Valorant Error Code 19: How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
19
Brand
Valorant
Product Type
game
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Valorant Error Code 19 means that Vanguard, Riot Games' anti-cheat software, failed to initialize properly before the game launched. This typically happens after a Windows update, a system crash, or when Vanguard's kernel-level driver wasn't loaded at startup. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable with a few software-level steps — no hardware work required.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 19

  1. Restart Your PC Completely

    Make sure to save all open work before restarting. Do not use 'Shut Down' followed by a fast-boot power-on if Fast Startup is enabled — use Restart instead, as Fast Startup can skip full driver initialization.

  2. Disable Windows Fast Startup

  3. Check That Vanguard Is Set to Start Automatically

  4. Reinstall Vanguard Completely

    Do not manually delete Vanguard folders from System32 or other system directories unless instructed by official Riot support. Improper deletion of kernel driver files can cause system instability.

  5. Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS

    Be careful when changing BIOS settings. Only modify TPM and Secure Boot settings — do not change other settings unless you know what they do. Incorrect BIOS changes can prevent your PC from booting.

  6. Update Windows and Graphics Drivers

  7. Check for Conflicting Software

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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and still receive Error Code 19, contact Riot Games Support directly at support.riotgames.com. A Riot support agent can review your system logs and Vanguard diagnostics remotely. You may also need professional help if your PC's BIOS does not support TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot — in that case, a computer technician can advise whether a hardware upgrade is needed or if your motherboard firmware can be updated to add support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Valorant Error Code 19 mean?
Error Code 19 means Valorant's anti-cheat software, Vanguard, failed to initialize when the game launched. Vanguard loads as a kernel-level driver at Windows startup, and if that process is interrupted or blocked, the game cannot run and throws Error Code 19.
Will restarting my PC fix Valorant Error Code 19?
In many cases, yes. A full PC restart — not sleep or hibernate — allows Vanguard's kernel driver to load properly at boot. This is always the first step to try and resolves the error for the majority of players.
Why does Valorant Error 19 keep coming back after every restart?
If the error keeps returning, Windows Fast Startup may be preventing Vanguard from loading its driver fully. Disabling Fast Startup (via Power Options in Control Panel) and then setting the Vanguard 'vgc' service to Automatic startup in Windows Services usually resolves recurring instances of this error.
Does Valorant Error Code 19 mean I'm banned?
No. Error Code 19 is a technical initialization error and has nothing to do with a ban. If your account were banned by Vanguard, you would see a different error code with a specific ban message. Error 19 simply means the anti-cheat software did not start up correctly.
Can I play Valorant without Vanguard to avoid Error Code 19?
No. Vanguard is required to play Valorant and cannot be bypassed or disabled. It must be running for the game to launch. If Vanguard is uninstalled or fails to initialize, Valorant will not start. The only solution is to get Vanguard working correctly using the steps in this guide.

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