Vanguard Issue Valorant Windows 11: Fix Anti-Cheat Problems

To fix Vanguard issues with Valorant on Windows 11, make sure Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled in your BIOS. Always boot in UEFI mode—not Legacy.

Keep Windows, Vanguard, and all drivers updated regularly. Whitelist Vanguard in your antivirus and firewall settings to prevent interference.

Always run Riot’s installers as administrator. Restart your PC after making any changes.

To stay in the game, set up every detail correctly from start to finish.

Common Causes of Vanguard Errors on Windows 11

Common Causes of Vanguard Errors on Windows 11 and How to Fix Them

Valorant’s Vanguard anti-cheat system is optimized for Windows 11, but Vanguard errors can still occur due to various system and software issues. The most frequent causes of Vanguard errors include missing or misconfigured system requirements such as Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. If Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 is disabled on your PC, you may encounter the VAN9003 error, preventing Valorant from launching. While most modern Windows 11 PCs support these features, older motherboards might lack compatibility, leading to more frequent Vanguard errors.

Checking system information in Windows using the “msinfo32” command is a quick way to verify if your BIOS mode is set to UEFI and if Secure Boot is enabled, both of which are required for Vanguard to operate properly.

Outdated or corrupted Vanguard drivers can cause VAN 1067 errors or even Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) related to the vgk.sys driver. Keeping your Windows 11 operating system and Vanguard updates current is essential to avoid compatibility issues.

Overclocking your CPU, using custom memory profiles like XMP or DOCP, and enabling legacy BIOS features such as Compatibility Support Module (CSM) can also interfere with Vanguard’s kernel-level processes, resulting in errors.

Background software conflicts are another common cause of Vanguard errors. Third-party antivirus programs, hardware monitoring utilities, and other software running in the background may block Vanguard’s initialization.

To minimize Vanguard errors on Windows 11, follow these best practices:

• Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in your BIOS settings
• Keep Windows 11, Valorant, and Vanguard updated to the latest versions
• Avoid overclocking and disable custom memory profiles if errors persist
• Disable legacy BIOS features like CSM for better compatibility
• Check for and temporarily disable conflicting third-party software

Configuring BIOS and UEFI Settings for Valorant

How to Configure BIOS and UEFI Settings for Valorant on Windows 11

To ensure smooth gameplay and meet Vanguard’s strict anti-cheat requirements, properly configuring your BIOS or UEFI settings is essential when installing Valorant on Windows 11.

Follow this step-by-step guide to optimize your system for Valorant and prevent common startup or security issues.

Step 1: Enter BIOS or UEFI Firmware Settings

Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing the designated key during boot—commonly Delete, F2, F10, or Esc.

If you’re unsure which key to press, access UEFI settings directly from Windows 11 by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.

Step 2: Switch Boot Mode to UEFI

Inside the BIOS or UEFI interface, locate the Boot tab or Boot Options menu. Change the Boot Mode from Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module (CSM) to UEFI mode.

Vanguard requires UEFI for enhanced security and compatibility.

Step 3: Enable Secure Boot

Secure Boot protects your system’s boot process from unauthorized software. Find the Secure Boot option under the Boot or Security tab and enable it.

This setting is crucial for Vanguard’s anti-cheat system to function correctly. Secure Boot ensures that only trusted applications can run on your PC, greatly reducing the risk of cheats or hacks interfering with Valorant.

Step 4: Activate TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)

Locate the TPM 2.0 setting, which may appear as Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology), AMD fTPM, or Security Device Support.

Enabling TPM 2.0 enhances hardware-level security and is mandatory for Valorant’s Vanguard.

Step 5: Save Changes and Reboot

After making the necessary adjustments, save your settings and restart your PC.

Repeat this process if you need to apply multiple changes.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If you can’t find UEFI, Secure Boot, or TPM 2.0 options, check your motherboard manual or manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
• Update your BIOS/UEFI firmware to the latest version to unlock new features and compatibility.
• Verify hardware compatibility with Windows 11 and Valorant requirements before proceeding.

By correctly configuring your BIOS and UEFI settings, you ensure that Valorant’s Vanguard anti-cheat runs smoothly, providing a secure and fair gaming experience on Windows 11.

For more detailed guides and troubleshooting, visit official Valorant support pages or your motherboard manufacturer’s website.

Managing Vanguard Service and Windows Permissions

How to Manage Vanguard Service and Windows Permissions for Optimal Valorant Performance

After setting up your BIOS and UEFI configurations for Valorant, it’s crucial to properly manage Vanguard’s service and Windows permissions to ensure smooth and stable gameplay.

Riot Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat software that must continuously run in the background to protect Valorant from cheating. Avoid stopping or disabling the Vanguard service, as doing so will prevent Valorant from launching successfully.

If you experience crashes or issues with Valorant, restart the Vanguard service using the Windows Services panel with administrative rights. It’s important not to force quit Vanguard via Task Manager, since this can cause errors or even trigger ban mechanisms.

