
Open
tpm.mscandmsinfo32again as you did in Step 1.Confirm that the TPM status is now "Ready for use" and the Secure Boot State is "On".
Launch Valorant:
With everything confirmed, launch the Riot Client and then Valorant.
Vanguard should now be able to run without any errors, and you should be able to get into the game.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Further Issues (Optional)
If you're still facing problems, don't give up! Here are a few additional troubleshooting steps:
Update Your BIOS: An outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware might not have the correct settings or support for TPM 2.0. Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website, find your specific model, and download the latest BIOS update. Be extremely careful when updating your BIOS, as a power outage during the process can brick your motherboard.
Clear the TPM: In some cases, the TPM might be locked or corrupted. You can try clearing it from the
tpm.mscwindow. Be aware that this can cause data loss for TPM-protected data, so proceed with caution.Reinstall Vanguard: If all else fails, a fresh installation of Vanguard might do the trick. You can uninstall it from the Control Panel under "Programs and Features" and then restart Valorant to let it reinstall automatically.
10 Related FAQs
How to check if my motherboard supports TPM 2.0?
You can check your motherboard's specifications on the manufacturer's website. Most modern motherboards from the last 5-6 years support TPM 2.0, often as an on-board firmware feature (fTPM/PTT) rather than a physical chip.
How to change BIOS Mode from Legacy to UEFI?
Enter your BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the Boot tab, and look for an option like "Boot Mode," "UEFI/Legacy Boot," or "CSM." Set it to UEFI. Remember, this might require your Windows installation to be on a GPT partitioned drive.
How to find my motherboard's BIOS key?
The BIOS key is usually displayed on the screen briefly when your PC starts up. If not, check your motherboard or laptop manufacturer's website or manual. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, Esc, or Delete.
How to convert my disk from MBR to GPT?
You can use the MBR2GPT command-line tool in Windows. It's a built-in tool that can convert a disk from MBR to GPT without data loss, but it's highly recommended to back up your data first.
How to update my BIOS safely?
First, download the correct BIOS file from your motherboard manufacturer's website. Use a reliable USB drive formatted to FAT32. Follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer, often using a built-in "Flash" tool in the BIOS. Ensure a stable power supply!
How to clear the TPM and what are the risks?
Open tpm.msc and click "Clear TPM..." in the Actions pane. Clearing the TPM will reset its security keys and might cause you to lose data protected by the TPM, such as BitLocker encryption keys. Back up any important data before clearing.
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard?
Open the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, right-click, and select "Uninstall."
How to check the status of Vanguard?
Vanguard runs in the system tray (the hidden icons in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar). You can click the arrow to show hidden icons and see the Vanguard icon.
How to solve the "VAL 5" or "VAL 59" error after enabling TPM?
These errors are usually related to connectivity issues, not hardware. Try restarting your router, resetting network settings via netsh winsock reset in Command Prompt, or temporarily disabling your firewall/antivirus to see if they are blocking the connection.
How to check if my CPU supports TPM 2.0?
Most modern CPUs from Intel (since 6th gen) and AMD (since Ryzen 1000 series) have integrated firmware TPM. You can check your CPU's specifications on the manufacturer's website or use a tool like CPU-Z.
