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Riot Vanguard is not downloaded through a separate public installer. On Windows 11, it is installed by the VALORANT installer and Riot Client. Before starting, confirm that Windows is 64-bit and that your PC can provide TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot—both are required for VALORANT on Windows 11.
Check Windows 11 before installing Vanguard
Checking these settings first avoids installing VALORANT only to receive a VAN error at launch.
1. Check TPM 2.0
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter
tpm.mscand press Enter. - In TPM Management, look for a message equivalent to The TPM is ready for use.
- Check that the TPM specification version is 2.0, if that field is displayed.
You can also check 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 your computer’s UEFI firmware. It may also indicate a motherboard firmware problem.
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- Press Windows + R.
- Type
msinfo32and press Enter. - In System Information, find these two entries:
| Entry | Required value |
|---|---|
| BIOS Mode | UEFI |
| Secure Boot State | On |
Secure Boot State: Off means the PC supports Secure Boot but it is disabled. Unsupported usually means the PC or motherboard does not support it. If BIOS Mode is Legacy, enabling Secure Boot may require changing the firmware to UEFI mode and converting the system disk from MBR to GPT.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with TPM-M R2.0
- Chipset: Infineon SLB9665
- PIN DEFINE:14Pin
- Interface:LPC
- Please check the Pinout of mainboard at the official website and make sure it compatible with the pinout of TPM module before purchasing, thank you.
Do not change firmware settings blindly. Switching a Legacy/MBR installation to UEFI without preparing the disk can leave Windows unable to boot. Use your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s instructions, and back up important files before changing BIOS/UEFI settings.
Install Riot Vanguard through VALORANT
- Open the official VALORANT download page.
- Select Download the Game or click the Download button.
- Run the downloaded VALORANT installer. Approve the Windows User Account Control prompt if it appears.
- Sign in with your Riot account, or create one when prompted.
- Choose the installation location and allow the Riot Client and VALORANT files to download.
- Let the installer install Riot Vanguard when it prompts you. Vanguard is included in the VALORANT installation process; there is no separate Vanguard game download you need to find.
- Restart Windows when requested. Vanguard uses a Windows service and normally needs a restart before VALORANT can launch correctly.
- After restarting, open the Riot Client and start VALORANT.
If the installation completed but Windows has not been restarted, VALORANT may refuse to start or report that Vanguard is not running. Restart the PC before trying more complicated fixes.
Confirm that Vanguard is installed
After installation and a restart, look for Riot Vanguard in Settings → Apps → Installed apps. The default installation folder is:
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C:Program FilesRiot VanguardRiot Vanguard also installs components that run as Windows services. Do not delete Vanguard files or services manually while troubleshooting unless Riot Support specifically instructs you to do so.
Rank #2
- Nuvoton NPCT650
- TCG PC Client Platform TPM Profile (PTP) Specification; Family 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module Library; Family 2.0)
- TCG PC Client Specific TPM Interface Specification (TIS), Version 1.3 (TPM Main Specification; Family 1.2 Revision 116)
- Low Standby Power Consumption
Fix common Windows 11 Vanguard problems
Vanguard says TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is required
Recheck the exact values in tpm.msc and msinfo32. On Windows 11, having Secure Boot enabled is not enough if TPM 2.0 is unavailable or disabled.
To identify the hardware before entering UEFI, press Windows + R, enter msinfo32, and note the system manufacturer, system model, baseboard manufacturer, and processor. Then use the manufacturer’s documentation to locate the TPM and Secure Boot settings. Depending on the hardware, TPM may use a different name, such as firmware TPM or a processor security option. Menu names vary between manufacturers.
Windows uses Legacy BIOS mode
Do not simply turn on Secure Boot in firmware. First determine whether the Windows disk uses MBR or GPT and follow a supported conversion procedure if necessary. Riot identifies an MBR-to-GPT conversion as a possible prerequisite for moving from Legacy boot mode to UEFI. If you are unsure, consult the PC or motherboard manufacturer rather than risking an unbootable installation.
VAN 9002 appears
VAN 9002 is not a TPM error. Riot associates it with disabled Windows Exploit protection.
Rank #3
- Compatible with：TPM2.0(MS-4462)
- Chipset: INFINEON 9670 TPM 2.0
- PIN DEFINE:12-1Pin
- Interface:SPI
- Supports：MSI Intel 400 Series and 500 Series Motherboards,MSI AMD B550 and A520 Series Motherboards,Windows 10 TPM 2.0
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter
exploit protection. - Open the Windows Exploit protection settings.
