Vanguard Blocking Driver – Complete Guide (2026)

Vanguard blocking driver errors are among the most frustrating issues for Valorant and League of Legends players. You launch your game, and instead of jumping into a match, you are greeted with an error message stating that Vanguard has detected incompatible software or blocked a driver. According to Riot Games support documentation, Vanguard blocks drivers or software that do not meet its security requirements to protect the integrity of the game environment[reference:0]. This Vanguard blocking driver guide covers 8 proven methods to diagnose and fix these errors, from simple restarts to advanced system configurations.

When you search for Vanguard blocking driver solutions, you are likely dealing with an error that prevents your game from launching. According to Position Is Everything, the Vanguard “Detected Incompatible Software” error appears when Riot’s anti-cheat driver blocks a Windows 11 component or third-party tool it considers unsafe[reference:1]. Windows 11 enforces stricter driver signing and memory integrity rules, which can now conflict with Vanguard’s expectations[reference:2]. This Vanguard blocking driver guide provides step-by-step instructions for every possible scenario.

1. Understanding Vanguard Driver Blocking

Vanguard is Riot Games’ kernel-level anti-cheat system that runs at the highest level of your operating system. According to Riot Games support, Vanguard blocks drivers or software that do not meet its security requirements to protect the integrity of the game environment[reference:3]. When Vanguard blocks a driver, it typically displays the file path of the problematic driver (e.g., C:\Windows\System32\drivers\xxx.sys)[reference:4].

Common causes of Vanguard blocking driver errors include:

• Incompatible OEM drivers: According to Riot Games, if a driver does not support DMAr (Direct Memory Access protection), Vanguard cannot guarantee system integrity and will block the game[reference:5]. This is particularly common with third-party NVMe or SATA AHCI controller drivers[reference:6].
• Outdated or corrupted drivers: GPU, audio, or network drivers that are outdated or corrupted can trigger Vanguard blocks[reference:7].
• Conflicting third-party software: RGB control software (Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE), overlays (Discord Overlay, NVIDIA Overlay), and some antivirus programs can conflict with Vanguard[reference:8].
• Windows 11 security features: Memory Integrity (Core Isolation) and Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) can interfere with Vanguard’s kernel-level operations[reference:9][reference:10].
• Disabled TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot: Vanguard requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled on modern systems[reference:11][reference:12].

According to Riot Games, error codes like VAN 9005 appear when your system does not meet the security requirements necessary for Vanguard to function[reference:13].

2. Restart Your PC and the Vanguard Service

The simplest fix for a Vanguard blocking driver error is a full system restart combined with restarting the Vanguard service. According to Digital Citizen, common fixes include restarting the Vanguard service and reinstalling Vanguard[reference:14].

Step 1: Restart your computer completely (not shut down, but restart)

Step 2: After restarting, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)

Step 3: Go to the "Services" tab

Step 4: Find "vgc" (Vanguard Service) in the list

Step 5: Right-click "vgc" and select "Restart"

Step 6: If you cannot find "vgc," click "Open Services" at the bottom

Step 7: In Services, find "vgc" and click "Restart the service"

Step 8: Launch Valorant or League of Legends and check if the error is resolved

According to Microsoft Q&A, restarting the Vanguard service and then restarting (not shutting down) your PC can resolve stability issues[reference:15].

If the service fails to start, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Vanguard (see Method 5).

Outcome: The Vanguard service is refreshed, potentially resolving temporary driver conflicts.

3. Update Your Drivers (GPU, Audio, Network)

Outdated drivers are a common cause of Vanguard blocking driver errors. According to Digital Citizen, outdated drivers can cause Vanguard errors[reference:16].

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 your chipset drivers:
    - Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website
    - Download the latest chipset drivers for your model

Step 3: Update your audio and network drivers:
    - Open Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager)
    - Expand "Sound, video and game controllers"
    - Right-click your audio device → Update driver → Search automatically
    - Repeat for "Network adapters"

Step 4: For storage drivers (especially NVMe), check for updates from your drive manufacturer

Step 5: Restart your PC after all updates

According to Position Is Everything, Windows 11 enforces stricter driver signing rules, which can cause conflicts with outdated drivers[reference:17].

