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Riot Vanguard is not installed from a separate public Vanguard download. On Windows 11, it is installed through the official VALORANT installer and Riot Client. Before starting, confirm that your PC uses 64-bit Windows 11 and that TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, DirectX 11, and a processor supporting SSE 4.2 or AVX are available.
Check Windows 11 compatibility first
Riot lists Windows 11 64-bit as supported. VALORANT also requires TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot on Windows 11. Riot does not support VALORANT through cloud-gaming services or virtual machines.
| Requirement | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11, 64-bit |
| TPM | TPM 2.0 enabled and ready for use |
| Boot mode | UEFI |
| Secure Boot | Secure Boot State: On |
| Graphics API | DirectX 11 |
| Processor | SSE 4.2 or AVX support |
Verify TPM 2.0
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type
tpm.mscand press Enter. - In TPM Management, check that the status says “The TPM is ready for use.”
- Check the specification version and confirm it is 2.0.
You can also open Windows Security → Device security → Security processor details. If the TPM console does not open or Windows shows no security-processor information, TPM may be disabled in UEFI firmware or the motherboard may have a firmware problem.
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To identify your motherboard and processor before changing firmware settings, press Windows key + R, enter msinfo32, and press Enter.
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Verify UEFI and Secure Boot
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
msinfo32and press Enter. - In System Information, find BIOS Mode.
- Confirm it says UEFI.
- Find Secure Boot State and confirm it says On.
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| UEFI / On | The required boot configuration is active. |
| UEFI / Off | The PC supports Secure Boot, but it is disabled in firmware. |
| Legacy | Windows is not booting through UEFI. Secure Boot may require changing the boot mode and converting the system disk from MBR to GPT. |
| Unsupported | The PC or motherboard may not support Secure Boot. |
Install Riot Vanguard through VALORANT
Use Riot’s official VALORANT download page: playvalorant.com/en-us/download. The page currently provides a DOWNLOAD THE GAME section and a Download button. That button downloads the VALORANT installer; Vanguard is added during the Riot Client and VALORANT installation process.
- Open the official VALORANT download page in your browser.
- Select Download.
- Save and run the downloaded VALORANT installer.
- Sign in with your Riot account when prompted, or create one if necessary.
- Follow the installer’s instructions and allow it to install the Riot Client, VALORANT, and Riot Vanguard.
- When installation finishes, restart Windows if the installer requests it. Vanguard uses a system service and may not become active until after a restart.
- Open Riot Client and launch VALORANT.
There is no separate public Vanguard game installer in Riot’s current download flow. Avoid third-party “Vanguard installers” or unofficial copies of Vanguard files.
Confirm that Vanguard is running
After restarting, check the notification area on the right side of the Windows taskbar. Vanguard normally places its icon in the system tray. Select the hidden-icons arrow if it is not immediately visible.
You can also check the installed program location in File Explorer. The standard Vanguard folder is:
C:Program FilesRiot VanguardThe folder commonly contains Vanguard components such as vgc.exe and vgm.exe. Do not delete or replace these files manually. If VALORANT reports that Vanguard is missing or inactive, use the troubleshooting steps below rather than downloading replacement files from another website.
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Fix common Vanguard installation and launch problems
Windows asks for a restart repeatedly
Restart Windows from Start → Power → Restart, not merely by closing Riot Client. After signing back in, wait briefly for Riot Client to load and try VALORANT again. Pending Windows updates, security software, or a blocked Vanguard service can also prevent the restart from completing the installation.
TPM or Secure Boot is missing
Do not change random firmware settings based on a generic BIOS guide. TPM and Secure Boot labels differ between ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Gigabyte, and other manufacturers.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use msinfo32 to record the motherboard or system manufacturer, then follow that manufacturer’s UEFI instructions. TPM may appear under names such as TPM Device, Intel PTT, or AMD fTPM.
Take special care if BIOS Mode shows Legacy. Enabling UEFI or Secure Boot on an installation that uses an MBR disk can cause Windows to stop booting unless the disk and boot configuration are converted correctly to GPT/UEFI. Back up important files and confirm the conversion procedure before changing the setting. Incorrect firmware changes can cause system problems.
