Riot Vanguard is Valorant’s anti-cheat driver and service. Because it loads deep in Windows, a stopped service, corrupted install, Windows update, Secure Boot, TPM setting, or low-level software conflict can stop Valorant from launching.
These steps apply to Valorant on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Does this affect you?
Use this if Valorant says Vanguard is not running, Vanguard is not installed, or an anti-cheat error blocks the game from starting.
Restart the Vanguard service and your PC
Most Vanguard errors start with the vgc service failing to start.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Open the Services tab.
- Find vgc.
- If it is stopped, right-click and choose Start.
- If it is already running, right-click and choose Restart.
- Restart the PC fully.
- Launch Valorant from the Riot Client.
A full reboot matters because Vanguard’s driver loads early during startup.
Reinstall Vanguard
Use reinstalling when the service restart does not hold.
- Open Task Manager > Services.
- Right-click vgc and choose Stop if it is running.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Riot Vanguard and uninstall it.
- Restart the PC.
- Open Riot Client and launch Valorant.
- Approve any Windows driver prompt so Vanguard can reinstall.
Valorant will reinstall Vanguard automatically because the anti-cheat is required to play.
Check Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in your BIOS
On many systems, Vanguard requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.
- Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
- Check Secure Boot State.
- Open Windows Security > Device security and check TPM or security processor status.
- If Secure Boot is off or TPM is missing, restart into BIOS or UEFI.
- Enable Secure Boot under Boot or Security.
- Enable TPM, Intel PTT, or AMD fTPM under Security or Advanced.
- Save changes and boot Windows.
BIOS menus vary by motherboard. If you are unsure, check the PC or motherboard manual before changing unrelated firmware settings.
Other Vanguard conflicts
Finish any Windows Update that is waiting for restart. Vanguard can fail while Windows is half-updated.
Virtualization tools, older anti-cheat drivers, and overclocking utilities can conflict because they also work at a low system level. Temporarily uninstall recent additions if the timing matches.
If the error remains, contact Riot Support with the exact message, code, and whether it began after a Windows or Valorant update.
Sources
- Riot Games Support – Vanguard Troubleshooting Guide (2025)
- Riot Games Support – Valorant System Requirements and Secure Boot (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Turn On Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (2025)