Of course! Let's get you ready for the next big patch in the League. Updating Vanguard League is a straightforward process, but sometimes things can go wrong. Don't worry, this detailed, step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Step 1: Get Ready! Engage with the Riot Client
Alright, summoner, before we dive into the technical details, let's start with the basics. Are you ready to dive back into the Rift and face your opponents with the latest balance changes and content? If you're a regular player, you've likely noticed that Riot Games uses a unified client for many of its titles, including League of Legends. This means that managing your game, including updates, is primarily done through this client.
So, the very first thing you need to do is launch your Riot Client. You'll find it on your desktop, or you can search for it in your Windows Start menu. If you're not logged in, now's the time. Once you're in, you'll see a list of your installed Riot games. Find "League of Legends" and get ready to proceed!
Step 2: The Automatic Update Process
This is the most common and easiest way to update Vanguard League. In most cases, the process is automatic and seamless.
2.1. The Client Does the Work
When you open the Riot Client, it automatically checks for new game updates and patches. You'll often see a progress bar or a notification that a new patch is available. The client will then begin downloading the update in the background.
Look for the "Update" or "Play" button. If an update is available, the "Play" button will often change to "Update." Clicking it will initiate the download.
Keep an eye on the progress bar. The client will show you the download and installation progress. This can take some time depending on your internet speed and the size of the patch.
Don't close the client! It's crucial to let the update process finish without interruption. Closing the client or shutting down your PC during an update can lead to corrupted files and force you to re-download the entire game.
2.2. The Riot Vanguard Connection
Now, here's a crucial part of the process that's specifically related to 'Vanguard League'. Riot Vanguard is Riot Games' anti-cheat software, and it's a mandatory component for playing League of Legends.
Vanguard updates automatically with the game client. You don't need to download or update Vanguard separately. When you update the League of Legends client, Vanguard is updated as well.
You may be prompted to restart your computer. For certain Vanguard updates, especially those involving the kernel-mode driver, you'll need to restart your PC after the update is finished. This is a vital step to ensure the anti-cheat software is properly loaded and functioning. You'll see a pop-up from the Riot Client telling you to do so. Follow this instruction to the letter!
Step 3: Troubleshooting Common Update Issues
Sometimes, the automatic update doesn't work as intended. Don't panic! Here are some common problems and how to solve them.
3.1. "Vanguard Not Running" or VAN Error Codes
This is one of the most frequent issues. If you see an error code like VAN 57, VAN 1, or VAN -104, it means Vanguard isn't running correctly.
Restart your PC. The simplest solution is often the best. Restarting your computer can resolve many temporary glitches and ensure Vanguard starts properly.
Check your system tray. Look for the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray (the small icons near your clock). If it's not there, it's not running.
Run Riot Vanguard manually. You can try to run the Vanguard client manually from its installation folder, which is typically
C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard. Look for thevgtray.exefile.Reinstall Riot Vanguard. This is a more drastic step but often fixes persistent issues.
Go to Control Panel -> Programs and Features (or Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features on Windows 10/11).
Find Riot Vanguard in the list of installed programs.
Click Uninstall and follow the prompts.
Restart your computer! This is very important.
Launch the Riot Client and then League of Legends. The client will automatically reinstall Vanguard for you.
3.2. Game Client Stuck on "Updating" or "0% Download"
If your client is stuck, here's what to do.
Restart the Riot Client. Close the client completely and relaunch it. This can sometimes reset the download.
Check your internet connection. Make sure you have a stable and active internet connection.
Run as administrator. Right-click the Riot Client shortcut and select "Run as administrator." This can help with permissions issues that might be preventing the update.
Disable your firewall/antivirus temporarily. Sometimes, security software can interfere with the update process. Temporarily disable it and try again. Remember to re-enable it after the update is complete.
3.3. Outdated Windows or Hardware Issues
Vanguard requires certain system requirements to function correctly.
Update your Windows. Riot Vanguard requires a modern version of Windows 10 or 11. Ensure your operating system is fully up-to-date by checking for updates in Windows Settings.
Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. For many users, this is a new requirement. If you receive a VAN error code related to TPM or UEFI, you may need to enable these features in your BIOS. This can be complex, so refer to your motherboard's manual or manufacturer's website for specific instructions.
Run the system file checker (SFC) scan. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator and run
sfc /scannow. This will check for and repair any corrupted Windows system files.
Step 4: The Clean Reinstallation (The Final Resort)
If all else fails, a clean reinstallation of the game is your best bet.
4.1. Uninstall Everything
Go to Control Panel -> Programs and Features (or Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features).
Uninstall League of Legends.
Uninstall Riot Vanguard.
Restart your PC.
4.2. Delete Residual Files
Navigate to your Riot Games installation folder (by default,
C:\Riot Games).Delete the entire
Riot Gamesfolder. This will ensure all old files are completely removed.Empty your Recycle Bin.
4.3. Re-download and Install
Go to the official League of Legends website and download the latest installer.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to perform a fresh installation.
The Riot Client will then download and install the game and Vanguard from scratch, ensuring you have the latest, uncorrupted version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to check if Riot Vanguard is running?
Look for the Riot Vanguard icon (a small red shield) in your Windows system tray, next to the clock. If you can see it, it is running.
How to manually update Riot Vanguard?
You don't need to. Riot Vanguard updates automatically with the League of Legends client. If you are having issues, you can try reinstalling it.
How to fix Vanguard error code VAN 57?
VAN 57 usually means Vanguard is not running. The quick answer is to restart your PC. If that doesn't work, a full reinstallation of Vanguard is often required.
How to enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?
You need to access your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings, which is typically done by pressing a key (like F2, F10, or DEL) during startup. The exact steps vary by motherboard manufacturer, so check your PC's manual.
How to find the latest patch notes?
The official League of Legends website has a dedicated "Patch Notes" section where you can find detailed information on every update, including changes to champions, items, and game systems.
How to reinstall Riot Vanguard without reinstalling League of Legends?
You can uninstall Riot Vanguard from your computer's "Add or remove programs" settings and then launch the Riot Client. The client will automatically detect that Vanguard is missing and prompt you to reinstall it.
How to fix a stuck update on the Riot Client?
Restart the Riot Client and your PC. If the issue persists, check your internet connection, run the client as an administrator, or temporarily disable your antivirus software.
How to get a clean install of League of Legends?
First, uninstall both the game and Riot Vanguard. Then, manually delete the residual files in the Riot Games installation folder before downloading and running a fresh installer from the official website.
How to know if my PC meets the requirements for Vanguard?
The official Riot Games support website has detailed articles on the minimum system requirements for League of Legends and Riot Vanguard. This includes information on supported Windows versions and hardware features like TPM and UEFI.
How to contact Riot Games Support for update issues?
If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still facing issues, you can submit a support ticket on the official Riot Games Support website. They have a dedicated team to help with technical problems.