Valorant’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard, requires Secure Boot to be enabled on your PC to ensure secure gameplay and prevent cheating, and this guide will walk you through enabling it.
Before you start, ensure your PC supports UEFI mode, have administrative access on Windows, and back up important data in case of boot issues. Incorrectly changing BIOS/UEFI settings can prevent your PC from booting, so if you’re unsure, consult your PC manufacturer’s support or a professional.
To enable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI for Valorant, follow these steps carefully. First, restart your computer and access the BIOS/UEFI setup during boot by pressing the appropriate key repeatedly, such as Delete, F2, F10, or Esc, or navigate through Windows Settings to UEFI Firmware Settings.
Next, switch your boot mode to UEFI if it’s not already. Look for the Boot Mode or Boot Priority option, often under the Boot tab, and set it to UEFI or UEFI Only, disabling Legacy or CSM modes, as Secure Boot requires UEFI.
Then, locate the Secure Boot option in the BIOS/UEFI menu. Navigate to the Boot, Security, or Authentication tab, and enable Secure Boot. The exact steps may vary depending on your PC’s manufacturer, such as ASUS, Dell, or HP.
After enabling Secure Boot, save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI by pressing F10, or the designated key, and confirm. Your PC will restart automatically with Secure Boot now active. Launch Valorant to verify that the setup is successful by checking for any Secure Boot-related errors.
If Valorant still shows anti-cheat errors after enabling Secure Boot, also enable TPM 2.0 in your BIOS/UEFI under the Security or Advanced tab, as Vanguard requires both for full compatibility.
Secure Boot enhances your PC’s security by verifying that only trusted software loads during startup, directly supporting Valorant’s Vanguard system in detecting and blocking cheats. By following this guide, you’re not just fixing launch issues but also protecting your system from broader threats, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
