The most frustrating part of a Valorant Vanguard error isn’t the message itself—it’s how vague it is. Secure Boot, TPM, VAN codes, restrictions… none of it tells you what actually broke or how to fix it safely.

In 2026, these errors are more common—not because Vanguard is “buggy,” but because modern PC security expectations are stricter than most systems are configured for. Many PCs technically support Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and kernel protections, yet still fail Vanguard’s checks due to legacy firmware settings, outdated BIOS versions, or disabled isolation features.

This guide explains why Vanguard blocks your system, how Riot’s 2026 security model actually works, and how to fix every major Vanguard error—including the new VAN:Restriction system—without reinstalling Windows or damaging your setup.

Before You Start (Important Safety Note)

Before changing BIOS or security settings:

• Know how to revert BIOS changes

• Do not disable security features permanently

• Back up important data if your system is unstable

• Follow the motherboard vendor’s instructions exactly when updating the BIOS

These steps are safe when done correctly—but careless changes can cause boot issues.

What the Valorant Vanguard Error Really Means

Riot Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat that loads before VALORANT and before most Windows drivers. Its job is to ensure your system cannot be modified at boot time or accessed by low-level exploits.

A Valorant Vanguard error appears when Vanguard detects:

• Unsupported or partial UEFI/Secure Boot configuration

• TPM 2.0 is disabled or inaccessible

• Legacy boot components (CSM) are still active

• Blocked or corrupted Vanguard services

• Vulnerable motherboard firmware (new in 2026)

• Disabled Windows kernel protections (HVCI / Memory Integrity)

Causes and behaviors described here reflect known Riot Vanguard behavior as of 2026. Riot may add or modify error codes in future updates.

Common Valorant Vanguard Error Codes (2026)

Why Vanguard Errors Are More Common in 2026 (Clarified)

Rather than “Windows tightening security,” the reality is this:

1. Windows 11 Sets the Baseline

Windows 11 expects Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and kernel isolation to be available. Systems still using legacy-compatible settings often pass Windows installation—but fail Vanguard.

2. OEM Firmware Is Often Misconfigured

Many new laptops and desktops still ship with:

• Secure Boot disabled

• CSM partially enabled

• TPM is present but inactive

Vanguard does not tolerate partial compliance.

3. Riot Added Firmware-Level Enforcement (2026)

Riot now blocks known vulnerable motherboard firmware versions using the VAN: Restriction system—even if Secure Boot is technically enabled.

Step-by-Step System to Fix Valorant Vanguard Errors

Step 1: Confirm UEFI + Secure Boot (VAN 9003)

1. Press Win + R → type msinfo32

2. Verify:

   • BIOS Mode: UEFI

   • Secure Boot State: On

If Secure Boot is “On” but BIOS Mode is not UEFI, Vanguard will still fail.

Fix

• Enter BIOS

• Disable CSM / Legacy Boot

• Enable Secure Boot

• Set OS type to Windows UEFI

Step 2: Enable TPM 2.0 (VAN 9001)

1. Press Win + R → tpm.msc

2. Status must show TPM is ready for use

BIOS settings:

• Intel: Enable PTT

• AMD: Enable fTPM

TPM 2.0 is mandatory on Windows 11.

Step 3: Repair Vanguard Services (VAN 57 / VAN 79)

1. Press Win + R → services.msc

2. Locate vgc

3. Set:

   • Startup type: Automatic

   • Status: Running

If it fails:

• Uninstall Riot Vanguard

• Restart

• Launch VALORANT to reinstall Vanguard cleanly

NEW FOR 2026: VAN: Restriction (Critical Section)

What Is VAN: Restriction?

VAN: Restriction is not a normal error code. It’s a firmware-level block that prevents VALORANT from launching even when Secure Boot and TPM appear correct.

Why It Happens

• Your motherboard BIOS is outdated or vulnerable

• Vanguard detects possible pre-boot DMA attack vectors

• Required kernel protections are disabled

How to Fix VAN: Restriction

1. Update Your BIOS (Mandatory)

• Visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s site

• Install the latest stable BIOS

• Do not skip versions unless the vendor instructs otherwise

2. Enable IOMMU / VT-d

In BIOS:

• Intel: Enable VT-d

• AMD: Enable IOMMU

This protects against DMA-based kernel exploits.

3. Enable Memory Integrity (HVCI)

1. Windows Security → Device Security

2. Core Isolation → Memory Integrity: ON

3. Restart

If drivers block this, update or remove them—Vanguard now enforces this for restricted systems.

Also Read: Unbanned G+: What It Means and How to Fix It Fast

Common Error Patterns by Device Type

Gaming Laptops (ROG, Legion, MSI)

• Secure Boot enabled, but CSMis  still active

• BIOS is outdated from the factory

Custom Desktops

• RGB controller kernel drivers

• VT-d / IOMMU disabled

• Memory Integrity turned off for performance

Workstations

• Virtualization (VMware, WSL2) enabled

• Kernel DMA protections disabled

Conflicting Software to Check

• VMware / VirtualBox

• WSL2 (may require disabling temporarily)

• Old RGB utilities

• Macro or automation tools

• Unsigned drivers

Disable temporarily to confirm.

2026 Vanguard Compatibility Checklist

✅ UEFI Mode
✅ Secure Boot (Standard mode, keys installed)
✅ TPM 2.0 enabled
✅ BIOS fully updated
✅ IOMMU / VT-d enabled
✅ Memory Integrity (HVCI) ON
✅ vgc service running

FAQs

Q. What happens if I disable Secure Boot in VALORANT?

If you disable Secure Boot, VALORANT will not launch. Riot Vanguard blocks the system because Secure Boot is required to prevent pre-boot tampering and kernel-level exploits.

Q. Can WSL2 or virtualization cause Valorant Vanguard errors?

Yes. WSL2 and virtualization software can trigger Vanguard errors if kernel protections like Memory Integrity (HVCI) or IOMMU/VT-d are not fully enabled.

Q. Do RAID or Intel RST setups cause Vanguard issues?

Sometimes. RAID or Intel RST configurations can cause Vanguard errors when storage drivers prevent Windows Memory Integrity from running correctly.

Q. Why do Vanguard errors appear after Windows updates?

Vanguard errors often appear after Windows updates because security policies are reset or outdated firmware becomes incompatible with Vanguard’s current enforcement rules.

Q. Is reinstalling Windows required to fix Vanguard errors?

No. Reinstalling Windows is almost never required. Most Valorant Vanguard errors are caused by BIOS, firmware, or security configuration issues—not corrupted Windows files.

Conclusion

In 2026, Vanguard errors are no longer just software issues—they’re system integrity checks. Secure Boot, TPM, firmware version, and kernel isolation all matter now.

If you encounter a Valorant Vanguard error, especially VAN: Restriction, don’t waste time reinstalling the game. Fix the root cause: firmware, boot mode, and security isolation.

Once those are correct, VALORANT launches reliably—and stays that way.

Related: Irobux.com Redeem Guide (2026): Is It Safe or Risky?