We all know that heart-sinking moment: you're ready to jump into a game of Valorant or League of Legends, you launch the client, and then... BAM! A message pops up saying, "You need to have Vanguard running to play." Frustrating, right? It's like your PC is taunting you, saying "Nope, not today, chief!"
But don't despair, brave gamer! This common issue, while annoying, is usually quite fixable. Riot Vanguard, the anti-cheat software developed by Riot Games, is crucial for maintaining fair play in their titles. When it's not running correctly, it essentially blocks you from entering the game. The good news is that we've got a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to get you back in action.
Engaging Question: Have you ever been in a clutch situation in Valorant, only to be hit with this "Vanguard not running" error mid-game or right before a crucial match? Share your most frustrating Vanguard error story in the comments below!
Now, let's dive into the solutions. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be back to headshotting enemies and securing objectives in no time!
Understanding the "You Need to Have Vanguard Running to Play" Error
Before we jump into the fixes, it's helpful to understand why this error occurs. Vanguard is designed to run in the background, constantly monitoring for suspicious activity. If it detects anything that might compromise the game's integrity, or if it simply fails to initialize correctly, it will prevent you from playing. Common culprits include:
Vanguard not starting automatically.
Conflicts with other software (antivirus, firewall, overlays).
Corrupted Vanguard installation files.
Outdated drivers or Windows versions.
System settings not meeting Vanguard's requirements (e.g., Secure Boot, TPM).
Step 1: The Quick & Easy Fixes (Always Start Here!)
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Don't underestimate the power of a good old restart!
Sub-heading 1.1: Restart Your PC (The Universal Fix)
This might sound like a cliché, but it's often all it takes. A fresh boot can resolve temporary glitches and allow Vanguard to initialize properly.
Action: Click on the Windows Start button, select the Power icon, and then choose Restart.
Wait for your computer to completely shut down and boot back up.
Test: Once your PC has restarted, try launching Valorant (or your Riot game) again.
Sub-heading 1.2: Restart the Riot Client
If a full PC restart feels like overkill, sometimes just restarting the game client itself can do the trick.
Action: Close Valorant (or the Riot Client) completely. Ensure it's not running in the background by checking your Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). If you see any Riot-related processes (Valorant, Riot Client, Vanguard), end them.
Test: Relaunch the Riot Client and then try to start your game.
Step 2: Ensuring Vanguard Services are Running
Vanguard relies on a specific Windows service to operate. If this service isn't running or isn't set to start automatically, you'll encounter problems.
Sub-heading 2.1: Check and Start the VGC Service
This is one of the most common solutions and often resolves the "Vanguard not running" error.
Action:
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type
services.mscand press Enter. This will open the Windows Services management console.In the Services window, scroll down and locate
vgc.Right-click on
vgcand select Properties.In the Properties window, find "Startup type" and set it to Automatic.
Under "Service status," if it says "Stopped," click the Start button.
Click Apply, then OK.
Test: Close the Services window and try launching your game.
Sub-heading 2.2: Verify VGC Service is Enabled in MSConfig
Sometimes, even if set to "Automatic" in Services, the service might be disabled in the system configuration.
Action:
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type
msconfigand press Enter. This opens the System Configuration window.Go to the Services tab.
Crucially, check the box that says "Hide all Microsoft services" at the bottom.
Look for
vgcin the remaining list and ensure its box is checked.Click Apply, then OK.
You might be prompted to restart your computer. It's recommended to do so.
Test: After restarting (if prompted), try launching your game.
Step 3: Reinstalling Riot Vanguard
A corrupted Vanguard installation is a frequent cause of this error. A fresh reinstallation often clears up these issues.
Sub-heading 3.1: Uninstall Riot Vanguard
Unlike most programs, you can uninstall Vanguard separately from the game.
Action:
Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
Go to Apps > Apps & features.
Scroll down or search for "Riot Vanguard."
Click on Riot Vanguard and then select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Important: Restart your PC after uninstalling Vanguard. This is crucial for a clean reinstallation.
