Valorant Vanguard error (VAN error codes)
✅ Verified on 2026-11-15 · Valorant version Patch 13.10 (Season 2026 // Act 6) — re-verify before publish · Platform: PC (Windows)
Quick fix
Fully restart your PC; if the error persists, uninstall Riot Vanguard from Control Panel, restart again, and relaunch Valorant so the Riot Client reinstalls Vanguard automatically.
Symptoms
Valorant fails to launch or gets kicked mid-session with a VAN error code (VAN 0, VAN 57, VAN 68, VAN: RESTRICTION) pointing to Riot Vanguard. Many codes are resolved by a simple restart, others need Vanguard reinstalled or Windows security settings changed.
Fixes that work
Restart PC and update Windows first
- Save your work and fully restart Windows (use Restart, not shutdown with fast startup).
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install everything pending.
- Relaunch Valorant. Riot's own guidance notes many VAN codes clear after a restart plus a Windows update.
Source: https://support.riotgames.com/en-us/valorant/performance/error-codes-and-solutions-in-valorant
Clean reinstall Riot Vanguard
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) > Details tab and end every process for VALORANT.exe, RiotClientServices.exe, vgc.exe and vgtray.exe.
- Open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program, select Riot Vanguard and uninstall it.
- Restart your PC.
- Launch Valorant — the Riot Client detects Vanguard is missing and reinstalls it automatically.
Source: https://support.riotgames.com/en-us/valorant/performance/error-codes-and-solutions-in-valorant
Fix VAN: RESTRICTION (Windows security requirement)
- Read the exact requirement text on the VAN: RESTRICTION dialog — it tells you which Windows update or security setting Vanguard needs.
- Apply the listed Windows update and/or enable the security setting the error names (for example Secure Boot or Memory Integrity).
- Restart your PC and relaunch Valorant.
Source: https://support.riotgames.com/en-us/riot/penalties/error-van-restriction
Frequently asked questions
What is Riot Vanguard and why does it block Valorant from launching?
Vanguard is Riot's kernel-level anti-cheat. It loads a driver (vgk.sys) and runs a service (vgc) at boot; if that driver or service fails a startup check, Windows or the game stops with a VAN error.
I get a different VAN code every time — do I fix each one separately?
Mostly no. The shared first-line fixes cover most codes: restart the PC, update Windows, then clean-reinstall Vanguard. Only codes like VAN: RESTRICTION or VAN 9001 point to specific Windows security settings.
Can I just disable or delete Vanguard instead?
No. Valorant will not launch without Vanguard running, and tampering with it can trigger restrictions. The supported path is uninstall-restart-relaunch so it reinstalls cleanly.