Vanguard requests a motherboard update
This message does not necessarily mean Vanguard failed to install. Riot can restrict a PC when it detects outdated motherboard firmware or a configuration it considers a security risk. Update the motherboard BIOS or system firmware using the computer manufacturer’s official instructions. Use the exact model and revision; installing the wrong firmware can make the computer unusable.
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VAN 9002 appears
VAN 9002 refers to disabled Windows Exploit protection. It is not the code for missing TPM.
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
exploit protection. - Open the Windows Exploit protection settings.
- Review the system settings and enable Exploit protection where it is disabled.
- Restart Windows and try VALORANT again.
Error code 29 or a blocked launch
Riot identifies firewall interference as a cause of error code 29. In Windows Security, go to Firewall & network protection → Allow an app through firewall, or review the controls in your third-party security suite. Add the actual installed executables rather than creating a broad rule that disables the firewall.
For a default installation, Riot lists these paths:
C:Riot GamesVALORANTliveVALORANT.exe
C:Riot GamesVALORANTliveShooterGameBinariesWin64VALORANT-Win64-Shipping
C:Riot GamesVALORANTliveEngineBinariesWin64UnrealCEFSubProcess.exe
C:Riot GamesRiot ClientRiot Client Services.exe
C:Program FilesRiot Vanguardvgc.exe
C:Program FilesRiot Vanguardvgm.exeIf you chose a custom installation folder, replace the default paths with the locations on your PC. Your antivirus may use a different interface for application exclusions, so consult its documentation rather than turning protection off permanently.
Riot Client still says Vanguard is not installed
First, close VALORANT and Riot Client, restart Windows, and try again. Then check that Windows is fully updated and that your TPM and Secure Boot values still show the required states. If the problem continues, use the current Riot support site at support.riotgames.com/valorant. Older bookmarked VALORANT support URLs may redirect to a general support page because Riot has migrated its support site.
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Before changing BIOS or UEFI settings
- Back up important documents.
- Record your current firmware settings, especially boot mode and storage configuration.
- Identify the exact PC, motherboard model, and firmware version with
msinfo32. - Use only the manufacturer’s firmware instructions.
- Do not switch Legacy to UEFI casually if the Windows disk is MBR.
- Do not install a BIOS file intended for another model.
FAQ
Can I download Riot Vanguard by itself?
Not through Riot’s current official download flow. Download VALORANT from Riot’s website and Vanguard is installed as part of the Riot Client and VALORANT installation.
Does every Windows 11 PC need TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for VALORANT?
Riot’s current Windows 11 requirements specify both TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot, along with 64-bit Windows 11. Checking only Secure Boot is incomplete.
Do I need to buy a separate TPM module?
Usually not. Many modern computers already include TPM 2.0, but it may be disabled in UEFI firmware. Check tpm.msc before buying hardware.
What does VAN 9002 mean?
VAN 9002 means Windows Exploit protection is disabled. Open it by pressing Windows key + R, entering exploit protection, and reviewing the Windows security settings.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Can I run VALORANT in a virtual machine?
No. Riot does not support VALORANT on virtual machines or cloud-gaming services.
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Why does Vanguard ask me to update my motherboard?
Riot may restrict access when motherboard firmware is outdated or the system configuration presents a security concern. Update the BIOS or firmware from the PC or motherboard manufacturer, using the exact model-specific procedure.
FAQ
Is Riot Vanguard a separate download?
No. The official VALORANT installer installs Vanguard as part of the Riot Client and VALORANT setup.
How do I check whether TPM 2.0 is enabled?
Press Windows key + R, run tpm.msc, and confirm that TPM is ready for use and reports specification version 2.0.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How do I check Secure Boot on Windows 11?
Run msinfo32 and verify BIOS Mode is UEFI and Secure Boot State is On.
What should I do if Windows is set to Legacy mode?
Do not enable UEFI or Secure Boot blindly. The Windows disk may need an MBR-to-GPT conversion first, and incorrect changes can prevent Windows from booting.
The Bottom Line
Install Vanguard by downloading VALORANT from Riot’s official website, completing the Riot Client installation, and restarting Windows when prompted. If VALORANT will not launch, check tpm.msc for TPM 2.0, msinfo32 for UEFI and Secure Boot, and Windows Exploit protection for VAN 9002. Treat BIOS changes and motherboard-firmware updates as model-specific operations, not generic installation steps.
Quick Recap
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