Of course! Here is a lengthy and detailed guide on how to tell if Vanguard is running, designed to be engaging and helpful.
Are you wondering if that essential anti-cheat software is doing its job? Let's find out!
Have you ever launched your favorite Riot Games title like VALORANT or League of Legends and seen a pop-up telling you that Vanguard isn't running? It can be frustrating, especially when you just want to jump into a game. Whether you're a competitive player or just enjoying a casual match, ensuring Riot Vanguard is active is the first step to a smooth gaming experience. Let's walk through the steps to confirm it's up and running.
Step 1: Check the System Tray - The Easiest Way!
Ready to begin? The first and most straightforward method to check on Vanguard's status is to look at your system tray. This is the little collection of icons typically found in the bottom-right corner of your screen, next to the clock.
Look for the Shield Icon: You're looking for a small, red shield icon with a stylized 'V' in the middle. This is the official Riot Vanguard icon.
Click to Reveal: If you don't see it immediately, click the small up-arrow icon (often called the "show hidden icons" arrow) to expand the system tray. This will reveal all the background applications running on your PC.
A Running Indicator: If you see the red shield icon, it's a good sign! It indicates that the Riot Vanguard client is active and running in the background. You can even right-click it for a few quick options.
What if you don't see the icon? Don't panic! It's possible the application isn't starting automatically or has been closed. Move on to the next step.
Step 2: Use the Task Manager - The Deeper Dive
If the system tray doesn't give you a clear answer, it's time to check the Task Manager. This is the control center for all processes running on your computer.
Launch Task Manager: You can open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can right-click the Windows Taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the menu.
Navigate to the 'Processes' Tab: Once the Task Manager is open, you'll see a list of applications and background processes. Click on the "Processes" tab if you're not there already.
Find the Vanguard Processes: Now, you need to look for two specific processes related to Vanguard:
"vgc" (Vanguard Client): This is the main Vanguard client process.
"vgtray.exe" (Vanguard Tray): This is the process for the system tray icon.
Check the 'Startup' Tab: While you're in the Task Manager, it's a great time to check if Vanguard is enabled to start automatically with your PC. Go to the "Startup apps" tab and look for "Riot Vanguard" or "vgtray." Make sure its status is listed as "Enabled." If it's disabled, right-click it and select "Enable."
Important Note: Vanguard's kernel-mode driver, a core component, runs at a deeper level and might not always be visible in the standard Task Manager processes list. The presence of the "vgc" and "vgtray" processes is your best indicator.
Step 3: Check the Services - The Advanced Method
For those who want to be absolutely sure, or if you're still facing issues, you can check the Windows Services.
Open the 'Run' Dialog: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type 'services.msc': In the Run box, type
services.mscand press Enter. This will open the Services window, which lists all the services running on your computer.Find the 'vgc' Service: Scroll down the list until you find the service named "vgc" (Vanguard Client).
Verify the Status: Look at the "Status" column. If Vanguard is running, the status should be listed as "Running." Also, check the "Startup Type" column. It should be set to "Automatic" or "Automatic (Delayed Start)" to ensure it launches with Windows.
Start the Service: If the status is empty, it means the service is not running. You can right-click on "vgc" and select "Start."
What if it won't start? If you try to start the service and it fails, you might have a deeper issue. It could be a conflict with other software or a corrupted installation.
Step 4: Launch a Riot Game - The Ultimate Test
Ultimately, the best way to know if Vanguard is running correctly is to launch the game it's designed to protect.
Open the Riot Client: Launch the Riot Games client.
Launch VALORANT or League of Legends: Click on the game you want to play.
Watch for Messages: If Vanguard is not running, you will almost certainly see a pop-up error message stating something like, "Vanguard is not running. Please restart your computer." or a specific error code like VAN 57. If the game launches without any such message, you're good to go!
Troubleshooting: What to do if Vanguard isn't running
If you've followed the steps above and found that Vanguard isn't active, here are a few things you can try:
Restart Your PC: This is the classic IT solution, but it works! Since Vanguard is an on-boot application, restarting your computer is often all it takes to get it running again.
Check for Updates: Make sure your Riot Client and the game itself are fully updated. A pending update can sometimes prevent Vanguard from starting.
Reinstall Vanguard: If all else fails, a clean reinstallation can fix corrupted files. You can uninstall Vanguard from "Add or remove programs" in Windows settings, and when you next launch a Riot game, it will automatically prompt you to reinstall it.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if Vanguard is running on a Mac?
Currently, Riot Vanguard is a Windows-exclusive application and is required for playing VALORANT and League of Legends on PC. It does not run on macOS.
How to fix a "Vanguard Not Initialized" error?
This error often means the Vanguard service isn't starting correctly. Try restarting your PC, then check the "vgc" service in the Services window and set its Startup Type to "Automatic."
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard from my computer?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, and click "Uninstall." You may need to restart your computer to complete the process.
How to stop Vanguard from running at startup?
You can disable its startup from the Task Manager's "Startup apps" tab by finding "Riot Vanguard" and changing its status to "Disabled." However, remember that you won't be able to play Riot games without it running.
How to know if Vanguard is blocking other programs?
Vanguard may issue a Windows notification if it detects a potential conflict with other software. You can also check the Riot Vanguard system tray icon, which might provide more information if it's interfering with other processes.
How to re-enable Vanguard if I accidentally exited it?
If you've exited Vanguard from the system tray, you will need to restart your computer to have it load again, as it is an on-boot application.
How to update Vanguard?
Vanguard updates are typically managed through the Riot Client itself. When you update VALORANT or League of Legends, Vanguard will update automatically.
How to check for specific Vanguard error codes?
When Vanguard gives you an error, it often provides a code (e.g., VAN 57, VAN 9001). You can search for these specific codes on the Riot Games Support website for detailed troubleshooting steps.
How to check if my drivers are causing a Vanguard issue?
You can use the Windows 'sigverif' tool by pressing Windows Key + R, typing sigverif, and hitting Enter. This tool will verify file signatures and can help you identify any unsigned or outdated drivers that might be conflicting with Vanguard.
How to contact Riot Games Support for Vanguard issues?
If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and Vanguard is still not running, the best course of action is to submit a ticket to Riot Games Support through their official website. Provide as much detail as possible, including any error codes you've seen.