Vanguard needs full administrative permissions to load its kernel drivers properly. Ensure that Windows User Account Control (UAC) is enabled so Vanguard can request the required privileges during startup.

Don’t block, disable, or tamper with Vanguard’s drivers in Device Manager, as this will lead to launch failures or error messages.

Additionally, configure Windows Defender and any third-party firewalls to whitelist Vanguard’s executables. This prevents interruptions in network communication and system monitoring, allowing Vanguard to function effectively.

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date with the latest security patches and updates also helps maintain compatibility and enhances Vanguard’s performance.

Resolving Antivirus and Software Conflicts

How to Fix Valorant Launch Failures: Resolve Antivirus and Software Conflicts

If you’re experiencing Valorant launch failures or anti-cheat errors, antivirus programs and other third-party software may be interfering with Riot Vanguard. Popular antivirus tools like Avast, Norton, and McAfee often block Vanguard components, causing issues when starting Valorant.

To fix this, first try temporarily disabling your antivirus before launching the game. For a permanent solution, add the Riot Games and Valorant installation folders to your antivirus exclusion list. Additionally, make sure to allow Vanguard and Valorant executables through Windows Firewall for both public and private network profiles. Temporarily turning off the firewall can also help you identify if it’s causing conflicts.

Besides antivirus software, other programs such as system optimizers, debuggers, screen recorders, or virtualization tools can conflict with Vanguard. Close or disable unnecessary background applications before playing Valorant to improve stability.

Also, verify that Windows 11 security features like Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled to ensure compatibility. Adjust Windows Defender settings by adding Vanguard to the Controlled Folder Access or Defender exclusion list to prevent false positives.

Following these steps will minimize software interference and help you enjoy smooth, uninterrupted Valorant gameplay.

Reinstallation and System Update Steps for Stable Gameplay

How to Reinstall Valorant and Update Windows 11 for Smooth Gameplay and Vanguard Compatibility

Ensuring Valorant runs smoothly on Windows 11 requires more than just fixing software conflicts. For stable gameplay and full Vanguard anti-cheat compliance, follow these essential steps to reinstall Valorant and update your system.

Step 1: Uninstall Valorant and Vanguard Completely

Go to Windows Settings > Apps, then uninstall both Valorant and Riot Vanguard. Restart your PC to clear any remaining processes.

Step 2: Download and Reinstall Valorant

Visit the official Riot Games website to download the latest Valorant installer. Right-click the installer and select “Run as administrator” to ensure proper installation.

After installation, reboot your PC to initialize Vanguard’s kernel-level drivers.

Step 3: Update Windows 11 and Drivers for Maximum Compatibility

• Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 version is Build 19041 or later. Enable automatic updates to keep your system secure and compatible with Vanguard.
• Firmware and Drivers: Update your GPU drivers and motherboard UEFI/BIOS firmware to support Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot features.
• DirectX and Security Settings: Verify that DirectX 11 is installed and active. Also, enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in your BIOS/UEFI settings to meet Valorant’s security requirements.

By following these steps, you’ll reduce Vanguard anti-cheat errors and enjoy uninterrupted Valorant gameplay on Windows 11.

For more tips on optimizing Valorant performance, keep your system updated and drivers current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Running Valorant on a Virtual Machine Trigger Vanguard Errors?

Yes, running Valorant on a virtual machine will almost always trigger Vanguard errors. You’ll encounter access blocks or error codes, since Vanguard detects VMs as high risk. For stable gameplay, use a native Windows installation instead.

Does Dual-Booting Windows and Linux Affect Vanguard Compatibility?

Yes, dual-booting Windows and Linux can disrupt Vanguard compatibility if you disable Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 in BIOS. Always check these settings after OS changes to guarantee Vanguard works and avoid anti-cheat errors.

Will Using Hardware Overclocking Software Interfere With Vanguard?

Yes, using hardware overclocking software can interfere with Vanguard. You might encounter errors or restrictions, especially if Vanguard flags your BIOS or profiles as insecure. Disable overclocking and update BIOS to restore access and compatibility.

How Do I Contact Riot Support for Unresolved Vanguard Issues?

You should submit a detailed support ticket through the Valorant support website. Include your account details, system specs, error messages, and screenshots. Don’t forget to mention troubleshooting steps tried—this guarantees Riot can quickly analyze and resolve your issue.

Are There Privacy Concerns With Vanguard Running at System Startup?

Think of Vanguard as a watchtower always awake—when it runs at startup, you hand over deep system access. You should weigh this privacy risk, update your firmware, and monitor Riot’s transparency for ongoing protection.

Conclusion

So, you’ve scaled the mountain of Vanguard errors on Windows 11—only to find the summit is just your desktop, mocking you with another restart prompt. Ironically, the path to flawless Valorant gameplay is littered with BIOS tweaks, permission settings, and antivirus arm-wrestling. Stay vigilant: every update or new software could trigger another round. But now, you’re armed with the right fixes, ready to outsmart Vanguard’s quirks—and maybe even win your next match.