Fix Valorant VAN9003 Error (Secure Boot & TPM)

If you are getting the VAN9003 error in Valorant, it is caused by Windows 11’s VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) or a missing/differently-configured TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, and the fix is to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in your BIOS/UEFI, then reinstall the Vanguard anti-cheat driver. This error typically appears when Vanguard detects that your system is not meeting the security requirements it expects, often after a Windows update or a BIOS reset. Below is a step-by-step guide to resolve it, along with background on why it happens and answers to common questions.

What Causes the VAN9003 Error?

VAN9003 is a Vanguard anti-cheat error that is almost always tied to Windows 11’s Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and the related features of Memory Integrity (also called Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity or HVCI). Vanguard requires these features to be active because it uses them to protect its own kernel-level driver from tampering. When VBS is not running, Vanguard assumes the system is less secure and blocks the game.

The most common triggers are:

• Windows 11 was installed on a PC that did not have Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 enabled at the time, but later a Windows update turned on VBS automatically.
• You or a BIOS update reset the UEFI settings, disabling Secure Boot or TPM.
• You previously disabled VBS for performance reasons, and Vanguard now detects it is off.
• You are using an older motherboard with a TPM module that is not recognized correctly.

Check If VBS Is Enabled

Before you change any BIOS settings, you should check whether VBS is actually enabled on your system. This will tell you if the error is due to VBS being off or due to a deeper issue.

1. Press Windows Key and type “System Information�.
2. Open the System Information app.
3. Look for “Virtualization-based Security� in the list. It will say either “Enabled� or “Not enabled�.
4. Also check “Secure Boot State� – it should say “On�.

If VBS is “Not enabled�, that is likely why you are seeing VAN9003. If it is “Enabled� but you still get the error, the problem may be that Secure Boot is off or TPM is not properly initialized.

Step-by-Step Fix: Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0

The core fix is to ensure both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are active in your BIOS/UEFI. The exact menu names vary by motherboard brand, but the process is similar.

1. Back up your data – changing BIOS settings is safe, but it is always good practice.
2. Restart your PC and press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI setup. Common keys are Del, F2, F10, or Esc. The key is often shown on the boot screen.
3. Look for a section called Security, Boot, or Authentication.
4. Find Secure Boot and set it to Enabled. If it is set to “Windows UEFI mode�, that is fine.
5. Find TPM (or Intel Platform Trust Technology / AMD fTPM). Set it to Enabled or Firmware TPM.
6. Save and exit (usually F10).

If you cannot find the TPM setting, check your motherboard manual or look for “Security Device Support� or “Intel PTT� (on Intel boards) or “AMD fTPM� (on AMD boards). On some systems, you may need to enable “Platform Trust Technology� under the “Advanced� or “PCH-FW Configuration� menu.

After Enabling: Reinstall Vanguard

Once you have enabled Secure Boot and TPM, you need to make sure Vanguard picks up the new settings. Often a simple restart is enough, but if the error persists, a clean reinstall of Vanguard is recommended.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Find Riot Vanguard in the list, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Launch the Valorant launcher – it will reinstall Vanguard automatically.
5. Restart again if prompted.

This reinstalls the anti-cheat driver with the correct security context.

If You Still See the Error

If the error persists after enabling Secure Boot and TPM and reinstalling Vanguard, try these additional steps:

• Turn on Memory Integrity – Go to Windows Security > Device Security > Core Isolation, and turn on “Memory Integrity�. This is part of VBS and may be required.
• Check for Windows updates – Some updates fix Vanguard compatibility issues.
• Update your BIOS – A newer BIOS may have better TPM support.
• Run the Vanguard troubleshooting tool – Riot provides a diagnostic tool that can identify specific problems.
• Check if your CPU supports TPM – Most CPUs from the last 5 years do, but older ones might not. If your CPU does not support TPM 2.0, you may need to install a discrete TPM module on your motherboard (if it has the header).

Why Does Vanguard Require This?

Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat that runs at the highest level of Windows. To protect itself from being tampered with by cheats, it relies on VBS, which uses hardware virtualization to isolate a secure region of memory. This is the same technology that Windows 11 uses for security features like Memory Integrity. When VBS is not active, Vanguard cannot guarantee its own integrity, so it refuses to run. This is not a bug – it is a deliberate security decision by Riot Games.

Keep in mind that enabling VBS can slightly impact performance in some games, but for Valorant it is required. The impact is usually minimal on modern CPUs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disable VBS to fix VAN9003?

No, disabling VBS will not fix the error – it will cause it. Vanguard requires VBS to be enabled. If you have VBS disabled, you need to turn it back on via the BIOS settings for Secure Boot and TPM, and then reinstall Vanguard.

I have Secure Boot enabled but still get VAN9003 – why?

Secure Boot alone is not enough. You also need TPM 2.0 enabled and VBS to be active. Check the System Information to see if VBS is “Enabled�. If it is not, you may need to enable Memory Integrity in Windows Security, or ensure your BIOS has the correct TPM setting.

Will enabling TPM affect my data?

No, enabling TPM (or fTPM) does not erase your data. It simply activates a security chip on your motherboard. However, if you have BitLocker enabled, you may need to enter your recovery key after changing TPM settings. It is a good idea to suspend BitLocker before making BIOS changes if you use it.

My motherboard does not have a TPM header – can I still fix this?

If your motherboard does not have a TPM header, you can still use the firmware TPM (Intel PTT or AMD fTPM) if your CPU supports it. Most CPUs from the past 5 years do. If your CPU does not support it, you cannot meet the requirement, and Valorant will not run on that hardware.

Does reinstalling Vanguard delete my settings?

No, reinstalling Vanguard does not affect your game settings or account. It only reinstalls the anti-cheat driver. Your graphics settings and keybinds are stored in the game’s config files, not in Vanguard.

Is there a way to bypass VAN9003 without enabling TPM?

No, there is no legitimate bypass. Vanguard checks the system’s security features, and attempting to bypass it would be a violation of the game’s terms of service. The only supported fix is to enable the required hardware security features.

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