Feeling a bit lost trying to get back into your favorite Riot Games, only to be stopped by the infamous Riot Vanguard? Don't worry, you're definitely not alone! This anti-cheat system is crucial for a fair gaming experience, but sometimes it can be a bit… stubborn. Whether you're encountering error messages, performance issues, or just need a clean slate, reinstalling Riot Vanguard can often be the magic bullet.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, ensuring you get back into the action as smoothly as possible. So, are you ready to conquer those anti-cheat woes and get back to dominating the Rift or the Spike? Let's dive in!
How to Reinstall Riot Vanguard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reinstalling Riot Vanguard typically involves two main phases: complete uninstallation and automatic reinstallation through the Riot Games client. We'll cover both in detail, along with troubleshooting tips for common issues.
Step 1: Prepare for a Clean Uninstallation
Before you can reinstall Vanguard, you need to make sure every trace of the previous installation is gone. This helps prevent conflicts and ensures a fresh start.
1.1 Close All Riot Games and Clients
- Important: Ensure that all Riot Games (like Valorant, League of Legends) and the Riot Client itself are completely closed. Check your system tray (the area near your clock) for any lingering Riot icons and right-click to exit them if present.
- Why this is important: Vanguard integrates deeply with Riot Games, and having them open can prevent a successful uninstallation.
1.2 Access "Add or Remove Programs"
This is where we'll start the official uninstallation process.
- Option A (Windows 10/11):
- Right-click on the Start Menu icon (the Windows logo) in your taskbar.
- From the context menu, select ***"Apps and Features"***.
- Option B (Older Windows Versions or Alternative):
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
appwiz.cpland press Enter. This will directly open the "Programs and Features" window.
1.3 Locate and Uninstall Riot Vanguard
Once in the "Apps and Features" or "Programs and Features" window, you'll see a list of installed applications.
- In the search bar (if available) or by scrolling, find ***"Riot Vanguard"***.
- Click on it, and then select ***"Uninstall"***.
- You might be prompted to confirm your choice. Click "Uninstall" again.
- A pop-up window might appear asking, "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" Click ***"Yes"***.
- Riot Vanguard will now begin the uninstallation process. This usually takes only a few moments. You'll often see a confirmation message when it's complete, and the Riot Vanguard icon should disappear from your system tray.
Step 2: Ensure Complete Removal (Manual Steps)
Sometimes, the standard uninstallation might leave behind residual files or services. These manual steps ensure a truly clean slate.
2.1 Delete Vanguard Services via Command Prompt
This step is crucial for removing the kernel-mode driver component of Vanguard.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Right-click on the Start Menu icon.
- Select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or ***"Windows PowerShell (Admin)"***. If a UAC (User Account Control) prompt appears, click "Yes."
- Execute Commands: In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
sc delete vgcsc delete vgk- You should see a message confirming the successful deletion of the services. If it says the service doesn't exist, that's okay – it just means it was already removed, which is good!
2.2 Manually Delete the Riot Vanguard Folder
Even after uninstalling, sometimes the main installation folder remains.
- Navigate to the Program Files Directory:
- Open File Explorer (you can press Windows key + E).
- Go to
C:\Program Files\
- Locate and Delete: Look for a folder named ***"Riot Vanguard"***.
- Right-click on this folder and select ***"Delete"***.
- If you encounter a message that the folder or files are in use, it means something is still holding onto them. Restart your computer and try deleting the folder again.
2.3 Restart Your Computer (Crucial!)
- Seriously, don't skip this! Restarting your computer after uninstalling Riot Vanguard and deleting its files is absolutely essential. This allows your system to clear any lingering processes or temporary files related to Vanguard and fully register its removal.
- Go to the Start Menu, click the Power icon, and select "Restart."
Step 3: Reinstall Riot Vanguard Through the Client
Once your system has been thoroughly cleaned, reinstalling Vanguard is straightforward and handled automatically by your Riot Games client.
3.1 Launch Your Riot Game
- Open the Riot Games client (e.g., Valorant, League of Legends client).
- The magic happens here! The client will detect that Riot Vanguard is missing from your system.
- It will automatically prompt you to install or update Riot Vanguard. This usually appears as a banner or a pop-up requiring your action.
3.2 Follow On-Screen Prompts
- Click on the "Install" or "Update" button as prompted by the client.
- Allow the client to download and install the necessary Vanguard files. This process might take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
3.3 Another Restart is Required!
- After Vanguard has finished installing, the Riot client will almost certainly inform you that a system restart is required to complete the installation and enable Vanguard.
