Valorant Van Error Codes: Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Valorant van error codes are among the most common and frustrating issues players face when launching Riot Games’ popular tactical shooter. When you click Play and encounter a VAN error, it means Vanguard—the kernel-level anti-cheat system—has detected a problem and is blocking your access to the game. Understanding valorant van error codes is essential for any player who wants to quickly resolve these issues and get back into the action. According to Riot Games Support, errors containing “VAN” are related to Vanguard, the anti-cheat system that runs at the kernel level to protect the game. This comprehensive guide covers the most common valorant van error codes, their meanings, and proven fixes for each one.

Whether you are dealing with VAN 1067, VAN 152, VAN 9003, VAN 128, VAN 81, VAN 6, or other valorant van error codes, this guide provides step-by-step solutions. According to Riot Games, most valorant van error codes can be resolved by restarting your PC, checking the VGC service, or enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. For persistent valorant van error codes, reinstalling Vanguard often works. Let’s dive into each specific valorant van error code and its fix.

1. What Are Valorant Van Error Codes

Valorant van error codes are generated by Vanguard, Riot Games’ kernel-level anti-cheat system. Vanguard runs as a Windows service called vgc (Vanguard Service) and starts automatically when you boot your PC. If Vanguard detects any security violations, corrupted files, or system incompatibilities, it blocks access to Valorant and displays a valorant van error code. According to the Riot Games Vanguard Error Codes page, valorant van error codes can be caused by a wide range of issues including corrupted Vanguard or game files, Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 being disabled, network connectivity problems, firewall or antivirus interference, outdated graphics drivers, or hardware bans (HWID bans). Understanding the specific valorant van error code you are seeing helps you apply the right fix. According to Offstage, most valorant van error codes are resolved by restarting your computer, checking your internet connection, or reinstalling Riot Vanguard.

2. VAN 1067 – TPM and Secure Boot Error

VAN 1067 is one of the most common valorant van error codes, particularly for Windows 11 users. This valorant van error code occurs when TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) or Secure Boot is disabled on your system. According to Dot Esports, VAN 1067 often appears after Windows 11 updates because TPM 2.0 can get switched off during the update process. The valorant van error code can also be caused by system region and language settings mismatches that prevent Vanguard certificate validation.

Fix for VAN 1067:

1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS (press F2, F10, Del, or Esc during startup)
2. Find TPM settings (may be under Security, Trusted Computing, or Advanced)
3. Enable TPM 2.0
4. Find Secure Boot settings (usually under Boot or Security)
5. Enable Secure Boot
6. Save changes and exit BIOS
7. Check for Windows updates and install any pending updates

According to Windows Report, if the valorant van error code persists after enabling TPM and Secure Boot, you may need to disable third-party applications like Discord temporarily to isolate conflicts. Some users also report success by using the Riot Client’s repair tool to fix corrupted game files. This valorant van error code fix is effective for most Windows 11 users.

Outcome: Enabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot resolves the VAN 1067 valorant van error code.

3. VAN 152 – Hardware Ban (HWID Ban)

VAN 152 is one of the most serious valorant van error codes. According to multiple sources, this valorant van error code indicates a hardware ban (HWID ban). Riot Games issues hardware bans to players who have violated the Terms of Service, and this valorant van error code prevents the game from launching on that specific hardware. According to The Spike, in most cases, players cannot fix this valorant van error code with normal troubleshooting. Reinstalling Valorant, removing Riot Client files, or deleting an account does not remove an HWID ban.

Fix for VAN 152:

1. Visit the Riot Games Support page
2. Select "Riot Vanguard Issue or VAN Error Message" as the request type
3. Complete the form explaining your situation
4. Wait for a response from the support team

According to Esports.net, if you receive a VAN 152 valorant van error code, you should head over to the Valorant Support page and submit a ticket. The support team will investigate and may lift the ban if it was issued in error. This is the only way to resolve this particular valorant van error code.

Outcome: Contacting Riot Support is the only way to resolve a VAN 152 hardware ban.

4. VAN 9003 – Secure Boot / TPM 2.0 Disabled

VAN 9003 is another common valorant van error code that indicates Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 is not enabled on your system. According to Riot Games Support, this valorant van error code appears when Secure Boot is not enabled, which is a requirement for Vanguard to function properly. In Turkish support documentation, this valorant van error code indicates that TPM 2.0 is not active on the system. According to Inven Global, enabling Secure Boot is the best fix for the VAN 9003 valorant van error code.

