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A Comprehensive Guide: Updating Vanguard for Windows 11 and Troubleshooting Common Issues
Hey there, fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts! Are you experiencing issues with Riot Vanguard, the robust anti-cheat system for games like Valorant, after upgrading to Windows 11? You're not alone! Windows 11 introduces stricter security requirements like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which can sometimes throw a wrench in Vanguard's operations. But don't worry, we're here to walk you through a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure Vanguard is running smoothly on your Windows 11 machine.
Let's dive in and get you back to your games without those annoying error messages!
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| How To Update Vanguard For Windows 11 |
Understanding the Core Requirements: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
Before we jump into the steps, it's crucial to understand why Windows 11 and Vanguard are particular about these two features:
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a hardware-based security component that provides cryptographic functions and helps protect your system from malware and unauthorized access. Windows 11 mandates TPM 2.0 for enhanced security.
- Secure Boot: This is a security feature in your computer's UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) firmware that helps prevent malicious software from loading during the boot process. Vanguard, being a kernel-level anti-cheat, leverages this to ensure a secure gaming environment.
If your system doesn't meet these requirements, Vanguard will likely not function correctly on Windows 11. You might encounter error codes like VAN9001 or VAN9003.
Step 1: Engage with Your System's Current State – Let's Check Your Setup!
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Before you do anything else, let's confirm your current settings. This will help us understand what adjustments might be needed.
- Sub-heading: Checking TPM 2.0 Status
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
tpm.mscand press Enter. - A "Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management on Local Computer" window will open. Look at the "Status" section.
- If it says "The TPM is ready for use" and the "Specification Version" is 2.0, you're good on this front!
- If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be found" or the version is not 2.0, you'll likely need to enable it in your BIOS/UEFI settings (covered in Step 3).
- Sub-heading: Checking Secure Boot Status
- Press Windows Key + S to open the search bar.
- Type "System Information" and open the application.
- In the System Information window, look for "BIOS Mode" and "Secure Boot State."
- "BIOS Mode" should be UEFI. If it's "Legacy," you might need to convert your disk to GPT and reinstall Windows (a more advanced step, typically not required if you upgraded to Windows 11 officially).
- "Secure Boot State" should say On. If it's "Off," you'll need to enable it in your BIOS/UEFI settings (covered in Step 3).
- Sub-heading: Checking TPM 2.0 Status
Step 2: The Easiest Fix – Reinstalling Vanguard (and your Riot Game)
Often, a fresh reinstallation can resolve many compatibility issues. This is especially true if you upgraded to Windows 11 after installing Vanguard.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
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- Sub-heading: Uninstalling Vanguard
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps (or "Apps & features" on older Windows 11 builds).
- Scroll down or search for Riot Vanguard.
- Click on the three dots next to it and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Crucially, you'll also want to uninstall the Riot game you play (e.g., Valorant) at this stage, as Vanguard is deeply integrated with it.
- Sub-heading: Reinstalling Your Riot Game (and Vanguard)
- Once both Vanguard and your Riot game are uninstalled, restart your computer. This is important to clear any lingering files.
- Go to the official website for your Riot game (e.g.,
https://playvalorant.com/ - Download and run the game installer.
- The Riot client will automatically download and install the latest version of Riot Vanguard along with the game.
- After the installation is complete, the client will likely prompt you to restart your computer again. Do this.
- After the restart, check your system tray for the Riot Vanguard icon. If it's there, Vanguard is successfully installed. Try launching your game.
Step 3: Diving Deeper – Enabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI
If reinstalling didn't work, or if Step 1 showed that TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot were disabled, you'll need to venture into your system's BIOS/UEFI settings. Be careful when making changes in the BIOS, as incorrect settings can affect your system's stability.
- Sub-heading: Accessing Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Restart your PC.
- As your PC boots up, repeatedly press the BIOS hotkey. This key varies by manufacturer:
- Dell: F2, F12, or Delete
- HP: F10, F2, F12, or Esc
- Lenovo: F1, F2, Fn+F2, or Enter
- Acer: F2 or Delete
- Asus: F2 or Delete
- MSI: Delete
- Gigabyte: Delete, F2
- If you're unsure, check your motherboard manual or search online for "how to enter BIOS [your computer/motherboard model]".
- Sub-heading: Enabling TPM 2.0 (or equivalent)
- Once in the BIOS/UEFI, navigation can differ significantly between manufacturers. Look for sections like:
- Security
- Advanced
- Boot
- Trusted Computing
- Miscellaneous
- Within these sections, look for settings related to:
- TPM State
- Security Device Support
- AMD fTPM switch
- AMD PSP fTPM
- Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology)
- Intel Security Device
- Enable this setting. It might be set to "Disabled" or "Discrete TPM" by default. Change it to "Enabled" or "Firmware TPM" (fTPM/PTT).
- Once in the BIOS/UEFI, navigation can differ significantly between manufacturers. Look for sections like:
- Sub-heading: Enabling Secure Boot
- In the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to sections like:
- Boot Options
- Security
- Authentication
- Look for "Secure Boot" and set it to Enabled.
- You might also need to ensure "CSM (Compatibility Support Module)" or "Legacy Support" is disabled. Secure Boot typically requires UEFI mode.
