Valorant Error Code Vanguard Not Initialized: How to Fix It

Easy 5-15 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
Vanguard Not Initialized
Brand
Valorant
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
5-15 minutes
The Valorant 'Vanguard Not Initialized' error (also known as VAN 0) occurs when the anti-cheat driver fails to load properly during startup. This prevents you from launching the game and requires a system restart to reload the Vanguard anti-cheat system.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code Vanguard Not Initialized

  1. Restart Your Computer

    Save any open work before restarting as all applications will close

  2. Run Valorant as Administrator

  3. Check Windows Update

  4. Disable Conflicting Software

    Only disable antivirus temporarily and re-enable it after testing

  5. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

  6. Check TPM and Secure Boot Settings

    Changing BIOS settings incorrectly can affect system stability - only modify if comfortable

  7. Verify System Requirements

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When to Call a Professional

Contact Riot Games support if the error persists after trying all steps, if you're uncomfortable changing BIOS settings, or if you suspect hardware compatibility issues with your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Vanguard not initialize on startup?
Vanguard may fail to initialize due to conflicting software, outdated Windows versions, disabled security features like TPM or Secure Boot, or corrupted driver files that need a system restart to reload.
Can I play Valorant without Vanguard running?
No, Valorant requires Vanguard anti-cheat to be running to play the game. The game will not launch if Vanguard is not properly initialized and active.
Does restarting always fix the Vanguard initialization error?
Restarting fixes the error in most cases as it reloads the Vanguard driver. However, persistent issues may require reinstalling Vanguard or checking for software conflicts.
What software conflicts with Valorant Vanguard?
Software that can conflict with Vanguard includes other anti-cheat systems, some antivirus programs, VPN clients, virtualization software, and debugging tools like Cheat Engine or process monitors.

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