How to Upgrade Riot Vanguard for VALORANT: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey there, Valorant players! Are you getting hit with an error message saying "This build of Vanguard is out of compliance" or "Vanguard reboot required"? Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common issue that pops up when Riot Games pushes a new update to its anti-cheat system, Riot Vanguard. It's crucial to keep Vanguard up-to-date to ensure fair play and a secure gaming environment.
This guide will walk you through all the necessary steps to upgrade Riot Vanguard, from the simple and automatic fixes to the more advanced troubleshooting. Let's get you back in the game and on the path to Radiant!
Step 1: Engage with the Riot Client (The Easiest Way)
This is the most common and straightforward way to upgrade Vanguard, and it often happens without you even noticing.
Ready to get back in the game? Start by launching your VALORANT game client. When you open it, the Riot Client will automatically check for any available updates for both the game and Riot Vanguard.
Look for the prompt: If an update is available for Vanguard, you'll likely see a message pop up on your screen. This message might say something like "A new version of Riot Vanguard is required. Please restart your computer."
Click and wait: The client will usually handle the download and installation automatically. You just need to click on any prompts to begin the process.
Restart is key: Once the installation is complete, you'll be prompted to restart your computer. This is a crucial step! Vanguard is a kernel-mode driver, and it needs a full system reboot to properly integrate the new files. Don't skip it!
Pro Tip: If you see the Vanguard icon in your system tray (the little arrow in the bottom right corner of your taskbar), you can also right-click it and select "Exit Vanguard." Then, try launching the game again. This can sometimes trigger the update process.
Step 2: The Manual Method - Reinstalling Vanguard
Sometimes, the automatic update doesn't work perfectly and you might need to give Vanguard a fresh start. This is the next best step if you're stuck in a loop or receiving persistent error codes.
Sub-heading: Uninstalling the old Vanguard
First, we need to remove the current version of Vanguard from your system.
Open 'Add or remove programs': Press the Windows Key and type "Add or remove programs" into the search bar. Click on the result to open the Windows settings.
Find and uninstall: In the list of installed applications, find "Riot Vanguard". Click on it and select "Uninstall". A prompt will appear asking for confirmation. Click "Uninstall" again and then "Yes" to confirm the removal.
Restart your PC: This is absolutely vital after uninstalling Vanguard. It ensures that all the associated files and processes are properly shut down and removed from your system.
Sub-heading: Reinstalling Vanguard automatically
Now that the old version is gone, it's time to get the new one.
Launch VALORANT again: Open your Riot Client and launch VALORANT. Since Vanguard is no longer installed, the client will detect its absence.
Automatic download: The client will automatically start downloading the latest version of Riot Vanguard. You'll see a progress bar indicating the download status.
Final reboot: Once the download is complete, the client will prompt you to restart your computer one more time. Do it. This will finalize the installation and allow Vanguard to start running properly.
Step 3: Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues (TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot)
If you're getting error codes like VAN9001 or VAN9003, especially after a Windows update, it often means you need to enable security features in your computer's BIOS. This is a bit more technical, but don't panic! We'll walk you through it.
What are TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0: This is a hardware security feature that provides a secure environment for cryptographic keys and other sensitive data.
Secure Boot: This is a security standard that ensures your PC only boots using software that is trusted by the motherboard manufacturer.
Riot Vanguard now requires these features to be enabled for enhanced security.
Sub-heading: Checking your current status
Before you dive into your BIOS, let's check if these features are already enabled.
System Information: Press the Windows Key + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter.Look for the info: In the System Information window, look for the following entries:
BIOS Mode: It should say UEFI, not "Legacy" or "CSM."
Secure Boot State: It should say On or Enabled.
PCR7 Configuration: It should say Bound or Enabled.
If your BIOS Mode is "Legacy" or "CSM" and Secure Boot is "Off" or "Disabled," you'll need to enable them.
Sub-heading: Entering the BIOS/UEFI settings
Restart your PC: Restart your computer. As soon as it begins to boot up, you need to repeatedly press the key that enters your BIOS. This key is different for every motherboard manufacturer.
Common keys: Del, F2, F12, or Esc. Check your motherboard's manual or look it up online if you're unsure.
Sub-heading: Enabling Secure Boot and UEFI
Navigate the BIOS: Once in the BIOS, navigate to the "Boot," "Security," or "Advanced" tab. The exact location varies.
Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module): In the boot options, look for an option called "CSM" or "Legacy Boot." You must disable this feature. This is often the first step to being able to enable Secure Boot.
Enable Secure Boot: Find the "Secure Boot" option. It might be in a separate security menu. Change the setting from "Disabled" to "Enabled".
Change Secure Boot Mode: Some motherboards require you to set the mode from "Custom" to "Standard" or "Windows UEFI."
Enable TPM 2.0: Look for an option like "TPM," "PTT," or "fTPM" (AMD). This is often found under "Security" or "Advanced." Make sure it is enabled.
Save and Exit: Find the "Save & Exit" option, save your changes, and exit the BIOS. Your PC will restart.
Important Note: Your PC might need to reconfigure itself after you enable these features, and in some cases, you may need to reinstall Windows in UEFI mode if it was installed in Legacy mode.
Step 4: Final Checks and Other Solutions
Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows operating system is fully up to date. Outdated OS components can cause conflicts with Vanguard. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any available updates.
Repair Game Files: If all else fails, you can try repairing your VALORANT game files.
Open the Riot Client.
Click on your profile icon in the top right and go to Settings.
Select VALORANT and click the Repair button.
Contact Support: If you've tried everything and are still facing issues, it's time to reach out to Riot Games Player Support. They have dedicated teams that can help you with your specific error codes and system configurations.
FAQ - How to Upgrade Riot Vanguard
How to check if Riot Vanguard is running?
You can see the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray, next to the clock in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar. If you can see the small Riot shield icon, it is active.
How to uninstall Riot Vanguard?
Go to "Add or remove programs" in your Windows settings, find "Riot Vanguard" in the list, and click "Uninstall." Remember to restart your PC after uninstalling.
How to force a Vanguard update?
Simply launching the VALORANT client will automatically check for and prompt you to update Vanguard. If that doesn't work, uninstalling and reinstalling it is the most reliable way to force the update.
How to enable Secure Boot for Vanguard?
You must restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. From there, you'll need to disable CSM and enable Secure Boot. The exact steps vary by motherboard.
How to enable TPM 2.0 for Vanguard?
Similar to Secure Boot, you need to enter your BIOS/UEFI settings and enable the TPM/fTPM option, which is usually found under the "Security" or "Advanced" menu.
How to fix Vanguard errors like VAN9001?
VAN9001 and VAN9003 typically indicate that TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are not enabled. Follow the steps in this guide to enable them in your BIOS.
How to fix the "Vanguard reboot required" error?
Simply restart your computer. If the error persists, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, and you should try reinstalling Vanguard.
How to check if my Windows is in UEFI mode?
Open "System Information" by pressing Windows Key + R and typing msinfo32. Look for the "BIOS Mode" entry. It should say "UEFI."
How to repair Valorant game files?
Open the Riot Client, go to Settings, select VALORANT, and click on the "Repair" button.
How to contact Riot Games Support for Vanguard issues?
You can submit a support ticket through the official Riot Games Support website, providing details about your error code and the troubleshooting steps you've already taken.