Valorant Code 57 Error – Complete Guide (2026)

Valorant Code 57 error is one of the most common and frustrating issues for players trying to launch Riot Games’ tactical shooter. Instead of jumping into a match, you are greeted with the dreaded “Vanguard Not Initialized” message, preventing you from playing altogether. According to Riot Games support documentation, error code 57 (also known as VAN 57) indicates that the Vanguard anti-cheat system has failed to start properly[reference:0]. This Valorant Code 57 error guide covers 8 proven methods to diagnose and fix this issue, from simple restarts to advanced system configurations.

When you search for Valorant Code 57 error solutions, you are likely dealing with a game that refuses to launch due to Vanguard initialization failure. According to The Windows Club, this error occurs when Vanguard Anti-Cheat is not initialized or fails to start properly[reference:1]. According to GameBoost, when you see Error Code 57 in Valorant, it means the game’s anti-cheat system (Vanguard) is not working properly[reference:2]. This Valorant Code 57 error guide provides step-by-step instructions for every possible scenario.

1. Understanding Valorant Code 57 Error

Valorant Code 57 error appears when Riot’s kernel-level anti-cheat system, Vanguard, fails to initialize properly. According to GameRevolution, Valorant error code 57 appears when the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system has not been initialized — Vanguard must be running in order to play Valorant[reference:3]. The full error message typically reads: “Vanguard Not Initialized. Vanguard Anti-Cheat has not been initialized. If this is your first time playing you will need to reboot your computer to continue”[reference:4].

Common causes of Valorant Code 57 error include:

• VGC service not running: The core Vanguard service (vgc) has stopped or failed to start[reference:5]
• Corrupted Vanguard installation: Vanguard files are missing or damaged[reference:6]
• Driver conflicts: Outdated or unsigned drivers are blocking Vanguard[reference:7]
• Antivirus or firewall interference: Security software is preventing Vanguard from loading[reference:8]
• Windows Memory Integrity (Core Isolation): This security feature conflicts with Vanguard’s kernel-level operations[reference:9]
• Insufficient permissions: Valorant or Vanguard lacks administrator privileges

According to Exputer, Error Code 57 pops up when a player tries launching the game with the error prompt “Vanguard Not Initialized.” The error usually occurs when the game’s anti-cheat engine fails to start up properly[reference:10].

2. Restart Your PC and Riot Client

The simplest fix for a Valorant Code 57 error is a full system restart. According to The Windows Club, restarting your PC is the first recommended solution[reference:11]. According to Windows Report, a quick restart will resolve issues because it’s mostly a configuration problem or system issue when Vanguard has not been initialized[reference:12].

Step 1: Close Valorant and the Riot Client completely
    - Right-click the Riot Client icon in the system tray
    - Select "Exit"

Step 2: Restart your computer
    - Click Start → Power → Restart
    - Do not use Shut Down — Restart clears more system states

Step 3: After restarting, open the Riot Client

Step 4: Launch Valorant and check if the error is resolved

Step 5: If the error persists, try restarting the Riot Client alone:
    - Close Riot Client from the system tray
    - Reopen it and try again

According to GameRevolution, you can fix error code 57 by restarting the game client or restarting your computer — whatever it takes to make sure Vanguard is up and running[reference:13].

Outcome: Vanguard is reinitialized with a fresh system state, resolving temporary conflicts.

3. Restart the Vanguard Service (VGC) Manually

If restarting your PC doesn’t work, manually restarting the Vanguard service is the next step. According to Xunyou, Vanguard’s core service “vgc” failing to start properly is the most direct cause of the val57 error[reference:14].

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog

Step 2: Type "services.msc" and press Enter

Step 3: In the Services window, scroll down to find "vgc" (Vanguard Service)

Step 4: Check the service status:
    - If it says "Stopped," right-click and select "Start"
    - If it says "Running," right-click and select "Restart"

Step 5: Wait for the service status to change to "Running"

Step 6: Close the Services window

Step 7: Launch Valorant and check if the error is resolved

According to Xunyou, after restarting the Vanguard service, relaunch Valorant to see if the problem is resolved[reference:15]. According to The Windows Club, you can also enable the VGC service in System Configuration (msconfig)[reference:16].

If the service fails to start, you may need to reinstall Vanguard (see Method 4).

Outcome: The Vanguard service is manually restarted, resolving service-related initialization issues.

4. Run Valorant as Administrator

Running Valorant with administrator privileges can resolve permission-related Valorant Code 57 error issues. According to Windows Report, running Valorant as an administrator is a recommended fix[reference:17].

