Getting the VALORANT incompatible software error can feel frustrating because it stops the game before it even launches. In 2026, the most common reason is simple: Vanguard flags a driver file as incompatible and won’t load it.

The good news is that most VALORANT fixes are repeatable and safe when done in the right order—identify the exact file, remove what installed it, and only then consider manual cleanup.

What “VAN: Incompatible Software” Error Means

The VAN: incompatible software message is Vanguard’s way of saying a driver on the PC isn’t compatible with its security checks. Vanguard runs with a client + a kernel-mode driver, so it treats certain low-level drivers as potential risk vectors and blocks them.

In practice, it usually displays an “incompatible file” path (often a .sys driver in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\…). Vanguard blocks the launch until that exact file is removed or the software that installed it is uninstalled.

How To Fix “Incompatible Software Component Detected” Step By Step

Step 1: Identify the exact incompatible file (don’t guess)

When players try random fixes, they often miss the real cause. Vanguard typically lists the full path (example format: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\xxx.sys). Take a screenshot so the filename is exact before changing anything.

Step 2: Uninstall the software that installed the driver

For most PCs, the fastest fix is uninstalling the software mentioned in the error message (older drivers, monitoring tools, RGB utilities, and similar system-level apps). Use Windows Control Panel or Settings → Apps → Installed Apps, uninstall the related program, then restart.

Step 3: If uninstalling fails, delete the flagged .sys file manually

If the software can’t be uninstalled (or the driver remains installed), manually remove the offending .sys file from the path shown in the error message. Then restart the PC. Make sure to delete only the file that Vanguard named.

Step 4: If the issue continues, attempt different solutions.

If the same message comes back after the file is removed, Riot recommends a few follow-ups: enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (Windows 11), repairing/reinstalling Vanguard, and disabling proxy/VPN setups that can interfere with Vanguard.

Fix VALORANT Secure Boot error (Windows 11)

On Windows 11, Vanguard Secure Boot errors usually appear when Vanguard flags the PC as out of compliance, such as with VAN 9003. In 2026, this is most often a system security configuration issue—Secure Boot (and sometimes TPM 2.0) isn’t enabled—rather than a random Vanguard malfunction.

Common Windows 11 Vanguard Codes (and what they mean)

Step-by-step: Enable Secure Boot + TPM 2.0

Riot’s Windows 11 guidance is BIOS/UEFI-focused:

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI (often F2/F12/Del)
2. Enable Secure Boot
3. Ensure CSM is disabled
4. Enable TPM 2.0 (sometimes labeled PTT or fTPM)
5. Save and exit.

If the PC needs help confirming TPM status, Microsoft recommends checking via Windows Security or running tpm.msc (it also notes many DIY motherboards ship with TPM available but disabled by default).

FAQs

What is the VAN incompatible software error in VALORANT?

Vanguard is blocking VALORANT because it detected an incompatible driver or system component, so the game won’t launch.

How to fix the VALORANT incompatible software error step by step?

To fix the VALORANT incompatible software error, note the exact file path in the error → uninstall the app that installed it → restart → delete only the flagged .sys if needed.

How do I safely remove an incompatible driver in VALORANT?

Uninstall the related software first. If it persists, remove only the exact flagged .sys at the shown path, then restart.

How to fix the VALORANT Secure Boot error?

VAN 9003 usually means Secure Boot is off. Enable Secure Boot in UEFI/BIOS (often requires UEFI/CSM off), then reboot.

How to fix Vanguard error codes like VAN -81, VAN9001, and VAN9003?

VAN -81 is a connection issue (restart, reinstall Vanguard if needed). VAN9001/9003 are TPM/Secure Boot requirements.