What error VAN9003 is
VAN9003 is an error from Valorant's Vanguard anti-cheat system. The full message typically reads: "Vanguard requires TPM version 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled." The error appears at game launch and prevents you from playing.
With the Vanguard update in 2023–2024, Riot Games made two system security features mandatory: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Without both enabled, Vanguard refuses to run.
Root causes of error VAN9003
- TPM 2.0 is disabled in BIOS/UEFI. The Trusted Platform Module may be disabled in your motherboard firmware settings.
- Secure Boot is disabled. This Windows security feature is often turned off during OS installation or for Linux/dual-boot compatibility.
- Outdated Vanguard version. Vanguard has not updated to the latest version.
- Conflicts with other software. Certain system utilities, virtual machines, or other anti-cheat programs can conflict with Vanguard.
Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Check if your PC supports TPM 2.0
- Press Win+R, type
tpm.msc, and press Enter. - If the "Trusted Platform Module Management" window opens showing version 2.0 — TPM is present.
- If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be found" — you need to enable TPM in BIOS.
Step 2: Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS/UEFI
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS (typically Delete, F2, or F10 at startup — varies by manufacturer).
- Find the "Security" or "Advanced" section.
- Locate "TPM," "Intel PTT" (for Intel), or "AMD fTPM" (for AMD) — and enable it.
- Save settings and restart.
Step 3: Enable Secure Boot
- Enter BIOS/UEFI again.
- Find the "Boot" or "Security" section.
- Locate "Secure Boot" and set it to Enabled.
- Make sure the boot mode is UEFI (not Legacy/CSM).
- Save and restart.
Step 4: Reinstall or update Vanguard
- Close Valorant and Vanguard from the system tray.
- In Control Panel, uninstall Riot Vanguard.
- Launch Valorant — Vanguard will reinstall automatically.
Step 5: Perform a full restart
After any BIOS changes, do a full restart (not sleep or hibernate) to ensure all settings take effect.
Frequently asked questions
My PC has no TPM 2.0 — does that mean I can't play Valorant? If your physical TPM 2.0 chip is absent and your motherboard does not support fTPM, then unfortunately yes. Riot Games has made this a hard requirement. Most PCs built after 2018 support fTPM or Intel PTT.
Secure Boot breaks my Linux dual boot — is there a workaround? No — VAN9003 requires Secure Boot to be enabled. If you dual boot, you will need to configure Secure Boot in a compatible way or use a separate drive for Windows.
VAN9003 appeared after a Windows update — how to fix? Windows updates occasionally disable Secure Boot. Check your BIOS settings — you may simply need to re-enable it.
Bottom line
VAN9003 in Valorant is Vanguard's enforcement of TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements. The fix involves enabling these settings in BIOS and reinstalling Vanguard. Visit Marix for gaming products across all platforms.