Gaming · VALORANT and Riot Vanguard on Windows PC

Fix Vanguard Not Initialized in VALORANT

Source-checked About 15 minutes

Answer

Restart Windows once and capture the full Vanguard message, including any VAN or VAL code. Use Riot's error-code page for that exact code. If Riot directs you to reinstall Vanguard, uninstall it through Windows, restart, open Riot Client to install it again, and restart when prompted.

Before you continue
  • RestartClear one incomplete Vanguard startup.
  • CodeMatch the full message to Riot's list.
  • ReinstallUse Riot's official path only when required.
Guide steps6 steps
  1. Restart Windows normally
  2. Capture the full error
  3. Use the exact Riot code entry
  4. Check recent conflicts without guessing
  5. Reinstall Vanguard only when directed
  6. Send Riot the logs and code
  7. If it still does not work

Restart Windows normally

Save open work and choose Start > Power > Restart. A normal restart reloads Vanguard earlier in the Windows startup sequence.

Capture the full error

Launch VALORANT once and record every word and code in the message. Not Initialized can have different underlying causes.

Use the exact Riot code entry

Open Riot's error-code list and find the matching VAN or VAL number. Apply only that entry's instruction.

Find the matching Vanguard error

Check recent conflicts without guessing

If Riot's matching article asks for a clean boot or background-app test, follow it and restore normal startup afterward. Do not manually force random Vanguard services to Automatic without code-specific guidance.

Reinstall Vanguard only when directed

Uninstall Riot Vanguard from Windows Installed apps, restart, open Riot Client so Vanguard is installed again, and restart once more when prompted.

Follow Riot's official Vanguard uninstall steps

Send Riot the logs and code

If the same error returns, collect Riot logs and attach them to a support request with the Windows version, exact code, and steps already completed.

Use Riot's log-collection instructions

If it does not work

  • If no error code appears, capture the entire message and use Riot Support. Do not assume a vgc service edit matches the cause.
  • If the message names Secure Boot, TPM, virtualization, memory integrity, or exploit protection, use the exact Riot article and ask the PC manufacturer when firmware controls are unfamiliar.
  • Do not download Vanguard separately, edit the registry, or disable Windows security to make the message disappear.
Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on . Scope: VALORANT and Riot Vanguard on Windows PC.

The written steps follow the current help pages linked below. The saved video is an older walkthrough and may show different labels.

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