How to Fix Valorant Anti-Cheat Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Valorant is a popular tactical shooter game that relies on its anti-cheat system, Vanguard, to maintain fair play. Sometimes, this anti-cheat may stop working properly on Windows 11, preventing you from launching or playing the game. Fixing this issue is important to enjoy Valorant without any interruptions.

This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to get the Valorant anti-cheat working again on your Windows 11 PC. Each step is explained clearly, making it easy for anyone to follow.

Before diving into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand why Vanguard might fail. Common causes include software conflicts, outdated drivers, or Windows settings interfering with the anti-cheat system.

Let’s begin with the easiest checks and move towards more advanced troubleshooting.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Check your Windows version: Make sure you are running the latest version of Windows 11. Updates often fix bugs that could affect Vanguard.
Verify Valorant and Vanguard installation: Both need to be properly installed and up to date.
Restart your computer: A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches causing Vanguard to malfunction.
Run Valorant as Administrator: This gives the game and Vanguard the permissions they need to function correctly.

Step 1: Restart Vanguard Service Manually

Vanguard runs as a background service on your PC. Sometimes, this service may stop working and needs a restart.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find vgc (this is the Vanguard service).
Right-click on vgc and select Restart.
Close the window and try launching Valorant again.

Why this helps: Restarting the Vanguard service refreshes its connection to your system, fixing minor issues that prevent it from running.

Step 2: Ensure Vanguard is Set to Start Automatically

If Vanguard is not configured to start with Windows, it may not run when you launch Valorant.

Open the Services window again by pressing Windows + R, typing services.msc, and pressing Enter.
Find vgc in the list.
Right-click vgc and select Properties.
Under the General tab, find the Startup type dropdown.
Select Automatic and click Apply, then OK.
Restart your computer to apply this change.

Why this is important: Vanguard must start automatically to protect the game from cheats right from system boot.

Step 3: Disable Conflicting Software

Some software can interfere with Vanguard, especially other security programs, VPNs, or system optimization tools.

Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and try launching Valorant again.
If you use VPN or proxy services, disconnect and check if Vanguard works.
Close any system optimization or cleanup utilities running in the background.

Note: If disabling these programs fixes the issue, add Valorant and Vanguard to their exception lists to avoid future conflicts.

Step 4: Reinstall Vanguard and Valorant

If the above steps don’t work, reinstalling Vanguard and Valorant can fix corrupted files or installation errors.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Find Riot Vanguard, click the three dots, and choose Uninstall.
Do the same for Valorant.
Restart your computer.
Visit the official Valorant website and download the latest installer.
Install Valorant, which will also install Vanguard automatically.
Restart your PC after installation completes.

Why reinstalling helps: It replaces damaged or missing files and ensures you have the latest versions of both programs.

Step 5: Update Windows and Device Drivers

Keeping your system and drivers up to date can resolve compatibility issues affecting Vanguard.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates.
To update device drivers, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters, right-click your graphics card, and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Repeat for other key devices like network adapters.
Restart your PC after updates.

Why this matters: Updated drivers and system files ensure Vanguard can interact correctly with your hardware and Windows 11.

Step 6: Disable Secure Boot Temporarily (Advanced)

Secure Boot is a security feature that can sometimes block Vanguard from running properly. Disabling it temporarily may help.

Warning: Disabling Secure Boot reduces system security. Only do this if you understand the risks.

Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup by pressing the designated key during boot (often F2, Del, or Esc).
Find the Secure Boot option, usually under the Security or Boot tab.
Disable Secure Boot and save your changes.
Boot into Windows and try launching Valorant.
If the game works, you may keep it disabled or consult Riot’s support for further guidance.

FAQs

Why does Valorant’s anti-cheat fail to start?

It can be due to software conflicts, outdated system files, or Vanguard not running as a service.

Do I need to reinstall Valorant to fix Vanguard issues?

Not always. Try restarting the Vanguard service first. Reinstalling is a last-resort solution if other steps fail.

Can antivirus software block Vanguard?

Yes, some antivirus programs may block Vanguard. Adding exceptions for Valorant and Vanguard usually fixes this.

Is it safe to disable Secure Boot?

Disabling Secure Boot reduces system security and should only be done temporarily or if you fully understand the risks.

Why is Vanguard running as a service important?

It allows Vanguard to start before Windows fully boots, providing continuous protection against cheats.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the problem, consider these final steps:

Visit the official Riot Games Support page for detailed help and updates.
Use the Riot Games forums or community pages to see if others with Windows 11 have similar issues and fixes.
Contact Riot’s customer support directly for personalized assistance.

Conclusion

Valorant’s anti-cheat not working on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most issues are fixable with simple steps. Start by restarting the Vanguard service, ensuring it runs automatically, and checking for software conflicts. If needed, reinstall the game and update your system.

Always keep your PC updated and be mindful of security settings like Secure Boot. Following this guide will help you get back into the game quickly and enjoy Valorant as intended.