Fix for VAN 9003:

1. Restart your computer
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings (F2, F10, Del, or Esc during startup)
3. Navigate to Security or Boot settings
4. Enable Secure Boot (may require disabling CSM/Legacy Boot first)
5. Enable TPM 2.0 (may be under Security, Trusted Computing, or Advanced)
6. Save changes and exit BIOS
7. Boot into Windows and verify Secure Boot is enabled

To verify Secure Boot is enabled in Windows:

Press Win + R → Type "msinfo32" → Enter → System Summary → Check "Secure Boot State"

According to Microsoft Q&A, enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 usually does not require a fresh installation of Windows. For detailed instructions specific to your PC manufacturer, Riot Games has a dedicated Secure Boot Guide and a TPM 2.0 Guide.

Outcome: Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 resolves the VAN 9003 valorant van error code.

5. VAN 128 – Kernel Driver Failure

VAN 128 is a valorant van error code that indicates a kernel driver failure with Vanguard. According to Hotspawn, this is another connection issue that requires restarting your PC and, in some cases, reinstalling both Vanguard and Valorant. According to Riot Games Support, this valorant van error code can be caused by an issue with Windows’ debugging default settings.

Fix for VAN 128:

1. Restart your PC and the Riot Client
2. If the error persists, disable Windows Debug Memory Dump:
   a. Press Win + R → Type "sysdm.cpl" → Enter
   b. Go to the Advanced tab → Startup and Recovery → Settings
   c. Change "Write debugging information" to (None)
   d. Click OK and restart your PC
3. If still unresolved, uninstall both Vanguard and Valorant and perform a fresh reinstall

According to Bilibili, if the valorant van error code persists after restarting, you should uninstall Riot Vanguard and Valorant, then reinstall both. This valorant van error code fix addresses corrupted driver files.

Outcome: Restarting your PC and disabling debug memory dump resolves the VAN 128 valorant van error code.

6. VAN 81 – VGC Service Not Running

VAN 81 is a valorant van error code that occurs when the VGC (Vanguard) service fails to start. According to Dot Esports, if restarts aren’t working, you’ll have to reinstall the Valorant game and the Vanguard anti-cheat program. According to a Chinese gaming guide, the VGC service must be set to start automatically with Windows. If the service is not running, the VAN-81 valorant van error code appears.

Fix for VAN 81:

1. Press Win + R → Type "services.msc" → Enter
2. Find "VGC" (Vanguard Service) in the list
3. Right-click → Properties
4. Set Startup type to "Automatic"
5. Click Start to run the service if it is stopped
6. Click Apply → OK
7. Restart your computer

According to Cyclonis, another common cause of VAN 81 is firewall or antivirus software blocking Vanguard. Ensure Riot Vanguard is whitelisted in your firewall and antivirus settings. You can also use the Riot Client’s repair tool (click the gear icon next to Valorant → Repair) to fix corrupted game files. This valorant van error code fix resolves most service-related issues.

Outcome: Starting the VGC service and whitelisting Vanguard in your firewall resolves the VAN 81 valorant van error code.

7. VAN 6 – Connection Error

VAN 6 is a valorant van error code that indicates a connection error. According to Fragster, this valorant van error code can result from corrupted Vanguard files or network problems. According to Valobuff, this valorant van error code usually points to network connection problems, either with Riot’s servers being down or from issues on your end like local network outages or blocked ports. The quickest fix is to shut down both Valorant and the Riot Client, then reopen them to force a new connection.

Fix for VAN 6:

1. Restart Valorant and the Riot Client
2. Restart your router and modem
3. Restart your computer
4. Flush DNS cache:
   a. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   b. Type "ipconfig /flushdns" and press Enter
5. Check for Windows updates
6. Disable IPv6 (Network Settings → Properties → Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6)

According to Esports.net, if the valorant van error code persists, uninstall Riot Vanguard and Valorant, then do a fresh reinstallation of both. Flushing DNS settings is another easy way to get rid of the connection error. This valorant van error code fix addresses network-related issues.

Outcome: Restarting your network devices and flushing DNS resolves the VAN 6 valorant van error code.

