Riot Vanguard errors
What this error means
You can check the state without entering BIOS: Win+R → msinfo32 → “Secure Boot State”, and Win+R → tpm.msc → TPM specification version. Enabling Secure Boot may require UEFI boot mode and a GPT disk; most modern PCs already use them. If unsure, follow your motherboard maker’s instructions.
Where exactly the chain breaks
Causes — most common first
Step-by-step fix: from simple to advanced
Test the game after each step — only move on if the error is still there.
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Fully restart your PC easy ≈3 min
Use “Restart”, not “Shut down”: Windows 10/11 Fast Startup restores part of the system from hibernation after shutdown — including a broken driver state. Close unneeded apps before testing.
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Check the vgc service easy ≈3 min
Win+R →
services.msc→ find “vgc”: startup type “Manual” or “Automatic”, not disabled. Do not end Vanguard processes in Task Manager. -
Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot (Windows 11) advanced ≈15 min
In BIOS/UEFI: TPM is called PTT on Intel and fTPM on AMD; Secure Boot is under Boot/Security. Before changing anything, confirm in msinfo32 that “BIOS Mode” is UEFI. Save and boot.
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Reinstall Vanguard medium ≈15 min
Settings → Apps → uninstall Riot Vanguard, restart, launch the game via Riot Client — it reinstalls Vanguard — and restart again.
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Install Windows updates easy ≈20 min
Settings → Windows Update → “Check for updates”, then restart. Some components (Universal C Runtime, DirectX 12 updates, scheduler fixes) arrive only this way. Games with modern anti-cheats require a supported Windows 10/11 version.
Diagnostics for your PC
Enter your GPU, RAM and game — we will compare them with the requirements and point out what matters for your PC. If you are signed in and saved a PC, it is filled in automatically.
This is a hint based on specs, not a measurement. Browsers cannot see your driver version or power supply model: the FPSHQ app for Windows shows your driver version and real FPS.
Key figures
Unique FPSHQ metrics from this page's data
How long each step takes
Time estimate from the guide: 5 steps, about 56 minutes. Steps go from simple to complex — the error usually disappears on the first ones.
Riot Vanguard errors
Vanguard is Riot Games’ anti-cheat with a kernel driver that starts with Windows, so a restart after installation is mandatory. On Windows 11, VAN 9001 and VAN 9003 mean TPM 2.0 and/or Secure Boot are not enabled — they are turned on in BIOS/UEFI. Service errors (VAN -81, VAN 84) are usually fixed by restarting, making sure the vgc service is running and reinstalling Vanguard.
- steps in the guide
- 5
- minutes for all steps
- 56 min
- guide verified
- Oct 2, 2026
FAQ
Is enabling Secure Boot safe?
Yes, it is a standard boot protection feature Microsoft requires for Windows 11. Problems arise only on systems in old Legacy/CSM mode or with non-standard boot loaders.
Why does Vanguard require a restart?
The Vanguard driver (vgk) loads together with Windows, before other software — so a restart is needed after installing or updating it. Without it VALORANT and League of Legends will not start.
What do VAN 9001 and VAN 9003 mean?
Riot requires TPM 2.0 (VAN 9001) and Secure Boot (VAN 9003) to be enabled on Windows 11. Turn them on in BIOS/UEFI: TPM is usually called Intel PTT or AMD fTPM, and Secure Boot needs UEFI mode without CSM.
Vanguard conflicts with other programs
Vanguard blocks vulnerable drivers used by some monitoring, overclocking and RGB utilities. Click the Vanguard tray icon — it lists blocked programs; update or remove them.
🧭 Nothing helped?
Write down the exact error text and the faulting module from Event Viewer (Windows Logs → Application) and contact the game developer’s support — attach the crash report if the game created one. Also check our related errors.
Related errors
Games where this error occurs
Official sources
Facts and links checked: 2026-10-02