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valorant uefi secure boot error

Valorant players frequently encounter the UEFI Secure Boot error due to the game's Vanguard anti-cheat system requiring Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled for security. This issue persists into 2026 based on ongoing forum discussions, often frustrating users on Windows 11 setups where BIOS settings clash with game requirements.

Common Causes

Vanguard blocks launch if Secure Boot is off, even if it appears enabled, due to mismatched BIOS modes like Legacy vs. UEFI or unreset keys.

Hardware incompatibilities or MBR partitions (needing GPT conversion) exacerbate this, as noted in recent Reddit threads from early 2025.

TPM 2.0 must also activate alongside Secure Boot for full compliance.

Step-by-Step Fix

Follow these detailed steps, varying slightly by motherboard (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte):

  1. Verify Current Status : Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and check "BIOS Mode" (should be UEFI) and "Secure Boot State" (On). If not, proceed.
  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI : Restart PC, mash Del, F2, F10, or F12 (check boot screen). Navigate to Boot/Security tab.
  1. Enable UEFI & Secure Boot: Set Boot Mode to UEFI, toggle Secure Boot to Enabled, enable TPM 2.0 (or fTPM). Reset Secure Boot keys if available.
  1. Handle Partition Issues : If MBR, use Disk Management (Win + X) to convert to GPT via mbr2gpt /validate then /convert in admin CMD. Backup data first!
  1. Windows Recovery Method (if BIOS inaccessible): Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Troubleshoot > Advanced > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
  1. Save & Test: Exit BIOS (F10/Save), boot Windows, relaunch Valorant. Reinstall Vanguard if needed via Riot client.

"Valorant says UEFI secure boot is not enabled when it is" – Common Reddit complaint; double-check BIOS after changes.

Potential Risks & Alternatives

Enabling Secure Boot boosts security by verifying bootloaders but may cause boot failures on older OS/drivers—revert if issues arise.

No performance hit reported; it's a one-time setup for safer gaming.

If stuck, forums suggest custom keys or waiting for Riot patches, as discussions trend on r/ValorantTechSupport into 2025.

Forum Insights

  • Pro-Enable View : "Just flip it on; game runs fine post-fix." (2025 threads)
  • Cautionary Tales : Enabling bricks some custom rigs—test in safe mode.
  • Trending Tip : YouTube guides from 2025 confirm Windows 11 paths work universally.

TL;DR : Enable UEFI Secure Boot + TPM 2.0 in BIOS for Valorant; use recovery menu if needed. Issue remains relevant in 2026 forums.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.