How to Download and Install Valorant on PC (2026 Guide)

You are trying to get into Valorant but the installation process keeps hitting roadblocks, especially if you are on Windows 11. The Riot Client often installs perfectly, but Vanguard will refuse to launch the game if your system security settings are not configured correctly.

Why this happens

Valorant requires UEFI Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be active on Windows 11 to satisfy the Vanguard anti-cheat requirements. If these are disabled, you will encounter specific Vanguard error codes upon launch.

What you'll need

Ensure you have at least 70GB of free space on your drive and administrator access to your computer for the initial Riot Client setup and the subsequent Vanguard driver installation.

Steps

1. 01
   Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and confirm that the TPM is ready for use (skip this if you are on Windows 10).
2. 02
   Navigate to https://playvalorant.com, click Play, and select PC.
3. 03
   Sign in with your Riot account or create a new one to unlock the download link.
4. 04
   Run the downloaded file to install the Riot Client, then launch the client and select Valorant from the left-hand menu to begin the full game download.
5. 05
   Restart your computer once the installation finishes, as the Vanguard anti-cheat requires a reboot to initialize properly.
6. 06
   Launch the game from the Riot Client; Vanguard will now initialize, and the game should boot to the main menu.

Still not working?

If you receive a VAN 9001 or VAN 9003 error, you must enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings and enable Secure Boot. If you see a VAN 9090 error, return to tpm.msc and click 'Prepare the TPM' to resolve the status issue.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my files during the installation?

No, the Riot Client installation is safe and only affects the game files and the Vanguard anti-cheat driver.

Why does Valorant require TPM 2.0?

Valorant's anti-cheat, Vanguard, requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on Windows 11 to ensure a secure environment and prevent unauthorized software from tampering with the game.

Does this fix affect other applications on my PC?

Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 is a standard security configuration and should not negatively impact your other programs or Windows functionality.