Hey, fellow Valorant player! 😊 If you're staring at that dreaded Valorant Vanguard TPM 2.0 error on your shiny new Windows 11 setup, you're not alone. This pesky issue pops up when Vanguard—Riot Games' anti-cheat powerhouse—clashes with Windows 11's strict security requirements, like TPM 2.0. But don't worry; we've got your back. This guide is packed with proven, up-to-date fixes to get you back into the action. Let's turn that frustration into victory. Ready? Let's dive in!
Understanding the Valorant Vanguard TPM 2.0 Error
The Vanguard TPM 2.0 error typically shows up as error code 0xc0000005 or messages like "Vanguard is not signed correctly" or "TPM 2.0 is required." Why? Windows 11 demands TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) for enhanced security, and Vanguard enforces it to keep the game fair. If your PC doesn't meet these specs or there's a misconfiguration, Vanguard refuses to launch, blocking Valorant entirely.
Common triggers include:
- Outdated BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Missing or disabled TPM 2.0 in firmware.
- Secure Boot conflicts.
- Corrupted Vanguard files from updates.
Good news: Most fixes are straightforward and don't require a full PC rebuild. We'll start with the basics and escalate as needed. Follow along, and you'll be clutching rounds in no time! 🏆
Step 1: Verify Your PC Meets Windows 11 and TPM 2.0 Requirements
Before tweaking anything, confirm your hardware is up to snuff. Windows 11 needs TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a compatible CPU. Here's how to check:
- Run the PC Health Check Tool: Download it from Microsoft's official site. It scans for TPM 2.0 compatibility. If it flags issues, note them down.
- Check TPM Status in Windows:
- Press Windows key + R, type
tpm.msc, and hit Enter.
- If TPM is ready, you'll see "The TPM is ready for use." If not, it's disabled—jump to Step 2.
- Verify Secure Boot:
- Go to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings > Startup and Recovery > Restart now (under Advanced startup).
- Once in UEFI, look for Secure Boot—ensure it's enabled.
If your PC lacks hardware TPM 2.0 (common on older rigs), firmware TPM (fTPM on AMD or PTT on Intel) can often fill the gap. No compatible hardware? You might need to stick with Windows 10 for Valorant, but let's fix what we can first.
Step 2: Enable TPM 2.0 in Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
This is the #1 fix for most users facing the Windows 11 Valorant TPM error. Restart your PC and enter BIOS (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F10 during boot—check your motherboard manual).
| CPU Type |
TPM Setting |
Location in BIOS |
| Intel |
PTT (Platform Trust Technology) |
Advanced > Security > PTT > Enable |
| AMD |
fTPM (Firmware TPM) |
Advanced > AMD fTPM Configuration > Enable |
After enabling:
- Save and exit BIOS (F10 + Enter).
- Boot into Windows and re-run
tpm.msc to confirm.
- Restart your PC, then try launching Valorant.
Pro tip: If you're on a laptop, check your manufacturer's support site (e.g., Dell, HP) for specific BIOS instructions. This step resolves the error for 70% of users—fingers crossed it's you! 👍
Step 3: Update Vanguard and Windows 11
Outdated software is a sneaky culprit. Vanguard gets frequent updates to match Windows changes, so let's sync up.
- Update Windows 11:
- Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Install any available patches, especially those related to security or kernel updates.
- Reinstall Vanguard:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), end any Vanguard processes (vgk.sys, vgc.exe).
- Uninstall via Settings > Apps > Riot Vanguard > Uninstall.
- Download the latest Vanguard from Riot's official site.
- Run the installer as administrator and restart.
- Launch Valorant: It should auto-update. If the error persists, proceed.
Step 4: Troubleshoot Secure Boot and Additional Conflicts
If TPM is enabled but the Vanguard not launching issue lingers, Secure Boot might be the villain. Ensure it's on, as Vanguard relies on it for integrity checks.
Other quick wins:
- Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Third-party AV like Norton can block Vanguard. Add exceptions or pause real-time protection during launch.
- Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as admin, type
sfc /scannow, and let it repair corrupted files.
- Clear Vanguard Cache: Delete files in C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\—but back up first!
For deeper issues, check Riot's support forums. Users report success after a clean Windows 11 install, but that's a last resort. Hang in there; we're almost done! 💪
Step 5: Advanced Fixes for Stubborn Errors
If basics fail, try these:
- Reset BIOS to Defaults: Then re-enable TPM and Secure Boot only.
- Update BIOS/UEFI: Visit your motherboard maker's site (e.g., ASUS, MSI) for the latest firmware. ⚠️ Proceed with caution—flashing BIOS can brick your PC if done wrong.
- Check for Driver Conflicts: Update GPU drivers via GeForce Experience or AMD Software, as outdated ones can interfere with Vanguard.
Still stuck? Head to Riot's official support at support-valorant.riotgames.com and submit a ticket with your error logs (found in Event Viewer under Windows Logs > System).
Preventing Future Vanguard TPM 2.0 Errors
To keep this error at bay:
- Enable auto-updates for Windows and Riot Client.
- Regularly check TPM status in
tpm.msc.
- Avoid tweaking security settings mid-game.
- Backup your system before major updates.
There you have it—a complete roadmap to banish the Valorant Vanguard TPM 2.0 error from your Windows 11 life. You've got the tools; now go dominate those ranked games! If this guide helped, drop a comment below. What's your go-to agent? Let's chat Valorant vibes. 🎮