Vanguard is a crucial anti-cheat software developed by Riot Games. It's designed to protect games like Valorant from cheaters and hackers. While it usually installs automatically with the game, there might be times when you need to install it manually. This can happen if the initial installation fails, if there's a corruption, or if you're troubleshooting an issue.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the manual installation process for Vanguard, ensuring you can get back to your game with a secure and fair experience.
A Comprehensive Guide to Manually Installing Vanguard
Step 1: Let's Get Ready!
Hey there, gamer! Before we dive into the technical stuff, let's make sure you're ready for this mission. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist. Do you have a stable internet connection? Is your Windows PC up and running smoothly? If yes, you're good to go! We'll be downloading and installing a few things, so let's make sure your system is prepped.
First, we need to make sure you have the necessary files. The easiest way to get the latest version of Vanguard is to download the Valorant installer. Even if you already have the game installed, this will ensure you get the most up-to-date files for Vanguard.
Download the Valorant installer from the official Riot Games website.
You can find it by searching "Valorant download" on Google.
Once you have the installer, you're ready for the next step.
Step 2: Uninstall the Old Vanguard (If Applicable)
If you're manually installing Vanguard, it's often because there's an issue with your current installation. To avoid any conflicts, it's best to completely remove the old version first. Think of it as a fresh start!
Sub-heading 2.1: Using the Windows 'Add or remove programs' feature
This is the most straightforward way to uninstall software.
Press the Windows key and type "Add or remove programs".
Click on the search result to open the settings menu.
In the list of apps, find "Riot Vanguard".
Click on it and select "Uninstall".
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
A pop-up will ask for your confirmation; click on "Yes".
Sub-heading 2.2: Verifying the Uninstallation
Just to be sure, let's check if everything is gone.
Open your File Explorer.
Navigate to C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard.
If the folder is still there, manually delete it.
Restart your computer after uninstalling to ensure all traces are removed.
Restarting your PC is a crucial step! It clears any leftover data from the previous installation.
Step 3: Installing Vanguard Manually
Now, for the main event! With the old version gone, we can proceed with the fresh installation. This is where the Valorant installer you downloaded earlier comes in.
Locate the Valorant installer file you downloaded.
Right-click on the installer and select "Run as administrator".
Follow the on-screen instructions.
The installer will automatically detect that you have Valorant installed and will proceed to install or update Vanguard.
During the installation, a prompt might appear asking for permission to install the Vanguard kernel-level driver. You must allow this! This is the core of Vanguard's anti-cheat functionality.
Wait for the installation to complete. It shouldn't take too long.
Sub-heading 3.1: Troubleshooting Installation Issues
If you encounter any errors during this step, don't worry. Here are a few things you can try:
Disable your antivirus: Sometimes, aggressive antivirus software can block the installation of kernel-level drivers. Try temporarily disabling it and then reinstalling.
Run the installer in a different location: Try moving the installer file to your desktop or another location and then running it from there.
Check for Windows updates: Make sure your Windows is up-to-date, as outdated drivers or operating system files can cause issues.
Step 4: Verify the Installation and Restart Again
Once the installation is complete, it's time to check if everything is working as it should.
Open your Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Go to the "Services" tab.
Look for a service named "vgk" or "vgc".
If you see this service and its status is "Running", you're on the right track!
Now, for the final, most important step: restart your computer one more time! Vanguard needs to load with your system's boot process to function correctly. Without this restart, you will likely encounter an error when you try to launch Valorant.
Step 5: Launch Valorant and Enjoy!
After the restart, simply launch Valorant. The game should now recognize the newly installed Vanguard and you should be able to play without any issues.
If you still get an error, it might be a different issue. Check the error code and search for a solution online.
Remember, Vanguard is an essential part of the Valorant experience, so keeping it running is key.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Vanguard manually and are ready to jump back into the action!
FAQ
How to manually download the latest Vanguard installer?
You can't download Vanguard as a standalone installer. It comes bundled with the Valorant game installer from the official Riot Games website.
How to fix Vanguard not installing?
First, try restarting your computer. If that doesn't work, disable your antivirus temporarily and run the installer as an administrator.
How to check if Vanguard is running?
Open your Task Manager, go to the "Services" tab, and look for "vgc" or "vgk". If its status is "Running", it's working.
How to uninstall Vanguard?
Go to "Add or remove programs" in your Windows settings, find "Riot Vanguard," and click "Uninstall."
How to fix a "VAN" error code in Valorant?
A "VAN" error code usually indicates a problem with Vanguard. Follow the steps in this guide to reinstall it.
How to update Vanguard manually?
Vanguard updates automatically with Valorant updates. If it doesn't, you can run the Valorant installer to force an update.
How to allow Vanguard to run on startup?
Vanguard is designed to run on startup automatically. If it's not, you may need to check your system's startup settings or reinstall it.
How to troubleshoot Vanguard driver signature enforcement issues?
You might need to disable driver signature enforcement in your Windows settings. However, this is not recommended for security reasons and should only be done as a last resort.
How to fix a "Vanguard has not initialized" error?
This error usually means Vanguard failed to load on startup. Restart your computer, and if the error persists, reinstall Vanguard.
How to contact Riot Games support for Vanguard issues?
You can submit a support ticket on the official Riot Games support website with details of your issue.