- Review the system settings and restore the required protections if they have been disabled.
- Restart Windows and try VALORANT again.
If a security tool or organization policy manages these settings, you may need its administrator to change them.
Vanguard requests a motherboard update
A message asking for a motherboard or BIOS update is a security restriction, not necessarily evidence that Vanguard failed to install. Check the motherboard or computer manufacturer’s support page for the correct firmware version and update procedure. Use the exact model and revision; installing firmware intended for another board can damage the system or make it fail to start.
VALORANT shows error code 29 or will not connect
Riot identifies firewall interference as a cause of error code 29. Add the Riot and VALORANT executables to the allowed list in Windows Security or your third-party firewall rather than disabling protection permanently.
For a default installation, the relevant paths include:
Rank #4
- TPM 2.0 module for Asus motherboard.
- TPM 2.0 module chip 2.0mm pitch, 2x7P, 14 pin security module
- LPC 14 Pin for AsusTPM chip is better compatible with DDR4 memory module of motherboard, built in support memory type higher than DDR3! Supported states may vary by motherboard specification.
- Note: Don't support laptops and motherboards prior to X99; Don't support DDR3 memory.
- Packing list:1x TPM 2.0 Module for ASUS
C:Riot GamesVALORANTliveVALORANT.exe
C:Riot GamesVALORANTliveShooterGameBinariesWin64VALORANT-Win64-Shipping.exe
C:Riot GamesVALORANTliveEngineBinariesWin64UnrealCEFSubProcess.exe
C:Riot GamesRiot ClientRiot Client Services.exe
C:Program FilesRiot Vanguardvgc.exe
C:Program FilesRiot Vanguardvgm.exeYour paths will differ if you selected a custom installation folder. In Windows Firewall, open Windows Security → Firewall & network protection → Allow an app through firewall, then add the required programs if they are not listed. Restart the Riot Client after making changes.
When installation is not possible
- TPM is missing or unavailable: check for a firmware update and the manufacturer’s TPM instructions. Most compatible computers already include TPM functionality, but it may be disabled.
- Secure Boot is unsupported: the hardware may not meet the Windows 11 VALORANT requirement.
- You are using a virtual machine or cloud gaming service: Riot does not support VALORANT in virtual machines or cloud gaming environments.
- The installer stops or loops: restart Windows, run the Riot installer again, and check that security software is not blocking the Riot Client or Vanguard. Avoid downloading unofficial Vanguard installers.
For current compatibility details and error-specific instructions, use the official Riot Games VALORANT support site. Riot’s support URLs have changed over time, so older bookmarked article links may redirect to a general support page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Can I download Riot Vanguard separately on Windows 11?
The official download flow provides the VALORANT installer, not a separate public Vanguard installer. Vanguard is installed as part of the VALORANT and Riot Client installation process.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDoes Windows 11 require both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for Vanguard?
For VALORANT on Windows 11, Riot lists both TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot as requirements. Secure Boot alone is not sufficient.
Best Value
- Product Color: Black
- Width: 0.6"
- Depth: 0.5"
- Additional Information: Interface: SPI Features: TPM IC: Nuvoton NPCT750 TPM Version: TPM 2.0 Pin Dimension: 14-1pin System Requirements: Windows® 10, UEFI OS
- Country of Origin: Vietnam
How do I check whether TPM 2.0 is enabled?
Press Windows + R, enter tpm.msc, and press Enter. The TPM console should report that the TPM is ready for use and should identify version 2.0 where available.
How do I check Secure Boot status?
Press Windows + R, enter msinfo32, and press Enter. System Information should show BIOS Mode: UEFI and Secure Boot State: On.
Why does Vanguard require a restart?
Vanguard installs Windows components that need to load during startup. A restart activates them; VALORANT may not launch until you restart after installation.
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VAN 9002 indicates that Windows Exploit protection is disabled. It does not specifically mean that TPM is missing. Open Windows Exploit protection settings by searching for exploit protection from the Run dialog or Start menu.
The Bottom Line
Install Vanguard by downloading VALORANT from Riot’s official site, allowing the Riot Client to install Vanguard, and restarting Windows. Before launching, verify tpm.msc reports a ready TPM 2.0 and msinfo32 reports UEFI with Secure Boot enabled. If either setting is unavailable, resolve the firmware configuration through your PC or motherboard manufacturer rather than using an unofficial Vanguard installer.
Quick Recap
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