How to Fix Valorant UEFI Secure Boot Error (Step-by-Step)

The UEFI Secure Boot error in Valorant is a common and frustrating issue that prevents players from launching the game. This error occurs because Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat system enforces strict security requirements to maintain a fair and cheat-free environment. Specifically, Vanguard requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled in the BIOS. If these features are disabled, misconfigured, or unsupported by your system, Valorant will refuse to start. In this detailed guide, we will walk through the entire troubleshooting process step by step, explain why these requirements exist, and provide additional insights, examples, and prevention tips to ensure smooth gameplay.

Understanding the UEFI Secure Boot Error

Before attempting to fix the problem, it is important to understand what causes it. Valorant relies on Riot Vanguard, an advanced anti-cheat tool that operates at the kernel level of your operating system. This means it has deep access to your system to prevent cheats from manipulating the game. To ensure integrity, Vanguard requires:

• UEFI firmware instead of Legacy BIOS
• Secure Boot enabled in BIOS
• TPM 2.0 enabled

If any of these are missing, disabled, or incorrectly configured, the UEFI Secure Boot error will appear. For example, if you built your PC several years ago and never updated your BIOS, you might still be running in Legacy mode, which is incompatible with Vanguard. Similarly, if you disabled Secure Boot to install certain drivers or dual-boot another operating system, Valorant will block access until it is re-enabled.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Valorant UEFI Secure Boot Error

Step 1: Check Current Boot Mode

1. Press Windows + R and type msinfo32 to open the System Information window.
2. Look for BIOS Mode. If it shows UEFI, your system supports Secure Boot. If it shows Legacy, you may need to convert your disk to GPT and enable UEFI.

Example: If you see “Legacy” listed, you cannot enable Secure Boot until you switch to UEFI mode. This often requires converting your system drive from MBR to GPT format.

Step 2: Verify Secure Boot Status

1. In the System Information window, find Secure Boot State.
2. If it says Off, you must enable it in BIOS. If it says On, Secure Boot is already enabled.

Tip: Some OEM systems ship with Secure Boot disabled by default, so checking this setting is crucial.

Step 3: Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings

To access BIOS:

• Restart your PC.
• Press the key shown during startup (commonly F2, DEL, or ESC depending on manufacturer).
• Enter the BIOS setup utility.

Note: On some modern systems, you can also access UEFI directly from Windows by going to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Advanced Startup → Restart Now.

Step 4: Enable Secure Boot

1. Navigate to the Boot or Security tab in BIOS.
2. Locate the Secure Boot option.
3. Set it to Enabled.
4. Save changes and exit BIOS (usually by pressing F10).

Example: On ASUS motherboards, Secure Boot is found under the Boot tab, while on MSI boards it may appear under Security.

Step 5: Enable TPM 2.0

1. In BIOS, go to Security or Advanced.
2. Find TPM or fTPM (AMD) / PTT (Intel).
3. Enable TPM 2.0.
4. Save and restart.

Tip: If TPM 2.0 is not visible, check if your CPU supports it. For Intel, look for PTT; for AMD, look for fTPM. Older CPUs may not support TPM 2.0.

Step 6: Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI (If Needed)

If your system is running in Legacy mode, follow these steps:

1. Back up important data to prevent accidental loss.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Run mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullos.
4. Restart and switch BIOS mode to UEFI.

Warning: Converting from MBR to GPT without backup may risk data loss if interrupted. Always ensure backups are made.

Step 7: Reinstall Riot Vanguard

1. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Uninstall Riot Vanguard.
3. Launch Valorant to reinstall Vanguard automatically.

Why? Sometimes Vanguard becomes corrupted after system changes. A clean reinstall ensures it recognizes your updated BIOS settings.

Common Issues and Fixes

Issue	Cause	Solution
Secure Boot option grayed out	CSM enabled	Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module) in BIOS
TPM not visible	Older hardware	Update BIOS or check motherboard support
Still getting error after enabling	Corrupted Vanguard	Uninstall and reinstall Riot Vanguard
PC crashes after enabling Secure Boot	Unsigned drivers installed	Update or remove incompatible drivers

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure Windows is fully updated through Windows Update.
• Check that your graphics drivers are current using NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin.
• Disable overclocking temporarily if issues persist, as unstable clocks can interfere with Vanguard.
• Perform a clean boot to rule out software conflicts with third-party applications.
• Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to repair corrupted system files.

Prevention Tips

To avoid encountering this error in the future:

• Keep BIOS firmware updated to the latest version provided by your motherboard manufacturer.
• Do not disable Secure Boot or TPM unless absolutely necessary for troubleshooting.
• Regularly update Windows and Valorant to stay compliant with Vanguard requirements.
• When upgrading hardware, ensure compatibility with UEFI and TPM 2.0.

FAQ

Why does Valorant require Secure Boot?

Valorant requires Secure Boot to ensure Vanguard anti-cheat runs in a secure environment. Secure Boot prevents malicious software from loading during startup, making it harder for cheats to inject code into the system.

Can I play Valorant without TPM 2.0?

No, TPM 2.0 is mandatory as part of Riot’s security requirements. Without it, the game will not launch. TPM provides cryptographic functions that help Vanguard verify system integrity.

What if my PC does not support Secure Boot?

If your hardware does not support Secure Boot, you may not be able to run Valorant. In this case, consider upgrading your system to a motherboard and CPU that support UEFI and TPM 2.0. For example, most Intel processors after 2016 and AMD Ryzen processors support these features.

Does reinstalling Windows fix the error?

Reinstalling Windows may help if system files are corrupted, but enabling Secure Boot and TPM in BIOS is the primary solution. A clean install should only be considered if all other methods fail.

Is disabling Vanguard a solution?

No, disabling Vanguard will prevent Valorant from launching. The only solution is to configure Secure Boot and TPM correctly. Vanguard is integral to Valorant’s security and cannot be bypassed.

Can dual-boot systems cause this error?

Yes, if you are dual-booting with Linux or another OS, Secure Boot may have been disabled to allow alternate bootloaders. To play Valorant, Secure Boot must be re-enabled, which may affect your other OS.

How do I know if my motherboard supports TPM 2.0?

You can check your motherboard’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website. Look for TPM headers or firmware TPM support. If unsupported, you may need to purchase a separate TPM module.

Conclusion

The Valorant UEFI Secure Boot error can be intimidating, but with the right steps, it is entirely fixable. By enabling UEFI mode, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0, you ensure your system meets Riot’s strict security requirements. Following this guide not only resolves the error but also strengthens your PC’s overall security posture. Whether you are a casual gamer or a competitive player, ensuring Vanguard runs smoothly is essential for a fair and enjoyable Valorant experience.