- Important: Some motherboards require you to "Restore Factory Keys" or "Clear Secure Boot Keys" and then re-enable Secure Boot for it to properly register. If you enabled Secure Boot and still get an error, try this step within the Secure Boot menu.
- In the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to sections like:
- Sub-heading: Save and Exit
- After making these changes, save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. This is usually done by pressing F10 or navigating to an "Exit" tab. Confirm your changes when prompted.
- Your computer will restart. Once Windows 11 loads, try launching your Riot game.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Vanguard Errors and Advanced Fixes
Even after the above steps, you might encounter specific issues. Here's how to address them:
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
- Sub-heading: Running as Administrator
- Sometimes, Vanguard or the game might need elevated permissions.
- Right-click on your game shortcut (e.g., Valorant) on the desktop.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for "Run this program as an administrator."
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Repeat this for the Riot Client itself if you're launching from there.
- Sub-heading: Disabling Third-Party Antivirus/Firewall
- Aggressive antivirus software or third-party firewalls can sometimes interfere with Vanguard.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus software and firewall.
- Try launching the game. If it works, you'll need to add exceptions for Valorant and Vanguard in your security software.
- To add exceptions in Windows Defender Firewall:
- Search for "Windows Defender Firewall" in the Start menu.
- Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall."
- Click "Change settings."
- Click "Allow another app..." and browse to your game's executable (e.g.,
Valorant.exe). - Repeat for Vanguard's executable, typically found in
C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\vgc.exe. - Ensure both "Private" and "Public" networks are checked for these exceptions.
- Sub-heading: Restarting the VGC Service
- Vanguard relies on a service called "vgc." If it's not running correctly, you'll have issues.
- Press Windows Key + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Find the service named "vgc".
- Right-click on it and select Properties.
- Set the "Startup type" to Automatic.
- If the service is not running, click Start. If it's running, click Stop and then Start again.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Restart your computer.
- Sub-heading: System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Scans
- Corrupted system files can sometimes cause issues.
- Search for "CMD" in the Start menu, right-click "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. Let the scan complete. - After that, type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter. Let this scan complete as well. - Restart your computer after both scans are done.
- Sub-heading: Updating Drivers and Windows
- Ensure your graphics drivers, chipset drivers, and Windows 11 itself are fully up to date.
- Windows Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for and install all available updates.
- Graphics Drivers: Visit your graphics card manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific GPU. Perform a clean installation.
- Chipset Drivers: Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website or your PC manufacturer's website to download the latest chipset drivers.
Step 5: Last Resort – Clean Windows 11 Installation (Advanced)
If you've tried everything above and still face persistent issues, especially if you performed an unofficial upgrade to Windows 11 by bypassing TPM/Secure Boot checks, a clean installation of Windows 11 might be the ultimate solution. This ensures your system meets all baseline requirements.
- Sub-heading: Back Up Your Data!
- This step will erase everything on your primary drive. BACK UP ALL IMPORTANT FILES to an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding.
- Sub-heading: Create Windows 11 Installation Media
- Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
- Use it to create a bootable USB drive (at least 8GB).
- Sub-heading: Perform a Clean Install
- Boot your PC from the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a custom installation, formatting your primary drive.
- Ensure TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled in your BIOS/UEFI before starting the installation.
This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the process of updating Vanguard for Windows 11 and resolve most common issues. Remember to be patient and follow each step carefully!
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Vanguard and Windows 11:
- How to check if my PC supports TPM 2.0?
- Press Windows Key + R, type
tpm.msc, and check the "Specification Version" in the opened window.
- Press Windows Key + R, type
- How to enable Secure Boot on my Windows 11 PC?
- Restart your PC, enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Delete during boot), navigate to the "Boot Options" or "Security" section, and enable "Secure Boot."
- How to fix "This build of Vanguard requires TPM 2.0" error?
- Enable TPM 2.0 in your BIOS/UEFI settings as described in Step 3.
- How to fix "This build of Vanguard requires Secure Boot to be enabled" error?
- Enable Secure Boot in your BIOS/UEFI settings as described in Step 3. Ensure your BIOS Mode is UEFI.
- How to reinstall Riot Vanguard if it's causing problems?
- Uninstall Riot Vanguard and the associated Riot game from "Settings > Apps > Installed apps," then restart your PC and reinstall the game. Vanguard will be reinstalled automatically.
- How to run Valorant as an administrator?
- Right-click the Valorant shortcut, go to "Properties," click the "Compatibility" tab, and check "Run this program as an administrator."
- How to allow Vanguard through Windows Defender Firewall?
- Go to "Windows Defender Firewall" in Control Panel, click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall," and add exceptions for
Valorant.exeandvgc.exe(found inC:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard).
- Go to "Windows Defender Firewall" in Control Panel, click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall," and add exceptions for
- How to restart the vgc service for Vanguard?
- Press Windows Key + R, type
services.msc, find "vgc," right-click it, go to "Properties," set "Startup type" to Automatic, and then start/restart the service.
- Press Windows Key + R, type
- How to check if my BIOS Mode is UEFI?
- Search for "System Information" in the Start menu and look for "BIOS Mode." It should say "UEFI" for Windows 11 compatibility.
- How to update my graphics drivers for optimal Vanguard performance?
- Visit your graphics card manufacturer's official website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel), download the latest drivers for your specific model, and perform a clean installation.
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