Step 1: Locate the Valorant shortcut on your desktop or Start menu

Step 2: Right-click on the Valorant shortcut

Step 3: Select "Run as administrator"

Step 4: If prompted by User Account Control, click "Yes"

Step 5: Check if the error is resolved

Step 6: To set Valorant to always run as administrator:
    - Right-click the Valorant shortcut → Properties
    - Go to the "Compatibility" tab
    - Check "Run this program as an administrator"
    - Click "Apply" and "OK"

According to Kopazar, running Valorant as an administrator is one of the recommended solutions for error code 57[reference:18].

Outcome: Valorant has the necessary permissions to initialize Vanguard properly.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall Riot Vanguard

A corrupted Vanguard installation is a common cause of Valorant Code 57 error. According to The Windows Club, uninstalling and reinstalling Riot Vanguard is a key solution[reference:19]. According to Riot Games support, if restarting doesn’t work, uninstall Riot Vanguard and the game[reference:20].

Step 1: Close Valorant and the Riot Client completely

Step 2: Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps

Step 3: Find "Riot Vanguard" in the list

Step 4: Click the three dots (⋮) and select "Uninstall"

Step 5: Follow the uninstallation prompts

Step 6: Restart your computer (important!)

Step 7: Open the Riot Client and launch Valorant

Step 8: The Riot Client will automatically detect that Vanguard is missing and download a fresh copy

Step 9: Follow the installation prompts

Step 10: Restart your PC when prompted

Step 11: Launch Valorant and check if the error is resolved

According to Xunyou, you can uninstall Vanguard from Control Panel → Programs and Features, then restart your PC and reopen Valorant — the system will automatically reinstall Vanguard[reference:21].

Outcome: A fresh Vanguard installation eliminates corruption-related initialization errors.

6. Update Graphics and System Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can trigger Valorant Code 57 error. According to The Windows Club, the error prompt itself suggests updating your drivers[reference:22]. According to Windows Report, updating your graphic drivers is a recommended fix[reference:23].

Step 1: Update your GPU driver:
    - NVIDIA: Open GeForce Experience → Drivers → Download
    - AMD: Open Adrenalin → Updates → Check for updates
    - Intel: Visit Intel's driver support website

Step 2: Update other system drivers:
    - Open Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager)
    - Expand each category and check for driver updates
    - Pay special attention to chipset and network drivers

Step 3: Check for Windows updates:
    - Open Settings → Windows Update
    - Click "Check for updates"
    - Install all available updates

Step 4: Install Optional Updates:
    - In Windows Update, click "Advanced options"
    - Click "Optional updates"
    - Install any driver updates listed

Step 5: Restart your PC after all updates

According to Kopazar, updating your graphics card driver is a key solution for error code 57[reference:24].

Outcome: All system drivers are updated to versions compatible with Vanguard.

7. Disable Conflicting Software and Firewall

Third-party software can interfere with Vanguard and cause Valorant Code 57 error. According to Xunyou, certain software or firewall settings may conflict with Valorant, triggering the error[reference:25]. According to Windows Report, disabling your antivirus temporarily can resolve the issue[reference:26].

Step 1: Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software:
    - Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray
    - Select "Disable" or "Pause protection"
    - Choose a short duration (e.g., 15 minutes)

Step 2: Check Windows Defender Firewall:
    - Open Windows Security → Firewall & network protection
    - Click "Allow an app through firewall"
    - Ensure Valorant and Riot Client are checked
    - If not, click "Change settings" and add them

Step 3: Close unnecessary background programs:
    - RGB control software (Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE)
    - Overlay software (Discord Overlay, NVIDIA Overlay)
    - VPN or proxy software
    - Recording/streaming software

Step 4: Launch Valorant and check if the error is resolved

Step 5: If the error is resolved, re-enable your antivirus and add Valorant as an exception

According to Xunyou, you can close software that may conflict with the game, such as antivirus software, and check firewall settings to ensure they are not blocking the game's normal operation[reference:27].

Outcome: Conflicting software is identified and removed, allowing Vanguard to initialize properly.

8. Turn Off Memory Integrity (Core Isolation)

Windows 11’s Memory Integrity feature can conflict with Vanguard’s kernel-level operations. According to Xunyou, Windows’ built-in “Memory Integrity” (Core Isolation) feature and some third-party security software may conflict with Vanguard’s kernel-level driver, preventing it from loading properly. This is a common cause of the val57 error for Windows 11 users[reference:28].

Step 1: Open Windows Security
    - Press Windows + I → Privacy & Security → Windows Security
    - Click "Open Windows Security"

Step 2: Click "Device security" in the left pane

Step 3: Under "Core isolation," click "Core isolation details"

Step 4: Find the "Memory Integrity" toggle switch

Step 5: Toggle Memory Integrity to Off

Step 6: Click "Yes" when prompted by User Account Control

Step 7: Restart your computer

Step 8: Launch Valorant and check if the error is resolved

Warning: According to Xunyou, you can open Windows Security Center, go to Device Security → Core Isolation Details, and turn off the Memory Integrity switch. If the game starts normally, you can later adjust your security software settings[reference:29].