- Obey the client! Restart your computer one more time. This allows the Vanguard kernel-mode driver to properly integrate with your operating system.
Step 4: Verify Installation and Play!
After the second restart, Riot Vanguard should now be fully installed and operational.
- Check System Tray: Look for the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock). It's usually a small shield or a "V" icon. If it's there, that's a great sign!
- Launch Your Game: Open your Riot Game (e.g., Valorant, League of Legends). You should now be able to launch and play without any Vanguard-related errors.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a detailed guide, sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- "Vanguard Not Initialized" or VAN Error Codes: Many VAN error codes (like VAN 1, VAN 6, VAN 57, VAN -104, VAN 128) indicate that Vanguard isn't running or communicating correctly. The reinstallation process above is often the first and best fix. If it persists, check specific Riot Support pages for your error code.
- Antivirus/Firewall Interference: Sometimes, your antivirus or firewall software might mistakenly flag Riot Vanguard as a threat.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall during the installation process. Remember to re-enable them afterward!
- Add exceptions for the Riot Games folder and the Riot Vanguard folder in your antivirus and firewall settings.
- Outdated Windows/Drivers: Ensure your Windows operating system is fully up to date with the latest patches. Outdated drivers (especially graphics card drivers) can also cause conflicts.
- "We Couldn't Install a Required Dependency": This error often points to a corrupt installer file or interference during the download. Try redownloading the Riot Game client entirely from the official Riot Games website.
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot (for Windows 11 users): Riot Vanguard on Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot to be enabled in your BIOS. If you're getting errors related to this, you'll need to enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings to enable them. (Refer to your motherboard or PC manufacturer's manual for specific instructions on how to access and modify these settings.)
- Corrupted System Files: In rare cases, fundamental Windows files can be corrupted, preventing Vanguard from installing.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow(System File Checker)DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
- These tools can help repair corrupted system files.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
If you've tried all these steps and are still facing issues, it's highly recommended to submit a support ticket to Riot Games Support. Provide them with detailed information about the error messages you're receiving, the steps you've already taken, and your system specifications.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if Riot Vanguard is running?
You can check for the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray (the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock). If you see a small shield or "V" icon, it means Vanguard is running.
How to temporarily disable Riot Vanguard?
Right-click on the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray and select "Exit Vanguard." Remember, you'll need to restart your computer to re-enable it and play Riot Games.
How to update Riot Vanguard?
Riot Vanguard updates automatically when you launch a Riot game. If an update is available, the client will prompt you to install it and usually require a restart.
How to fix Riot Vanguard error VAN 128?
VAN 128 typically indicates a connection error or a problem with Vanguard running. Try restarting your PC and the Riot Client. If it persists, a full reinstallation of Vanguard (as detailed above) is often the solution.
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard if it's stuck?
If the standard uninstall fails, try deleting the services via Command Prompt (sc delete vgc and sc delete vgk as administrator), then manually deleting the Riot Vanguard folder in C:\Program Files, and finally restarting your PC.
How to enable TPM 2.0 for Riot Vanguard?
Enabling TPM 2.0 involves entering your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings. The exact steps vary by manufacturer, but generally, you'll need to restart your PC and repeatedly press a key (like Del, F2, F10, or F12) to access the BIOS, then look for security or boot options.
How to enable Secure Boot for Riot Vanguard?
Similar to TPM 2.0, Secure Boot is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings. You'll need to set your boot mode to UEFI (if not already) and then enable Secure Boot within the BIOS. Consult your motherboard or PC manufacturer's manual for precise instructions.
How to prevent Riot Vanguard from interfering with other programs?
If Vanguard is causing issues with other software, you can try adding exceptions for those programs in Vanguard's settings (if available, though direct user control is limited). Otherwise, you might need to temporarily exit Vanguard when using those programs and restart your PC before playing Riot Games.
How to check Riot Vanguard's system requirements?
Riot Vanguard's system requirements are typically tied to the game it supports (e.g., Valorant, League of Legends). For Windows 11, it requires TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot. General requirements include Windows 10 (Build 19041+) or 11 64-bit, 4GB RAM, and 1GB VRAM.
How to contact Riot Games Support for Vanguard issues?
If all troubleshooting fails, visit the official Riot Games Support website for the specific game you're playing (e.g., support-valorant.riotgames.com or support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com) and submit a detailed support ticket.
