Valorant requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled on a Windows 11 PC because these security features work with Riot's anti-cheat system, Vanguard, to ensure a safe and cheat-free gaming environment. Secure Boot is a firmware security technology that ensures only trusted software loads during the computer startup process, while TPM 2.0 is a hardware module that securely manages cryptographic keys and hardware identity. If these features are not enabled, Valorant may fail to launch and show errors like VAN9001 or VAN9003. To enable Secure Boot for Valorant, you need to access your computer's BIOS/UEFI firmware settings by rebooting and pressing a specific key (such as F2, F10, Delete, or Esc depending on the manufacturer). Then:
- Make sure the Boot Mode is set to UEFI (not Legacy or CSM).
- Locate and enable the Secure Boot option in the BIOS.
- Also, ensure TPM 2.0 is enabled in the security settings.
- Save the changes and restart your PC.
Different system manufacturers may have slightly different BIOS menus, with Secure Boot settings typically under Boot or Security tabs. If your computer struggles with enabling Secure Boot (such as rebooting continuously), it might be installed in legacy BIOS mode with MBR partitioning, which Secure Boot does not support. In that case, you may need to convert your Windows system to support UEFI boot mode. After enabling these settings, Valorant should launch without Secure Boot or TPM-related errors, allowing Vanguard to work as intended to prevent cheating. This process is well-documented and considered essential to meet Valorant’s security requirements in 2025 on Windows 11.
