Vanguard Valorant, are you ready to dive deep into a topic that plagues many a gamer? The dreaded Vanguard! We've all been there, hyped up for a session of Valorant, only to be met with an error message or a persistent "Vanguard not initialized" pop-up. Frustrating, isn't it? But fear not, fellow agents! This comprehensive, step-by-step guide is designed to walk you through every possible solution to get Vanguard up and running, ensuring your Valorant experience is smooth and uninterrupted.
So, let's kick things off with a simple question: Are you currently facing issues with Valorant's Vanguard anti-cheat? If your answer is a resounding "YES," then you're in the right place. Let's get you back into the action!
Understanding Vanguard: Your Digital Bouncer
Before we jump into the troubleshooting, it's crucial to understand what exactly Vanguard is. Riot Games, the creators of Valorant, developed Vanguard as a kernel-level anti-cheat system. This means it runs at a very fundamental level of your operating system, constantly monitoring for any suspicious activity that might indicate cheating. While this can sometimes feel intrusive, it's essential for maintaining a fair and competitive environment in Valorant.
Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get started with the solutions!
Step 1: The Basics – The First Line of Defense
Often, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Don't skip these initial checks, as they can save you a lot of time and headache.
Step 1.1: A Good Old Restart – The Universal Fix
It might sound cliché, but a fresh start can resolve a surprising number of software glitches.
Action: Completely shut down your computer. Don't just put it to sleep; select "Shut down" from the power options.
Wait: Give it a minute or two. Let all the background processes truly close.
Restart: Power on your computer and try launching Valorant again.
Step 1.2: Check Your Internet Connection – The Unseen Culprit
A stable internet connection is vital for Vanguard to communicate with Riot's servers.
Action: Verify your internet connection. Can you browse websites? Can you open other online applications?
Troubleshoot: If your internet is spotty, restart your router and modem. Consider trying a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible, as it's generally more stable.
Step 1.3: Run Valorant as Administrator – Granting Permissions
Sometimes, Vanguard needs elevated permissions to function correctly.
Action: Right-click on your Valorant shortcut (or the
Riot Clientshortcut).Select: Choose "Run as administrator."
Confirm: Click "Yes" if a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
Step 2: Ensuring Vanguard's Presence and Status
Vanguard needs to be properly installed and running in the background for Valorant to launch. Let's verify its status.
Step 2.1: Verify Vanguard Installation – Is it Even There?
It's possible Vanguard wasn't installed correctly or was accidentally uninstalled.
Action: Navigate to your Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features.
Look For: Scroll through the list and look for Riot Vanguard.
If Missing: If it's not there, you'll likely need to reinstall Valorant. This will automatically reinstall Vanguard.
Step 2.2: Check Vanguard Service Status – Is it Running?
Vanguard runs as a background service. If this service is stopped, Valorant won't launch.
Action: Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run dialog.Type: Type
services.mscand press Enter.Locate: In the Services window, scroll down and find vgc.
Check Status: Look at the "Status" column. It should say "Running."
If Not Running: Right-click on "vgc" and select "Start." If it's already running, you can try right-clicking and selecting "Restart."
Set Startup Type: Double-click "vgc" to open its properties. Ensure the "Startup type" is set to "Automatic." Click "Apply" and then "OK."
Step 2.3: Check System Tray – A Quick Visual Cue
Sometimes, the Vanguard icon is visible in your system tray, indicating it's active.
Action: Look in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar, near the clock.
Look For: You might see a small red shield icon (Vanguard). If it's there, it's a good sign. If not, it doesn't necessarily mean it's not running, but it's a quick check.
Step 3: Tackling Potential Conflicts and Updates
Vanguard can sometimes conflict with other software or require updates to function correctly.
Step 3.1: Update Your Drivers – Keeping Everything Current
Outdated graphics drivers or other system drivers can sometimes interfere with Vanguard.
Action: Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific model.
Install: Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. A clean installation is often recommended.
Step 3.2: Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily – The Overprotective Guardian
Your antivirus or firewall might be mistakenly identifying Vanguard as a threat.
Action: Temporarily disable your antivirus software and Windows Defender Firewall.
Test: Try launching Valorant.
Re-enable: If Valorant launches successfully, you'll need to add exceptions for Valorant and Vanguard in your antivirus and firewall settings. Refer to your antivirus software's documentation for specific instructions. Remember to re-enable your security software immediately after testing!
Step 3.3: Whitelist Valorant and Vanguard – Permanent Solution for Security Software
This is a more permanent and secure solution than temporary disabling.
Action: Go into your antivirus and firewall settings.
Add Exceptions: Add the following executable files and folders to your whitelist/exceptions list:
C:\Riot Games\Valorant\VALORANT.exeC:\Riot Games\Riot Client\RiotClientServices.exeC:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\(the entire folder)C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgc.exeC:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgtray.exeNote: Your installation paths might vary slightly.
