How To Install Riot Vanguard in 2026 | Quick Guide
Getting into VALORANT or League in 2026 often comes down to how to install Riot Vanguard, because Vanguard is the requirement that unlocks normal play once it’s running correctly.
If Vanguard was removed or the setup prompt never appears, Riot’s anti-cheat is the fastest route back—usually a clean restart loop plus one reinstall trigger from the Riot Client.
- 1. Quick Answer: Installing Riot Vanguard
- 2. What Is Riot Vanguard?
- 3. Riot Vanguard System Requirements
- 4. How To Install Riot Vanguard (Automatic Method)
- 5. How To Reinstall Riot Vanguard After Uninstall
- 6. Windows 11: Secure Boot + TPM 2.0 (Fast Checks First)
- 7. Riot Vanguard Not Installing: Quick Fixes by Symptom
- 8. FAQs
Quick Answer: Installing Riot Vanguard
Here’s a step-by-step approach on how to install Riot Vanguard.
- Install or update the Riot game (VALORANT / League) via the Riot Client
- Launch the game once to trigger the Vanguard install prompt
- Approve the install and Windows permissions
- Restart the PC (this is required)
- Relaunch the game and confirm Vanguard is active
If the Play button is locked behind a restart message after the first install, that’s expected—Vanguard completes activation after a reboot.
What Is Riot Vanguard?
Riot Vanguard is Riot’s anti-cheat that has to be active for protected Riot PC titles. For League, Riot explicitly states that Vanguard must be active during gameplay and any time the League Client is open.
Vanguard is also described as an on-boot application in Riot’s League support info, which is the key reason restarts keep showing up in every “fix” flow.
Riot Vanguard System Requirements
Most install failures aren’t about download speed—they’re about system state. Windows 11 is stricter: if Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 is disabled, VALORANT may fail to launch and throw VAN errors.
| Check | What “good” looks like | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10/11 64-bit | PC-only focus |
| Restart | Willing to reboot | Riot Vanguard installation requires a restart |
| Windows 11 | Secure Boot ON + TPM 2.0 | Required for a trusted state |
| Permissions | Admin approval | Needed for services/drivers |
If someone is stuck on Windows 11 with VAN 9001 / VAN 9003 / VAN 9090, it’s almost always worth checking Secure Boot and TPM before reinstalling again.
How To Install Riot Vanguard (Automatic Method)
For most players, Riot Vanguard automatic installation happens through the game install flow—there typically isn’t a separate “Vanguard installer” button to hunt down. Launching the game is what triggers the setup prompt when it’s needed.
After the install prompt finishes, restart right away. Riot notes that the Play button can remain locked until the reboot happens, because something may block Vanguard from “waking up properly” without it.
To confirm Vanguard is running, look for the Vanguard icon in the Windows system tray when active. Riot’s League FAQ shows it as the way players can identify Vanguard running.
How To Reinstall Riot Vanguard After Uninstall
This is the most straightforward reinstall route, and it’s the one Riot documents directly:
- Restart the PC if Vanguard was just uninstalled
- Launch Riot Client, then launch the game (this starts the install)
- Once Vanguard is installed, restart one more time to fully load services
Note: Uninstalling League doesn’t automatically remove Vanguard if another Riot title that requires it is still installed on the PC.
Windows 11: Secure Boot + TPM 2.0 (Fast Checks First)
For Windows 11, Riot recommends checking support/enabled status inside Windows before touching the BIOS:
- Press Windows key → type msinfo32 → BIOS Mode should be UEFI and Secure Boot State should be On
- Press Windows key → type tpm.msc → TPM should be ready, and the spec version should show 2.0
If Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 is disabled, Riot states VALORANT may not launch properly and can show VAN9001/VAN9003 (or VAN9090 if TPM fails to initiate).
If BIOS changes are needed, Riot includes a clear warning: anyone unfamiliar with BIOS navigation should consider getting professional help, since incorrect BIOS settings can cause boot issues.
Riot Vanguard Not Installing: Quick Fixes by Symptom
When the Vanguard install fails, it helps to troubleshoot by where it breaks—not by random reinstall loops.
| Symptom | What it usually means | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Restart required” won’t go away | Vanguard isn’t waking on boot | Delete vgkbootstatus.dat in C:\Windows, then restart |
| VAN 9001 / 9003 / 9090 on Win11 | Secure Boot/TPM not enabled or not initiating | Re-check msinfo32 + tpm.msc, then enable required features |
| Vanguard removed, game won’t run | Vanguard is mandatory | Re-enable by restarting and reinstalling through the Riot Client |
| Vanguard conflicts/incompatible software | System restrictions or blocked vectors | Uninstall Vanguard → restart → let Riot Client reinstall → restart |
A clean boot can also help when background software fights Vanguard. Riot’s restart-issue guide calls this out as a way to remove interference.
FAQs
Does Vanguard automatically install with VALORANT?
In most setups, yes—Vanguard installs through the Riot Client + game install/first launch flow, and the reboot is what finishes activation.
Is Riot Vanguard required for League of Legends in 2026?
Yes. Riot states Vanguard must be active during League gameplay and any time the League Client is open; normal play is blocked.
Why does Vanguard need a restart?
Riot describes Vanguard as an on-boot application, and their support flow notes that the Play button can stay locked until the reboot completes.
How can someone tell Vanguard is running?
Riot’s League FAQ shows the Vanguard icon in the Windows system tray as the visible “it’s active” indicator.