Sub-heading 3.2: Reinstall Riot Vanguard (Automatically)
Vanguard will automatically reinstall itself the next time you launch a Riot game.
Action:
After restarting your PC, launch Valorant (or your Riot game).
The game client should detect that Vanguard is missing and automatically begin the reinstallation process.
Follow any prompts that appear. You might be asked to restart your PC again after Vanguard reinstall. Do it.
Test: Once everything is reinstalled and your PC has restarted, try launching your game.
Step 4: Addressing Software Conflicts
Vanguard's deep integration with your system can sometimes clash with other software, especially security programs.
Sub-heading 4.1: Disable Third-Party Antivirus/Firewall (Temporarily)
Your antivirus or firewall might be mistakenly identifying Vanguard as a threat.
Action:
Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus software. The process varies depending on your antivirus, but usually involves right-clicking its icon in the system tray and selecting a "disable" or "pause protection" option. Choose to disable it for a short period (e.g., 30 minutes to an hour).
If you use a third-party firewall, temporarily disable that as well.
If you don't have a third-party solution, Windows Defender Firewall might be the culprit. You can temporarily disable it via Windows Search >
Windows Defender Firewall>Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off> Select "Turn off Windows Defender Firewall" for both private and public networks. Remember to re-enable it later!
Test: With your security software temporarily disabled, try launching your game. If it works, you'll need to add exceptions for Valorant and Vanguard in your antivirus/firewall settings. Refer to your software's documentation for how to do this.
Sub-heading 4.2: Close Background Applications and Overlays
Some background applications or game overlays can interfere with Vanguard.
Action:
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Go to the Processes tab.
Look for any unnecessary applications or overlays (e.g., Discord overlay, NVIDIA GeForce Experience overlay, MSI Afterburner, etc.) that might be running.
Select them and click End task.
Test: Try launching your game with minimal background applications.
Step 5: Updating Your System and Drivers
Outdated software can cause compatibility issues with Vanguard.
Sub-heading 5.1: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows operating system is fully up to date.
Action:
Go to Settings (Windows Key + I).
Click on Windows Update (or "Update & Security" on older Windows versions).
Click Check for updates.
Download and install any available updates.
Restart your PC after installing updates.
Test: After the updates and restart, try launching your game.
Sub-heading 5.2: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can lead to various game issues, including those indirectly affecting anti-cheat.
Action:
Identify your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
Go to their official website (e.g.,
nvidia.com/drivers,amd.com/drivers).Download and install the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model.
Restart your PC after updating drivers.
Test: See if the game launches correctly.
Step 6: Advanced Troubleshooting (When All Else Fails)
If the above steps haven't worked, it's time to delve into more technical solutions.
Sub-heading 6.1: Check for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (Windows 11 Specific & Some Windows 10)
Vanguard, especially on Windows 11, might require Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled. This is a BIOS setting.
Action:
Check Status:
Press Windows Key + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter.Look for "BIOS Mode" (should be UEFI) and "Secure Boot State" (should be On).
Press Windows Key + R, type
tpm.msc, and press Enter. It should say "The TPM is ready for use" and "Version: 2.0".
Enable in BIOS (if disabled):
Restart your PC and repeatedly press the BIOS key (common keys are F2, Del, F10, F12 – it varies by motherboard manufacturer) immediately after pressing the power button.
Once in the BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to sections like Boot, Security, or Authentication.
Find Secure Boot and set it to Enabled. You might need to set CSM (Compatibility Support Module) to Off first.
Find TPM or Trusted Platform Module (sometimes listed under "Security Device" or "Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)" / "AMD fTPM") and enable it.
Save changes and exit BIOS. Your PC will restart.
Test: After enabling these features and restarting, try launching Valorant.
Sub-heading 6.2: Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) / Memory Integrity
In some rare cases, VBS can conflict with Vanguard. Disabling it might resolve the issue, but it can reduce system security.