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

4. Rename or Remove the Blocked Driver File

When Vanguard blocks a specific driver, the error message typically shows the file path. According to Gamer.org, renaming problematic driver files is a quick fix for Vanguard errors[reference:18].

Step 1: Note the file path shown in the Vanguard error message
    Example: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\problematic.sys

Step 2: Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the file

Step 3: Right-click the file and select "Rename"

Step 4: Add ".old" to the end of the filename
    Example: problematic.sys → problematic.sys.old

Step 5: If you cannot rename the file (access denied), restart in Safe Mode:
    - Hold Shift while clicking Restart
    - Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart
    - Press 4 for Safe Mode
    - Rename the file in Safe Mode

Step 6: Restart your PC normally and launch the game

Warning: According to Gamer.org, only rename files you are certain are not essential system files[reference:19].

Outcome: The problematic driver is bypassed, allowing Vanguard to launch the game.

5. Uninstall Conflicting Software (RGB, Overlay, Antivirus)

Third-party software that runs at the kernel level can conflict with Vanguard. According to Gamer.org, uninstalling RGB software like Razer Synapse or Corsair iCUE can resolve Vanguard errors[reference:20].

Step 1: Identify potential conflicting software:
    - RGB control: Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, Logitech G Hub, ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light
    - Overlays: Discord Overlay, NVIDIA Overlay, MSI Afterburner (RivaTuner)
    - Antivirus: Third-party antivirus with real-time protection
    - Virtualization: VMware, VirtualBox (if running)
    - Performance tools: Process Explorer, Process Monitor

Step 2: Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps

Step 3: Uninstall each conflicting application one by one

Step 4: Restart your PC after each uninstallation

Step 5: Launch the game to test if the error is resolved

Step 6: If the error is resolved, you can reinstall the software one at a time to identify the specific culprit

According to Riot Games support, Vanguard refuses to coexist with programs capable of injecting code into system processes[reference:21].

Outcome: Conflicting software is removed, allowing Vanguard to function properly.

6. Reinstall Riot Vanguard Cleanly

A corrupted or outdated Vanguard installation is a common cause of Vanguard blocking driver errors. According to Digital Citizen, if Vanguard is corrupted or stuck on an old version, reinstalling it is often the fastest fix[reference:22].

Step 1: Close all Riot Games (Valorant, League of Legends)

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 PC (important!)

Step 7: Launch Valorant or League of Legends

Step 8: The Riot Client will automatically download and install a fresh copy of Vanguard

Step 9: Restart your PC again when prompted

Step 10: Launch the game and check if the error is resolved

According to Microsoft Q&A, performing a clean reinstall of Vanguard ensures that no corrupted temporary files or driver cache from previous builds are persisting[reference:23].

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

7. Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS

Vanguard requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled on modern systems. According to Riot Games support, error codes like VAN 9005 appear when your system does not meet these security requirements[reference:24].

Step 1: Restart your computer

Step 2: During startup, press the BIOS/UEFI key (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc)

Step 3: Navigate to the Security or Boot section

Step 4: Enable TPM 2.0:
    - Intel: Find "Intel Platform Trust Technology" (PTT) and set to Enabled
    - AMD: Find "AMD fTPM" and set to Enabled

Step 5: Enable Secure Boot:
    - Find "Secure Boot" and set to Enabled
    - Ensure "UEFI Mode" is selected (not Legacy/CSM)

Step 6: Save changes and exit BIOS (usually F10)

Step 7: Your computer will restart

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

According to Riot Games, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are essential security requirements for Vanguard[reference:25].

Outcome: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled, meeting Vanguard’s security requirements.

8. Disable Memory Integrity and VBS (If Necessary)

Windows 11’s Memory Integrity feature (part of Core Isolation) can conflict with Vanguard’s kernel-level operations. According to Appuals, turning off Memory Integrity can eliminate conflicts and allow Vanguard to run normally[reference:26].

Step 1: Open Windows Security
    - Press Windows + I → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → 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: If the error persists, disable VBS entirely:
    - Open Command Prompt as Administrator
    - Run: bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off
    - Restart your PC

Warning: According to Appuals, disabling these features reduces your system's security[reference:27].

