Last updated: October 16, 2026
Riot Vanguard is Riot Games' anti-cheat software, used by games including VALORANT and League of Legends on Windows. It includes a game-time client and a kernel-mode driver. Understanding when it runs, which security requirements apply, and what an error actually says makes troubleshooting more straightforward.
This guide separates VALORANT's published PC requirements from Vanguard's optional on-demand mode, which has its own eligibility requirements.
What Does Riot Vanguard Do?
Riot describes Vanguard as software designed to protect competitive integrity. Its official Vanguard overview explains the client, driver and system-tray status icon.
Kernel mode describes a component's operating-system privileges. It does not mean that all anti-cheat products have the same startup behavior. Our kernel-level anti-cheat guide explains that distinction.
Does Vanguard Always Start With Windows?
Riot describes Vanguard's usual behavior as starting at boot. However, eligible PCs can use optional Vanguard Pre-Check for on-demand operation. It is therefore inaccurate to say that every Vanguard installation must always run from Windows startup.
Riot's Pre-Check documentation says this mode starts Vanguard when a Riot game launches and stops it after gameplay ends. Use the Vanguard system-tray tool to check eligibility.
Vanguard Pre-Check Requirements
The current Pre-Check page lists:
- Windows 11 version 25H2 or newer
- Secure Boot
- TPM 2.0
- IOMMU
- Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)
- Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI)
These are requirements for the optional on-demand feature. Do not present this list as the baseline Windows requirement for every VALORANT player.
VALORANT Windows Requirements
Riot's published PC specification table lists 64-bit Windows 10 Build 19041 or later, or 64-bit Windows 11. On Windows 11, Riot additionally requires TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot. The page also states that cloud gaming and virtual machines are unsupported.
Operating-system support is only one part of compatibility. The same specification page covers processor, graphics, memory and DirectX requirements. A PC can meet the Windows version requirement and still need attention elsewhere.
For the security terminology, read our TPM 2.0 vs Secure Boot guide. For boot-mode checks, see UEFI vs Legacy BIOS.
What Does a Vanguard Restriction Mean?
Riot's security requirements page explains that the requested settings can depend on your system configuration. It links separate guidance for restriction messages and covers TPM, Secure Boot, Memory Integrity and IOMMU.
Use the exact restriction message and the information shown by Vanguard's tray tool. Do not assume that a friend's working configuration establishes the requirements for your own PC.
When a message requests a security setting, that is a specific diagnostic lead. It does not by itself establish that your account has been banned.
If the message specifically shows VAN 152, read our VALORANT VAN 152 hardware-ban guide for its meaning, duration guidance and official review route.
VAN 9005: Read the Current Instructions
Riot's VAN 9005 guide connects this error to the TPM, UEFI and virtualization-based security setup Vanguard expects. Its current resolution checks TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and Memory Integrity, followed by a restart. If the requirements appear correct and the error remains, Riot directs players to support with logs.
Older forum advice may describe a different version of that guidance. Match the current error page before making changes, and use your motherboard manufacturer's instructions for firmware settings.
A Useful Vanguard Troubleshooting Checklist
- Record the complete VAN code or restriction text.
- Note your Windows version and whether you are using regular startup behavior or Pre-Check.
- Check the Vanguard tray tool for the specific requirement it identifies.
- Open Riot's matching support article and follow its instructions in order.
- If the issue continues, send Riot the requested logs and describe the steps already tried.
Changing several unrelated settings at once makes it harder to identify the cause. A targeted support request is more useful than a list of random fixes that produced different errors.
Privacy and Installation Questions
Riot's Vanguard overview links its privacy notice and explains how to remove the software. Riot also states that Vanguard must be active for games that require it. Removing the component does not remove a protected game's requirement to use it.
Review the official policy and installation information before deciding whether to play. This guide explains the published requirements; it does not claim an independent security audit of Vanguard.
Riot Vanguard FAQ
Is Windows 11 mandatory for every VALORANT player?
The current PC specification table also lists supported Windows 10 builds. Windows 11 25H2 or newer is listed separately for optional Vanguard Pre-Check.
Does enabling TPM also enable Secure Boot?
No. They are separate security features. Check the status of each requirement named by Riot.
Can I use on-demand mode on any PC?
No. Pre-Check is optional and requires an eligible security configuration. Use Riot's tool to assess your system.
Where can I compare other anti-cheat systems?
See our PC anti-cheat compatibility database and Easy Anti-Cheat overview. Always use each game's official support instructions for troubleshooting.