Encountering errors in Valorant can be super frustrating, especially when they're related to Vanguard, Riot Games' anti-cheat system. But don't worry, guys! This guide is here to help you troubleshoot and fix those annoying Vanguard errors so you can get back to dominating in Valorant. We'll cover common issues and provide step-by-step solutions to get you back in the game ASAP.

Understanding Valorant Vanguard

Before diving into the fixes, let's understand what Valorant Vanguard actually is. Valorant Vanguard is Riot Games' custom anti-cheat system designed to ensure fair play in Valorant. It consists of a client component that runs while you're playing the game, as well as a kernel-mode driver that starts when your computer boots up. This driver allows Vanguard to detect and prevent cheating attempts more effectively.

Why a Kernel-Mode Driver?

The kernel-mode driver is crucial because it operates at a very low level of your operating system. This gives Vanguard a comprehensive view of system activities, making it harder for cheaters to bypass its protection. However, this also means that Vanguard requires a high level of access to your system, which can sometimes lead to conflicts and errors.

Common Issues with Vanguard

Some common issues players encounter with Vanguard include:

• Vanguard not initializing.
• Vanguard causing conflicts with other software.
• Vanguard blocking the game from launching.
• Error messages related to Vanguard's kernel driver.

Understanding these common issues is the first step toward resolving them. Now, let's get into the solutions.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

When dealing with Valorant Vanguard errors, it's always a good idea to start with basic troubleshooting steps. These simple fixes can often resolve common issues without requiring more advanced solutions. So, before you start tearing your hair out, try these:

1. Restart Your Computer

I know, I know – it sounds cliché, but restarting your computer is often the easiest and most effective solution. Restarting your computer can resolve temporary glitches and ensure that Vanguard starts correctly. The Vanguard kernel driver loads during startup, so a fresh boot can sometimes clear up any issues it might be encountering.

• How to Restart: Simply go to your Start menu, click the power icon, and select 'Restart.'
• Why it Works: Restarting clears the system's memory and ensures all processes start from a clean state.

2. Restart Riot Vanguard

If a simple restart of your computer doesn't do the trick, try restarting just the Riot Vanguard service. Here’s how you can do it:

• Locate the Riot Vanguard Icon: Look for the Riot Vanguard icon in your system tray (usually in the lower-right corner of your screen).
• Exit Vanguard: Right-click the icon and select 'Exit Vanguard.' Confirm if prompted.
• Restart Vanguard: Launch Valorant. Vanguard should automatically restart. If it doesn't, you may need to manually start the service (more on that later).

3. Run Valorant as Administrator

Running Valorant as an administrator can give the game the necessary permissions to interact with Vanguard properly. Here’s how to do it:

• Find the Valorant Shortcut: Locate the Valorant shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu.
• Run as Administrator: Right-click the shortcut and select 'Run as administrator.'
• Confirm: If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click 'Yes' to allow the program to make changes to your computer.

4. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for Valorant to communicate with Vanguard servers. Make sure your internet connection is working correctly.

• Check Your Connection: Open a web browser and try visiting a website. If the site loads slowly or not at all, you may have an internet issue.
• Restart Your Modem/Router: Unplug your modem and router, wait about 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. Wait for them to fully restart.
• Use a Wired Connection: If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection.

Advanced Solutions

If the basic troubleshooting steps didn't fix your Vanguard errors, don't lose hope! These more advanced solutions might just do the trick. Let's dive in!

1. Ensure Vanguard is Enabled

Vanguard needs to be enabled to function correctly. Sometimes, it might get disabled accidentally. Here’s how to check and enable it:

• Check System Tray: Look for the Vanguard icon in your system tray. If it's not there, Vanguard might not be running.
• Restart Vanguard Service:
  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type services.msc and press Enter.
  • Scroll down and find 'vgc' (Vanguard service).
  • Right-click 'vgc' and select 'Properties.'
  • In the 'General' tab, set the 'Startup type' to 'Automatic.'
  • Click 'Apply' and then 'OK.'
  • Right-click 'vgc' again and select 'Start.' If it’s already running, select 'Restart.'

2. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause conflicts with Vanguard. Make sure you have the latest drivers installed.

• NVIDIA:
  • Download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA website or use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app.
• AMD:
  • Download the latest drivers from the AMD website or use the AMD Radeon Software.
• Intel:
  • Download the latest drivers from the Intel website or use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

3. Disable Conflicting Software

Vanguard can sometimes conflict with other software, such as antivirus programs or other game-related applications. Try disabling these programs temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

• Close Unnecessary Programs: Close any programs you're not actively using.
• Disable Antivirus: Temporarily disable your antivirus software. Remember to re-enable it after testing.
• Disable Overlays: Disable any in-game overlays, such as Discord overlay or NVIDIA ShadowPlay.

4. Check for Windows Updates

Keeping your operating system up to date is crucial for system stability and compatibility. Make sure you have the latest Windows updates installed.

• Check for Updates:
  • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  • Go to 'Update & Security' > 'Windows Update.'
  • Click 'Check for updates' and install any available updates.

5. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

If all else fails, reinstalling Vanguard can often fix persistent issues. Here’s how to do it:

• Uninstall Vanguard:
  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
  • Find 'Riot Vanguard' in the list of installed programs.
  • Right-click 'Riot Vanguard' and select 'Uninstall.'
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer after uninstalling Vanguard.
• Reinstall Vanguard: Launch Valorant. Vanguard should automatically reinstall. If it doesn't, you may need to manually reinstall it.

6. Manually Reinstall Vanguard

Sometimes, the automatic reinstallation might not work. In that case, you'll need to manually reinstall Vanguard.

• Navigate to Valorant Install Directory: Usually, it's located at C:\Riot Games\Valorant\. Open the folder.
• Find Vanguard Uninstaller: Navigate to C:\Riot Games\Valorant\live\ShooterGame\Binaries\Win64 and run UninstallVanguard.exe
• Run Valorant: After uninstalling, run Valorant again, and it will prompt you to install Vanguard. Follow the prompts to reinstall.
• Restart: Restart your computer after reinstallation.

7. Secure Boot and TPM 2.0

Valorant sometimes requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled in your BIOS settings. Here’s how to check and enable them:

• Check TPM:
  • Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
  • If TPM is enabled, you'll see information about the TPM module.
• Check Secure Boot:
  • Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
  • Look for 'Secure Boot State' in the System Information window. If it's 'Enabled,' Secure Boot is active.
• Enable in BIOS: If either TPM or Secure Boot is disabled, you'll need to enable them in your computer's BIOS settings. The exact steps vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer, so consult your motherboard's manual for instructions.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still encountering Vanguard errors, it might be time to seek professional help. This could indicate a more serious issue with your system or a conflict that requires expert attention. Contacting Riot Games Support or a qualified technician can provide further assistance.

Conclusion

Fixing Valorant Vanguard errors can be a bit of a hassle, but with the right steps, you can get back to gaming in no time. Remember to start with the basic troubleshooting steps and work your way up to the more advanced solutions. Good luck, and have fun playing Valorant!