If you’re a dedicated gamer, particularly one involved in the popular multiplayer game Valorant, encountering a Vanguard Anti-Cheat error can be both frustrating and disruptive. Vanguard is the proprietary anti-cheat system developed by Riot Games, designed to provide a fair and competitive environment. However, its deep-level system control can sometimes lead to unexpected errors that prevent players from launching the game or even using other essential computer features. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of Vanguard Anti-Cheat errors and offer effective, trustworthy solutions on how to fix them.
What is Vanguard Anti-Cheat?
Vanguard is more than just a basic anti-cheat application. It consists of both a client component that runs during gameplay and a kernel-mode driver that launches when your system boots. This architecture gives Vanguard extensive capabilities to detect and prevent cheating software. However, because of its level of system access, issues can arise—especially if conflicts occur with other software or system updates.
Common Vanguard Anti-Cheat Errors
Before diving into how to fix the issues, it’s important to know which errors are most commonly reported by users:
- “Vanguard Not Initialized” – This usually appears if the driver hasn’t started properly.
- “VAN 9001: Secure Boot Not Enabled” – Suggests Secure Boot is off in BIOS.
- “VAN 1067” – Persistent driver issues preventing launch.
- Vanguard blocking third-party software – Particularly firewalls, VPNs, or antivirus programs.
These errors can happen for various reasons, from outdated drivers to misconfigured BIOS settings. If you’re encountering one of these messages, here’s how you can troubleshoot and resolve them.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Vanguard Errors
1. Restart Your System
This might sound simple, but many Vanguard issues are solved by simply restarting your PC. Vanguard’s kernel-mode driver starts up with your system, and a fresh boot can often correct initialization problems.
2. Enable Secure Boot in BIOS
If you see a VAN 9001 error, then your system likely has Secure Boot disabled. To fix this:
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI mode (usually by pressing DEL, F2, or ESC during startup).
- Navigate to the Boot tab.
- Ensure Secure Boot is enabled.
- Save and exit, then allow Windows to boot up.
Once Secure Boot is enabled, launch Valorant again to see if the error has been resolved.
3. Reinstall Vanguard and Valorant
Corrupted files can lead to recurring errors. To perform a clean reinstall:
- Open Control Panel and uninstall both Vanguard and Valorant.
- Reboot your PC.
- Download the latest installation package from Riot Games’ official website.
- Install Valorant – Vanguard will be installed automatically.
Make sure to install using Administrator privileges for the best results.
4. Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated drivers or operating system components can cause incompatibility with Vanguard. Ensure that:
- Your Windows version is fully updated via Settings > Update & Security.
- Your motherboard and graphics card drivers are current. Visit manufacturer websites for latest downloads.
5. Check for Software Conflicts
Vanguard might conflict with certain third-party programs, especially:
- VPN applications
- Firewall/sandboxing tools
- Antivirus software
Temporarily disable or remove these programs one at a time to see if the issue persists.
6. Verify Vanguard Services Are Running
Open the Services app by typing services.msc into the Run dialog (Windows + R). Look for the service called:
- vgc – Make sure its status is set to Running. If not, start it manually.
Preventing Future Issues
Once you’ve resolved the issue, keep a few best practices in mind to prevent recurrence:
- Keep your system updated regularly.
- Make sure Secure Boot stays enabled.
- Avoid using unauthorized third-party cheat software or system utilities that may interfere with kernel-level processes.
Always download Valorant and Vanguard updates from official sources and be wary of unofficial mods or overlays.
Conclusion
Vanguard Anti-Cheat is a robust and necessary tool to maintain game integrity, but like any deeply integrated software, it comes with its quirks. By following the detailed steps above, you can diagnose and correct most common Vanguard errors without needing advanced technical expertise.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Riot Games support for more in-depth assistance. Transparency, care with system settings, and proper maintenance are key to keeping Vanguard running smoothly and your game experience uninterrupted.