Valorant Error Code 57: How to Fix It

Medium 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
57
Brand
Valorant
Product Type
game
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Valorant Error Code 57 means that Riot Vanguard, the game's anti-cheat software, failed to initialize correctly when launching Valorant. This typically happens because Vanguard's kernel-level driver did not load at Windows startup, or a recent system change (such as a Windows update, driver update, or BIOS setting change) is blocking it. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable through software-level steps without any hardware replacements.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 57

  1. Restart Your PC Completely

    Make sure to save all open work before restarting your PC.
  2. Ensure Vanguard Is Running as a Service

  3. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

    Only uninstall Vanguard, not Valorant. Uninstalling Valorant itself will require a full game re-download.
  4. Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS

    Be careful when changing BIOS settings. Only modify TPM and Secure Boot settings. Incorrect BIOS changes can cause system instability. If you are unsure, consult your motherboard or PC manufacturer's documentation.
  5. Check for Windows Updates

  6. Disable Conflicting Software

    Do not disable essential Windows security software like Windows Defender without re-enabling it afterward.
  7. Update Your Graphics and Chipset Drivers

  8. Run Riot Client as Administrator

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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and still see Error Code 57, contact Riot Games Support directly at support.riotgames.com. Provide them with your system specifications, Windows version, and a description of every fix you attempted. If enabling TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is not possible on your hardware (older PCs may not support these features), you may need a PC hardware upgrade to meet Vanguard's minimum system requirements — a PC technician or retailer can help assess whether your hardware is compatible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Valorant Error Code 57 mean?
Error Code 57 means that Riot Vanguard, Valorant's anti-cheat program, failed to initialize when the game launched. Vanguard runs as a kernel-level driver that must load at Windows startup, and this error usually means something prevented that from happening — such as a missing service, disabled TPM/Secure Boot, or a conflicting program.
Will reinstalling Valorant fix Error Code 57?
Reinstalling Valorant itself is rarely necessary for Error Code 57. The issue is with Vanguard, not the game files. Instead, try uninstalling only Riot Vanguard (keeping Valorant installed) and letting it reinstall automatically when you launch the game. This is faster and more effective than a full game reinstall.
Does Valorant Error Code 57 require TPM 2.0?
Yes. As of 2022, Riot Vanguard requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled on your PC. If either of these is disabled in your BIOS, you will likely encounter Error Code 57. You can check your TPM status by pressing Windows Key + R, typing 'tpm.msc', and pressing Enter.
Can VirtualBox or VMware cause Valorant Error Code 57?
Yes. Virtualization software like VMware Workstation or VirtualBox can conflict with Vanguard's kernel driver. If you have either installed, try disabling their associated startup services or uninstalling the software temporarily. Vanguard does not allow Valorant to run inside a virtual machine or when certain virtualization features are active.
Why does Valorant Error Code 57 appear after a Windows update?
Windows updates can sometimes reset or alter kernel-level driver permissions, BIOS-linked settings like Secure Boot, or hardware abstraction settings that Vanguard depends on. After a major Windows update, Vanguard may fail to load until you restart your PC, re-enable Secure Boot in the BIOS, or reinstall Vanguard to get the latest compatible version of its driver.