Valorant requires Secure Boot and a compatible TPM setup on Windows to run, and enabling Secure Boot is done through your PC’s BIOS/UEFI settings in most modern systems. Below is a concise, practical guide to check and enable Secure Boot for Valorant, plus common troubleshooting steps. Direct answer
- Secure Boot is typically required or strongly recommended for Valorant on Windows. Ensure your system is in UEFI mode and that Secure Boot is enabled, then verify TPM 2.0 is active if your setup or Riot’s guidance mentions it. After enabling, save changes and reboot, then launch Valorant to confirm it runs without Secure Boot errors. If you encounter issues, there are standard fixes such as rechecking BIOS settings, updating BIOS/UEFI firmware, and ensuring Windows is updated.
What to check and how to enable
- Verify current Secure Boot and BIOS mode
- Open the Windows system information tool (msinfo32) to check Secure Boot State and BIOS Mode. If BIOS Mode is Legacy or CSM, you’ll likely need to switch to UEFI and enable Secure Boot in the BIOS. This is a common prerequisite for Valorant’s secure startup checks. If Secure Boot State shows On, you’re already aligned. If it shows Off, you’ll need to enable it in the BIOS.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI setup
- Restart your PC and press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI setup (commonly Delete, F2, F10, or Esc). The exact key varies by motherboard/brand, so you may need to watch the screen during boot or check your motherboard’s manual.
- Enable UEFI mode
- In BIOS/UEFI, ensure the boot mode is set to UEFI rather than Legacy or CSM. Secure Boot requires UEFI mode, so switching to UEFI is typically the first essential step.
- Enable Secure Boot
- Find the Secure Boot option. It may be under sections like Boot, Security, or Trusted Computing. Enable Secure Boot. Some systems require switching to “Custom” mode first, then enabling, and on others you can enable directly.
- If your system lists a “Platform Key (PK)” or similar option, ensure it’s properly configured to allow Secure Boot.
- TPM considerations
- Valorant’s anti-cheat and security guidance may reference TPM 2.0. Some systems require TPM to be enabled in BIOS as a prerequisite for Secure Boot functionality. If your system has a TPM option, enable it (often labeled TPM, PTT, or fTPM depending on vendor).
- Save and reboot
- Save changes (usually F10) and reboot your system. After Windows loads, attempt to launch Valorant again to verify the secure boot prerequisites are satisfied.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Secure Boot not available: Some OEM laptops/desktop boards have Secure Boot disabled by default or available only when in UEFI mode. Check your BIOS/UEFI for any vendor-specific settings, and ensure you’re not using legacy OS or bootloader configurations that disable Secure Boot.
- TPM not detected: If Valorant’s setup indicates TPM is required but TPM isn’t visible, check BIOS settings for a TPM or “Security Device” option and enable it. Some systems use firmware-based TPM (fTPM) or Intel PTT; enable the appropriate one.
- BIOS update needed: If Secure Boot options are missing or not behaving, a BIOS/UEFI update from the manufacturer can restore proper Secure Boot functionality.
- Conflicting software: Some older hardware virtualization features or third-party boot configurations can interfere with Secure Boot. Disable nonessential bootloaders or drivers that may conflict, then recheck Secure Boot.
- Windows updates: Ensure Windows is up to date, as some Secure Boot policies depend on the latest platform updates.
Notes and caveats
- Instructions vary by motherboard/PC manufacturer. If you have a specific model (e.g., Dell, HP, ASUS, MSI, Lenovo), the exact menu paths and terminologies may differ.
- If Secure Boot was previously enabled but Valorant still reports a problem, double-check the status after a full reboot, and verify that your system isn’t running in a compatibility or test mode that disables Secure Boot.
- Riot’s support page for Vanguard-related restrictions can provide the latest checks for Secure Boot and BIOS mode, so consult it if a specific error message appears during launch.
If you’d like, share your PC make/model or motherboard brand and current BIOS/UEFI version, and the exact error Valorant shows. With that, a more precise, step-by-step path tailored to your hardware can be provided.