Step 3.4: Update Windows – The Foundation
An outdated Windows operating system can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
Action: Go to Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update.
Check: Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
Restart: Restart your computer after installing updates.
Step 4: Reinstalling Vanguard – The Nuclear Option (Almost)
If all else fails, a clean reinstallation of Vanguard can resolve deeply rooted issues.
Step 4.1: Uninstall Vanguard First – The Proper Way
It's crucial to uninstall Vanguard separately before reinstalling Valorant.
Action: Go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features.
Uninstall: Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, right-click it, and select "Uninstall."
Confirm: Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Restart: Restart your computer after uninstalling Vanguard. This is an important step to clear any residual files.
Step 4.2: Reinstall Valorant – Bringing Back Vanguard
Reinstalling Valorant will automatically reinstall Vanguard.
Action: Open the Riot Client (or download it again from the official Valorant website).
Initiate Installation: Locate Valorant in your library and click "Install" (if it's already installed, you might need to find an "Uninstall" option first to then trigger a fresh install).
Follow Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Valorant. This process will also install Riot Vanguard.
Restart: After the installation is complete, restart your computer once more before attempting to launch Valorant.
Step 5: Advanced Troubleshooting and Further Assistance
If you've followed all the steps above and are still facing issues, it's time to dig a bit deeper or seek professional help.
Step 5.1: Check for Conflicting Software – The Hidden Culprits
Some software, particularly other anti-cheat systems or system monitoring tools, can clash with Vanguard.
Action: Temporarily uninstall any other anti-cheat software (e.g., Easy Anti-Cheat, BattlEye) you might have for other games, especially if you're not actively playing those games.
System Monitoring: Similarly, temporarily disable or uninstall any system monitoring or overclocking software.
Test: See if Valorant launches. If it does, you'll need to find a way to make them compatible or only run one at a time.
Step 5.2: Check for BIOS Settings (Secure Boot/TPM) – The Modern Requirements
Newer versions of Windows and Valorant might leverage Secure Boot and TPM for enhanced security. While not always directly tied to Vanguard errors, it's worth checking.
Action: Enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing
Del,F2,F10, orF12).Look For: Navigate to security or boot options and look for "Secure Boot" and "TPM (Trusted Platform Module)."
Enable: If disabled, consider enabling them, save changes, and exit BIOS. Be cautious when changing BIOS settings, and only proceed if you're comfortable. Refer to your motherboard's manual for specific instructions.
Step 5.3: Contact Riot Games Support – The Experts
If you've exhausted all these options, it's time to reach out to the pros.
Action: Visit the official Riot Games Support website (
support.riotgames.com Submit a Ticket: Provide as much detail as possible about your issue, including the steps you've already taken, any error messages you've received, and your system specifications. Screenshots and log files can be incredibly helpful.
By systematically working through these steps, you significantly increase your chances of resolving any Vanguard-related issues and getting back to enjoying Valorant. Remember, patience is key!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions related to opening Vanguard Valorant, with quick answers:
How to check if Vanguard is running?
You can check by opening Services (services.msc), finding 'vgc', and ensuring its status is 'Running', or by looking for the small red shield icon in your system tray.
How to fix Valorant "Vanguard not initialized" error?
Often resolved by restarting your PC, ensuring the 'vgc' service is set to 'Automatic' and 'Running', or by reinstalling Vanguard.
How to update Riot Vanguard?
Vanguard usually updates automatically with Valorant patches. If it's not updating, try reinstalling Valorant, which will reinstall the latest Vanguard version.
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard?
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, find 'Riot Vanguard', right-click and select 'Uninstall', then restart your PC.
How to allow Vanguard through firewall?
Access your Windows Defender Firewall (or third-party firewall) settings, then add exceptions for the Valorant executable (VALORANT.exe) and the entire Riot Vanguard folder (C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\).
How to fix Vanguard error 1067?
Error 1067 often indicates a service issue. Ensure the 'vgc' service is running and set to 'Automatic'. A PC restart or Vanguard reinstallation can also help.
How to resolve Vanguard "VAN 128" error?
VAN 128 often relates to a system integrity violation. Ensure Secure Boot is enabled in your BIOS, and check for any conflicting software. A clean Windows install might be necessary in severe cases.
How to start Vanguard manually?
Open Services (services.msc), find 'vgc', right-click, and select 'Start'. If it's already running, you can try 'Restart'.
How to fix "Vanguard anti-cheat required to play" error?
This typically means Vanguard isn't installed or running. Verify its installation in Programs and Features, ensure the 'vgc' service is active, and try running Valorant as administrator.
How to troubleshoot Vanguard for a specific Windows error?
For specific Windows errors, first, note the exact error code. Then, search Riot Games Support or community forums for that specific code. General steps like restarting, updating drivers, and reinstalling Vanguard are good starting points.