Outcome: Memory Integrity and VBS are disabled, removing kernel-level conflicts with Vanguard.

9. Use Vanguard On-Demand Mode (Windows 11 25H2+)

Riot Games introduced Vanguard On-Demand in 2026, a new mode that loads the Vanguard driver only when a Riot game launches. According to TweakTown, this update stops the Vanguard driver from loading at Windows startup[reference:28].

Step 1: Ensure you are running Windows 11 25H2 or later

Step 2: Meet the security checklist:
    - UEFI Mode enabled
    - Secure Boot enabled
    - TPM 2.0 enabled
    - Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) enabled
    - Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) enabled
    - IOMMU support enabled

Step 3: Open the Riot Client

Step 4: Go to Settings → Vanguard

Step 5: Enable "Vanguard On-Demand" or "Vanguard Pre-Check" mode

Step 6: The Vanguard driver will now load only when you launch a Riot game

According to TweakTown, Vanguard On-Demand is made possible by a Windows 11 25H2 feature that records driver activity even while Vanguard is dormant[reference:29].

Outcome: Vanguard runs only when needed, reducing the chance of driver conflicts.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Vanguard blocking a driver on my PC?

According to Riot Games support, Vanguard blocks drivers that do not meet its security requirements, such as drivers that do not support DMAr protection[reference:30]. This is to ensure the integrity of the game environment and prevent cheating.

How do I fix “Vanguard Detected Incompatible Software”?

According to Position Is Everything, this error appears when Vanguard blocks a Windows component or third-party tool[reference:31]. Start by restarting the Vanguard service, updating your drivers, and uninstalling conflicting software like RGB control apps.

What is the Vanguard “VAN 9005” error?

According to Riot Games, VAN 9005 occurs when your system does not meet Vanguard’s security requirements, such as having TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot disabled[reference:32].

Does Vanguard conflict with Windows 11 security features?

Yes. According to Appuals, Windows 11’s Memory Integrity feature can cause conflicts with Vanguard’s kernel-level operations[reference:33]. Disabling Memory Integrity may resolve these conflicts.

How do I reinstall Riot Vanguard?

Uninstall Riot Vanguard from Settings → Apps → Installed apps, restart your PC, then launch Valorant or League of Legends. The Riot Client will automatically download and install a fresh copy of Vanguard.

What is Vanguard On-Demand?

According to TweakTown, Vanguard On-Demand is a 2026 update that stops the Vanguard driver from loading at Windows startup and loads it only when a Riot game is launched[reference:34]. It requires Windows 11 25H2 or later.

Can RGB software cause Vanguard to block drivers?

Yes. According to Gamer.org, RGB control software like Razer Synapse and Corsair iCUE can conflict with Vanguard and cause driver blocking errors[reference:35].

How do I enable TPM 2.0 for Vanguard?

Restart your PC, enter BIOS/UEFI, find “Intel Platform Trust Technology” (Intel) or “AMD fTPM” (AMD), set it to Enabled, save changes, and restart.

Why does Vanguard block my GPU driver?

According to Position Is Everything, Windows 11 enforces stricter driver signing rules[reference:36]. An outdated or unsigned GPU driver may be blocked by Vanguard. Update your GPU driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Where can I find more gaming troubleshooting guides?

Explore our Gaming Errors Hub, Battle Net Slow Download, and guides on fixing high ping and packet loss optimization.

11. Conclusion

Vanguard blocking driver errors can be frustrating, but most cases are fixable with systematic troubleshooting. This guide has covered 8 proven methods: restarting your PC and the Vanguard service, updating drivers, renaming blocked driver files, uninstalling conflicting software, reinstalling Vanguard cleanly, enabling TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, disabling Memory Integrity and VBS, and using Vanguard On-Demand mode. According to Riot Games support, Vanguard blocks drivers that do not meet its security requirements to protect game integrity[reference:37]. According to Position Is Everything, Windows 11’s stricter security features can now conflict with Vanguard’s expectations[reference:38].

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

With the right approach from this Vanguard blocking driver guide, you can get back to gaming without driver conflicts.