No documented guidance says that replacing a CPU removes an anti-cheat hardware ban. For Riot’s HWID ban, the restriction is tied to a computer’s physical components, but Riot does not identify which hardware identifiers it uses or say whether replacing a CPU changes the device match. A CPU swap is therefore an unverified fix, not a reliable remedy.
What a hardware ban means
A hardware ban is different from a ban limited to one account: the game or anti-cheat provider restricts a device as well. Riot describes an HWID ban as applying to a computer’s physical components and says it is used for serious or repeated violations. Its HWID ban guidance says reinstalling the game or deleting the account responsible for the violation will not remove the restriction.
That description does not establish that Riot tracks the CPU specifically. Riot’s support pages do not list the identifiers used to recognize a device or explain what would happen after a CPU-only replacement. Claims that changing a particular part will clear the ban go beyond what Riot documents.
If you see Riot error VAN 152
Riot says VAN 152 means the device has been restricted because of an HWID ban. Its VAN 152 guidance states that reinstalling Vanguard or the game, changing the connection, and restarting the PC will not remove the restriction. Those steps address installation or connection problems, not the device ban.
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Avoid signing in with another account on the device
Riot warns that another account used on a computer with an active HWID ban may also be restricted from Riot products on that device and may receive a temporary ban for suspected circumvention. If you think the computer has an active HWID ban, Riot advises against trying to log in with any account on it.
Request a review through Riot Support
For an HWID ban related to suspected cheating or negative behavior, Riot says a player may submit a support request asking for re-evaluation. Riot reviews the case and may lift or extend the HWID ban; removal is not guaranteed. Accounts that were already banned remain banned until the HWID-ban period ends, even if the HWID ban itself is lifted.
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Policies differ between games and anti-cheat providers
Do not assume that every game uses the same ban scope or offers the same review process. Official policies illustrate the differences:
| Provider or policy | What the official guidance says | Review route |
|---|---|---|
| Riot Games | An HWID ban restricts use on the affected device; Riot does not document the specific hardware identifiers or say that a CPU replacement clears the restriction. | Re-evaluation may be requested in some cases; an outcome is not guaranteed. |
| Call of Duty / Activision | The security and enforcement policy says an active hardware ban prevents online gameplay on the device and may apply across Call of Duty titles. | Activision says hardware bans are not eligible for appeal. |
| Easy Anti-Cheat | The ban appeal page describes the appeal process; it does not establish that replacing a CPU removes a hardware ban. | An accepted appeal automatically reverts the ban. Players of other games are directed to that game’s support channel. |
| BattlEye | The support page provides instructions for players appealing a ban; it does not establish that replacing a CPU removes a hardware ban. | Include the global ban ID and game name. If the game does not show a global ban ID, provide the game account identifier. |
What to do instead of replacing the CPU
- Identify the game and provider. Read the affected game’s official enforcement policy; hardware-ban scope and review options vary.
- Follow the official support or appeal process, if available. Provide the information that provider requests and wait for its review.
- For suspected Riot HWID bans, do not test the restriction with another account. Riot warns that doing so on the affected device may lead to further restrictions.
Do not buy replacement hardware or use hardware-ID spoofers on the assumption that either will remove a ban. The official guidance cited here does not support those as remedies.
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