Action:
Check Status: Press Windows Key + S, type
Core isolation, and open "Core isolation settings." See if "Memory integrity" is turned On.Disable: If it's on, toggle the "Memory integrity" switch to Off.
Restart your PC when prompted.
Test: Launch your game. If this fixes the issue, consider if you want to keep VBS disabled, as it enhances security.
Sub-heading 6.3: Run Game as Administrator
Sometimes, permission issues can prevent Vanguard from launching.
Action:
Locate your Valorant (or Riot game) shortcut on your desktop.
Right-click on the shortcut and select Run as administrator.
You can also set it to always run as administrator: Right-click the shortcut > Properties > Compatibility tab > check "Run this program as an administrator" > Apply > OK.
Test: Launch the game as administrator.
Step 7: Contact Riot Support
If you've meticulously followed all these steps and the problem persists, it's time to reach out to the experts.
Action: Visit the official Riot Games Support website (support.riotgames.com).
Submit a detailed support ticket explaining all the troubleshooting steps you've already taken. Include screenshots of any error messages. The more information you provide, the better they can assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if Vanguard is currently running?
You can check if Riot Vanguard is running by looking for its small shield-shaped icon in your system tray (the area near the clock on your taskbar). If it's not visible, it might not be running or is hidden.
How to prevent Vanguard from causing blue screens (BSOD)?
Blue screens are rare but can occur due to driver conflicts or system instability. Ensure all your drivers (especially graphics and chipset) and Windows are updated. If it persists, a clean reinstallation of Vanguard and Valorant might be necessary, and contacting Riot Support with crash logs is recommended.
How to ensure Vanguard is not blocked by my firewall?
You need to add exceptions for Riot Client, Valorant (or your game's .exe), and Riot Vanguard (vgc.exe) in your Windows Defender Firewall or any third-party antivirus/firewall software. The exact steps vary by software but generally involve navigating to the firewall settings and adding a new rule or exception.
How to fix Vanguard if it's "not initialized"?
This error often points to the vgc service not starting correctly. Follow Step 2: Ensuring Vanguard Services are Running in this guide, specifically setting the vgc service to "Automatic" and starting it manually.
How to update Vanguard manually?
Vanguard typically updates automatically with game patches. There isn't a separate manual update button for Vanguard itself. If you suspect an outdated version, a full reinstallation (Step 3) will ensure you get the latest version.
How to resolve Vanguard error codes like VAN 57 or VAN 68?
Many VAN error codes (like VAN 57 for "Vanguard Not Running" or VAN 68 for connection issues) can be resolved by restarting your PC, restarting the Riot Client, ensuring the vgc service is running, or performing a clean reinstallation of Vanguard. For specific error codes, check Riot's official support page as they sometimes provide tailored solutions.
How to troubleshoot Vanguard if it's interfering with other programs?
If Vanguard is causing issues with other programs, first try temporarily disabling your antivirus and other background applications (Step 4). If a specific program is identified as the culprit, you might need to add Vanguard to its exclusion list or contact Riot Support for further guidance.
How to verify Valorant game files after Vanguard issues?
The Riot Client has a built-in repair tool. Open the Riot Client, go to the game's settings (usually a cogwheel icon near your profile picture), and look for a "Repair" option. This will scan and fix any corrupted game files, which can sometimes be linked to Vanguard problems.
How to check if my PC meets Vanguard's system requirements?
While Vanguard itself is light, it runs on systems capable of playing Valorant. Ensure your Windows is up to date (Windows 10 1803 or newer is generally required, and Windows 11 often needs Secure Boot and TPM 2.0). Basic system requirements for Valorant itself (CPU, RAM, GPU) also apply.
How to get further help if nothing works?
If you've exhausted all troubleshooting steps, the best course of action is to contact Riot Games Player Support directly. Provide them with a detailed description of the problem, all the steps you've attempted, and any relevant error messages or screenshots. They have specialized tools and knowledge to diagnose more complex issues.
We hope this extensive guide helps you fix the "You need to have Vanguard running to play" error and gets you back into the game! Happy gaming!