8. VAN RESTRICTION 3 – Wrong Drive Installation

VAN: RESTRICTION: 3 is a valorant van error code that occurs when Vanguard detects that the game is installed on a drive that does not meet its security requirements. According to Riot Games Support, this valorant van error code commonly occurs when the game is installed on an external USB drive, a secondary internal drive, or when Windows is installed on one drive but the game is on another. Vanguard must validate the game from the same internal disk that Windows is installed on.

Fix for VAN RESTRICTION 3:

1. Open File Explorer and click This PC
2. Locate the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:\)
3. Confirm by checking which drive contains the Windows folder
4. Uninstall Valorant from the current drive
5. Reinstall Valorant on the same internal drive as your Windows installation

According to Riot Games Support, if you’re unsure how to proceed with the game uninstallation or reinstallation, they have a dedicated guide to help. This valorant van error code fix is straightforward but essential.

Outcome: Installing Valorant on the same drive as Windows resolves the VAN: RESTRICTION: 3 valorant van error code.

9. General Vanguard Fixes

If your valorant van error code is not specifically listed above, or if you are experiencing other Vanguard-related issues, the following general fixes from Riot Games Support can resolve most valorant van error codes.

Clear Cache (AppData\Local):

1. Open C:\Users\<Your Name>\AppData\Local
2. Delete the Valorant game folder
3. Go to the Riot Games folder
4. Delete any game folders

Perform a Clean Boot: According to Riot Games Support, cleaning up background processes ensures other programs are not competing for resources. Follow their clean boot guide.

Add Firewall Exceptions: According to Riot Games Support, you need to add exceptions for the game and the Riot Client in your firewall. If you use third-party antivirus, temporarily disable it to see if the problem persists.

Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can cause valorant van error codes. Follow the graphics driver update guide.

Reinstall the Game and Vanguard: According to Riot Games Support, if the above steps don’t help, you should reinstall the game and Vanguard. This often resolves persistent valorant van error codes.

Outcome: General Vanguard fixes resolve most valorant van error codes.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

What are Valorant Van error codes?

Valorant van error codes are generated by Riot Games’ Vanguard anti-cheat system. They indicate issues with the anti-cheat software, system security settings, network connectivity, or hardware compatibility.

What does VAN 1067 mean in Valorant?

VAN 1067 is a valorant van error code that indicates TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is disabled on your system. Enable these in BIOS to fix the valorant van error code.

Is VAN 152 a hardware ban?

Yes, VAN 152 is a valorant van error code that indicates a hardware ban (HWID ban). You will need to contact Riot Games Support to resolve this valorant van error code.

How do I fix VAN 9003 in Valorant?

VAN 9003 is a valorant van error code that means Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 is disabled. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings and enable both features to fix this valorant van error code.

What causes VAN 81 in Valorant?

VAN 81 is a valorant van error code that occurs when the VGC (Vanguard) service fails to start. Set VGC to Automatic in services.msc and start the service to fix this valorant van error code.

How do I fix VAN 6 connection error?

Restart Valorant and the Riot Client, restart your router, flush DNS with ipconfig /flushdns, and check for Windows updates to fix this valorant van error code.

What is VAN RESTRICTION 3?

This valorant van error code occurs when Valorant is installed on a drive that is not the same as your Windows installation. Reinstall Valorant on the same drive as Windows to fix this valorant van error code.

How do I reinstall Riot Vanguard?

Open Control Panel → Programs and Features → Uninstall Riot Vanguard. Then launch Valorant — it will automatically reinstall Vanguard and resolve many valorant van error codes.

Can a firewall cause Van errors?

Yes, firewalls and antivirus software can block Vanguard and cause valorant van error codes. Add Vanguard and Valorant to your firewall exceptions list.

Where can I find more help for Van errors?

Visit the Riot Games Support page to submit a ticket for personalized assistance with valorant van error codes.

11. Conclusion

Valorant van error codes can be frustrating, but most are fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. From enabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to restarting the VGC service and reinstalling Vanguard, this guide covers all major valorant van error codes and their solutions. According to Offstage, most valorant van error codes are resolved by restarting your computer, checking your internet connection, or reinstalling Riot Vanguard. For more gaming troubleshooting, explore our Gaming Errors Hub and guides on how to fix high ping, network performance optimization, and WiFi keeps disconnecting. With the right approach, you can overcome any valorant van error codes challenge and get back to the game.

For more gaming troubleshooting, explore our Gaming Errors Hub and guides on Steam download stuck error, how to update drivers, and how to add firewall exception. With the right approach, you can resolve any valorant van error codes issue and keep your system running optimally.