Riot Vanguard Error Code VAN 9002: How to Fix It

Medium 10-20 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
VAN 9002
Brand
Riot Vanguard
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
Riot Vanguard error code VAN 9002 appears when Secure Boot is disabled on your computer, preventing you from playing Valorant. This security feature must be enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings for Vanguard's anti-cheat system to function properly.
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How to Fix Error Code VAN 9002

  1. Check Current Secure Boot Status

  2. Restart and Enter BIOS/UEFI

    Write down your current BIOS settings before making changes in case you need to revert them.

  3. Navigate to Security Settings

  4. Enable Secure Boot

  5. Set Boot Mode to UEFI

    Changing boot mode may affect your ability to boot Windows if it was installed in Legacy mode. Ensure Windows was installed in UEFI mode before proceeding.

  6. Save and Exit BIOS

  7. Verify Secure Boot is Enabled

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When to Call a Professional

Contact a computer technician if you're uncomfortable accessing BIOS settings, if Windows fails to boot after enabling Secure Boot, or if your motherboard doesn't support UEFI Secure Boot (older systems from before 2012).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Secure Boot and why does Valorant need it?
Secure Boot is a UEFI security feature that prevents unauthorized software from loading during boot. Valorant's anti-cheat system Vanguard requires it to ensure no malicious software interferes with the game's integrity checks.
Will enabling Secure Boot affect other games or programs?
Most modern games and programs work fine with Secure Boot enabled. However, some older software or certain hardware drivers may have compatibility issues. You can always disable Secure Boot if needed, but you won't be able to play Valorant.
My BIOS doesn't have Secure Boot option, what do I do?
Older computers (pre-2012) may not support Secure Boot as they lack UEFI firmware. Check if a BIOS update is available for your motherboard. If not available, your hardware is incompatible with Valorant's security requirements.
Can I play other Riot games without Secure Boot enabled?
Currently, only Valorant requires Secure Boot to be enabled. Other Riot games like League of Legends can be played without this security feature, though this may change in the future.
Windows won't boot after enabling Secure Boot, what happened?
This usually means Windows was installed in Legacy/MBR mode rather than UEFI/GPT mode. You'll need to either reinstall Windows in UEFI mode or convert your installation to UEFI using tools like MBR2GPT. Consider seeking professional help for this process.

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