Outcome: Memory Integrity is disabled, removing a common kernel-level conflict with Vanguard.

9. Repair Game Files via Riot Client

Corrupted game files can cause Valorant Code 57 error. According to Xunyou, updating and repairing the game is a recommended solution[reference:30].

Step 1: Open the Riot Client

Step 2: Click on the Valorant icon

Step 3: Click the Settings gear icon (next to the Play button)

Step 4: Select "Repair" from the dropdown menu

Step 5: Wait for the repair process to complete (may take several minutes)

Step 6: After the repair is complete, restart the Riot Client

Step 7: Launch Valorant and check if the error is resolved

Step 8: If the Repair option is not available:
    - Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features
    - Find Riot Vanguard and uninstall it
    - Restart your PC
    - Launch Valorant to automatically reinstall Vanguard

According to Xunyou, if there is no repair option, you can find Vanguard in Control Panel → Programs and Features, select uninstall, restart your computer, and then reopen Valorant — the system will automatically reinstall Vanguard[reference:31].

Outcome: Corrupted game files are repaired, restoring Vanguard functionality.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Valorant error code 57?

According to GameRevolution, Valorant error code 57 appears when the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system has not been initialized[reference:32]. According to GameBoost, when you see Error Code 57, it means the game’s anti-cheat system (Vanguard) is not working properly[reference:33]. Common causes include the VGC service not running, corrupted Vanguard installation, driver conflicts, antivirus interference, and Windows Memory Integrity conflicts.

How do I fix Valorant error code 57?

Start by restarting your PC and the Riot Client. If that doesn’t work, manually restart the VGC service (vgc) in Services.msc, run Valorant as administrator, or uninstall and reinstall Riot Vanguard. According to The Windows Club, uninstalling and reinstalling Riot Vanguard is a key solution[reference:34].

What is the VGC service in Valorant?

VGC (Vanguard Service) is the core service of Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat system. According to Xunyou, Vanguard is the kernel-level anti-cheat system that Valorant forces to run, and its core service “vgc” failing to start properly triggers the val57 error[reference:35].

Does Windows 11 cause Valorant error code 57?

Yes. According to Xunyou, Windows 11’s “Memory Integrity” (Core Isolation) feature can conflict with Vanguard’s kernel-level driver, preventing it from loading properly[reference:36]. Disabling Memory Integrity often resolves the issue.

How do I reinstall Riot Vanguard?

Uninstall Riot Vanguard from Settings → Apps → Installed apps, restart your PC, then launch Valorant. The Riot Client will automatically download and install a fresh copy of Vanguard. According to Riot Games support, if restarting doesn’t work, uninstall Riot Vanguard and the game[reference:37].

Can antivirus cause Valorant error code 57?

Yes. According to Xunyou, certain software or firewall settings may conflict with Valorant, triggering the error[reference:38]. According to Windows Report, disabling your antivirus temporarily can resolve the issue[reference:39].

How do I run Valorant as administrator?

Right-click the Valorant shortcut and select “Run as administrator.” You can also set it to always run as administrator by going to Properties → Compatibility → Check “Run this program as an administrator.”

What is the full error message for Valorant code 57?

According to The Windows Club, the full error message is: “RIOT VANGUARD VANGUARD NOT INITIALIZED Vanguard Anti-Cheat has not been initialized. If this is your first time playing you will need to reboot your computer to continue. If you see this message frequently you may need to update your drivers. Error Details: Error Code: 57″[reference:40].

Is Valorant error code 57 a server-side issue?

According to Windows Report, if the issue is not on your side, it could be a server error and you may have to wait it out[reference:41]. However, in most cases, error code 57 is a local system issue related to Vanguard initialization.

Where can I find more Valorant troubleshooting guides?

Explore our Gaming Errors Hub, Vanguard Blocking Driver, and guides on fixing high ping and packet loss optimization.

11. Conclusion

Valorant Code 57 error can be frustrating, but most cases are fixable with systematic troubleshooting. This guide has covered 8 proven methods: restarting your PC and Riot Client, manually restarting the VGC service, running Valorant as administrator, uninstalling and reinstalling Riot Vanguard, updating graphics and system drivers, disabling conflicting software and firewall, turning off Memory Integrity (Core Isolation), and repairing game files via the Riot Client. According to GameRevolution, you can fix error code 57 by restarting the game client or restarting your computer[reference:42]. According to The Windows Club, uninstalling and reinstalling Riot Vanguard is a key solution for persistent errors[reference:43].

Start with the simplest fix — restarting your PC — and escalate to more advanced solutions only if needed. For ongoing gaming troubleshooting, explore our Gaming Errors Hub, Vanguard Blocking Driver, and guides on fixing high ping, packet loss optimization, and network performance optimization.

With the right approach from this Valorant Code 57 error guide, you can get back to gaming without Vanguard initialization issues.