Of course! Here is a detailed guide on how to install Vanguard TPM 2.0, formatted with headings, bold and italic text, and a comprehensive FAQ section.
How to Install and Enable Vanguard's TPM 2.0 Requirement
Have you ever tried to launch Valorant, only to be hit with that frustrating error message: "This build of Vanguard requires TPM version 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled in order to play"? It can be a real roadblock, but don't worry, you're not alone! This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, to get you back in the game. We'll start with the basics and move all the way to troubleshooting, so let's get your PC ready for battle!
Step 1: Check Your System's Status - The Pre-Flight Checklist
Before we dive into the BIOS settings, let's confirm if your PC even has TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled. This is a crucial first step! It's like checking the fuel in your car before a long drive.
Sub-heading: Check for TPM 2.0
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
Type
tpm.msc
and press Enter.A new window will pop up. Look at the "Status" section.
If it says "The TPM is ready for use," congratulations! You have TPM enabled.
If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be found," then your TPM is likely disabled in your BIOS, and you'll need to enable it.
In the "TPM Manufacturer Information" section, check the "Specification Version." It must be 2.0. If it's 1.2 or older, your motherboard may not support it, and you'll have to check with your manufacturer.
Sub-heading: Check for Secure Boot and BIOS Mode
Press the Windows key + R again to open the Run dialogue box.
Type
msinfo32
and press Enter.In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode" and "Secure Boot State."
"BIOS Mode" should be UEFI. If it's "Legacy" or "CSM," you will need to switch it.
"Secure Boot State" should be On. If it's "Off" or "Unsupported," you will need to enable it.
If both of these are already enabled, you might have another issue, and you can skip to the troubleshooting section. But if they are not, keep reading!
Step 2: Entering the BIOS/UEFI - The Command Center
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is the firmware that runs your computer's hardware. This is where we will enable the necessary settings.
Restart your PC. As it's restarting, you need to repeatedly press a specific key to enter the BIOS. This key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, or the Delete key. Check your motherboard's manual or the screen during startup to see which key you need to press.
Keep pressing the key until you see the BIOS/UEFI interface. It will likely have a different look than your usual Windows desktop, with text-based menus or a graphical interface.
Step 3: Enabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot - The Core Mission
Now that you're in the BIOS, it's time to enable the features. The exact location of these settings can differ based on your motherboard brand (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.) and model.
Sub-heading: For Intel Motherboards
Look for a tab or menu labeled "Advanced," "Security," or "Trusted Computing."
Within this menu, find the option for "Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)" or "fTPM."
Enable this option. It might be a simple toggle or require you to select "Enabled" from a dropdown menu.
Sub-heading: For AMD Motherboards
Navigate to the "Advanced" or "Settings" tab.
Look for a setting called "AMD fTPM configuration" or similar.
Find the "TPM Device Selection" and change it from "Discrete TPM" to "Firmware TPM" or "fTPM."
Sub-heading: Enabling Secure Boot
Go to the "Boot" or "Security" tab in your BIOS.
Find the "Secure Boot" option.
If it's disabled, change it to Enabled.
You might also need to set the "Secure Boot Mode" to "Standard" instead of "Custom."
Important Note: Some motherboards may require you to switch to UEFI mode and save the settings before the Secure Boot option becomes visible.
Step 4: Save and Exit - The Final Countdown
You've made the necessary changes. Now, you need to save them and restart your PC.
Look for a tab or option that says "Save & Exit" or "Exit and Save Changes."
Press the key indicated (often F10) to save your configuration and exit the BIOS.
A confirmation prompt will appear. Select "Yes" to save the changes and restart your computer.
Step 5: Verify the Changes and Launch the Game!
Once your PC reboots, you should be back in Windows. Follow the steps in "Step 1" again to verify that both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are now enabled. If the checks pass, it's time for the moment of truth! Launch Valorant. If everything was done correctly, Vanguard should start without any errors, and you can jump into a match.
If you still face issues, don't panic! There are a few more things to check.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My PC doesn't have a TPM option in the BIOS!
This is a common issue with older motherboards or CPUs. Check your motherboard's manual and the manufacturer's website to see if your hardware supports TPM 2.0. If not, you may be out of luck unless you upgrade your hardware.
Secure Boot is greyed out or I can't enable it!
This usually happens if your "BIOS Mode" is set to Legacy/CSM. You must be in UEFI mode to enable Secure Boot. Make sure to change your BIOS mode to UEFI first, save, and restart.
My game still gives the error after enabling everything!
Make sure your Windows is fully updated.
Try reinstalling Vanguard and Valorant.
Some users have reported success by disabling Discord's auto-start option.
Check for any pending Windows updates.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my motherboard supports TPM 2.0?
The best way is to check your motherboard's manual or visit the manufacturer's official website and look up your specific model. Most modern motherboards from the last few years have this feature.
How to enable Secure Boot on my PC?
You need to enter your BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the "Boot" or "Security" tab, and find the "Secure Boot" option to enable it. Remember, your BIOS mode must be set to UEFI first.
How to fix the Valorant Vanguard TPM 2.0 error?
The most direct fix is to enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in your motherboard's BIOS settings. This is a requirement for Vanguard on Windows 11.
How to change BIOS mode from Legacy to UEFI?
Enter your BIOS, go to the "Boot" or "Advanced" menu, and change the "Boot Mode" or "BIOS Mode" from "Legacy" or "CSM" to "UEFI." You will need to re-install Windows to fully benefit from UEFI mode if you installed it on a Legacy system.
How to check my BIOS mode in Windows?
You can check your BIOS mode by opening the System Information window (msinfo32
). It will be listed next to "BIOS Mode."
How to access BIOS/UEFI settings?
Restart your computer and repeatedly press a specific key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Delete) as it boots up. The key is specific to your motherboard manufacturer.
How to update my BIOS?
Updating your BIOS is an advanced step. You need to download the latest BIOS version from your motherboard manufacturer's website and follow their specific instructions, which often involve using a USB drive. Be very careful, as a failed BIOS update can damage your motherboard.
How to check if Vanguard is running?
You can check if the Vanguard service is running by opening the Windows Services app (services.msc
) and looking for "vgc" (Vanguard's service).
How to reinstall Vanguard and Valorant?
Go to "Add or remove programs" in Windows settings, uninstall both Valorant and Riot Vanguard, and then download and install them again from the official Valorant website.
How to fix Vanguard crashing after enabling TPM?
If Vanguard crashes after enabling TPM, try updating your Windows, GPU drivers, and motherboard's chipset drivers. You can also try disabling any virtualization features like VBS or Core Isolation in Windows Security settings.