How to Fix Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 Errors in Valorant on Windows 11

For gamers invested in competitive titles like Valorant, running into obscure system errors can be the ultimate frustration—especially when those errors are tied not to game performance, but to system-level security features like Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Since the introduction of Windows 11, Riot Games’ Vanguard anti-cheat system has required both Secure Boot and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 to be enabled for optimal security. While these requirements serve an essential function—protecting both the game and the system from sophisticated threats—they have also become a source of frequent headaches for Windows 11 users everywhere.

What Is Secure Boot, and Why Does Valorant Require It?​

At its core, Secure Boot is a security standard developed by the PC industry to ensure your PC boots only with software trusted by manufacturers. It leverages the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)—the modern replacement for the aging BIOS system—to validate the authenticity of each boot component through digital signatures. If any bootloader or driver is tampered with or unsigned, Secure Boot blocks it from loading, thereby foiling many types of rootkits and bootkits that attempt to hijack a system in its earliest startup sequence.
Why does Valorant care? Riot’s Vanguard driver loads at boot-level, before Windows itself, to prevent kernel-level cheats. If Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 is missing or turned off, Vanguard refuses to launch, resulting in cryptic “VAN9001”, “VAN9003”, or “VAN: RESTRICTION” errors—the digital equivalent of a bouncer denying you entry. These requirements allow Riot to verify the integrity of your system and offer the same level of defense intended by Windows 11’s own security model.

The Upside: Benefits of Secure Boot and TPM 2.0​

Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 on your Windows 11 PC provides several tangible benefits:

• Malware and Rootkit Protection: By validating each component before Windows loads, Secure Boot blocks the loading of malicious bootloaders and rootkits—malware designed to evade conventional anti-virus by loading first.
• Enhanced Encryption: TPM 2.0 makes more advanced encryption features (like BitLocker and Windows Hello) possible and harder to bypass, providing protection for your credentials and system data.
• System Integrity: Both features contribute to a higher overall trustworthiness of your operating system and any overlapping software, such as anti-cheat drivers in games.

The Downside: Compatibility and Usability Concerns​

Nothing in tech is without trade-offs. Secure Boot, while vital for protecting systems, can cause compatibility snags—especially for those running older hardware, customized drivers, or dual-boot (Windows/Linux) configurations:

• Grayed Out Options: On some motherboards, Secure Boot settings may be “locked” or grayed out if an admin password isn’t set, or if the system isn’t configured to UEFI mode.
• Legacy Drivers and Recovery: Some drivers or utility disks, especially those written for legacy systems, simply won’t work with Secure Boot enabled. Similarly, Secure Boot can sometimes block certain bootable recovery tools.
• Dual-Boot Challenges: Users running Linux alongside Windows might have to jump through additional hoops, as many Linux distributions now support Secure Boot, but custom kernels or modules may still get blocked.
• Firmware Variability: Different manufacturers use varying names for TPM (PTT for Intel, fTPM for AMD) and Secure Boot options in BIOS/UEFI menus, confusing less experienced users.

Step-by-Step: Fixing Valorant Secure Boot Errors​

If Valorant (or more specifically, Vanguard) refuses to play ball and complains that Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 isn’t enabled, you need to tackle the problem at firmware level. Here’s a best-practice walkthrough, cross-checked with Microsoft and leading tech community wisdom:

1. Enter Your BIOS/UEFI Firmware​

• Reboot your PC and hit the manufacturer’s UEFI entry key during startup (often F2, Del, F10, or ESC).
• Look for a “Boot”, “Security”, or “Advanced” tab.

2. Switch to UEFI Mode (if not already set)​

• Secure Boot is only available in UEFI mode, not in Legacy Boot or Compatibility Support Module (CSM) mode. If you see your system in Legacy/CSM, switch it to UEFI.
• Warning: Changing from Legacy to UEFI on an MBR-formatted disk can prevent your PC from booting until you convert the disk to GPT. Use the Windows MBR2GPT tool under guidance if necessary.

3. Enable Secure Boot​

• Find the “Secure Boot” option and set it to Enabled.
• Save and exit the BIOS (usually F10).
• If Secure Boot is grayed out, check if your system requires setting an Administrator password, or do a “Factory Reset” of the BIOS settings to clear old key assignments.

4. Check and Enable TPM/Platform Trust Technology​

• Look for “TPM” (Trusted Platform Module), “PTT” (for Intel), or “fTPM” (for AMD) in the Security or Advanced tab.
• Make sure it’s set to Enabled.
• Save settings and reboot.

5. Confirm Secure Boot and TPM Status in Windows 11​

• Secure Boot: Press Win+R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for “Secure Boot State”. It should say “On”.
• TPM: Press Win+R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. Under “Status”, you should see “The TPM is ready for use”.

6. Launch Valorant​

• If both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled, open Valorant. Vanguard should load normally, and the error should disappear.

7. If Errors Persist: The “Grayed Out” Dilemma​

If you find Secure Boot unavailable or still get a restriction error after enabling the correct settings:

• Make sure Windows is installed in UEFI mode. If installed in Legacy mode, consider migrating your installation using Microsoft’s documented MBR2GPT utility.
• Some users report resolving persistent errors by updating the BIOS/UEFI to the latest firmware from the motherboard’s manufacturer.

8. Factory Reset or Clear Secure Boot Keys​

• On rare occasions, Secure Boot may display errors or remain stuck due to corrupted Platform Keys (PK/KEK).
• Use the “Factory Reset” or “Clear Secure Boot Keys” option in BIOS. This will reset to manufacturer defaults and usually unlocks Secure Boot configuration.

Common Error Messages and What They Mean​

• VAN9001: Your system does not have Secure Boot enabled.
• VAN9003: The system lacks TPM 2.0 support or it is not enabled.
• VAN: RESTRICTION: Generic message indicating at least one of the required security features is missing.

Each of these blocks Vanguard from initial boot-time validation, leading Valorant to halt loading for compliance reasons.

Why Are These Restrictions So Rigid?​

Microsoft and Riot Games are not alone in their zeal for hardware-level security. After widespread bootkit and rootkit attacks in 2023, such as the infamous BlackLotus UEFI bootkit (CVE-2023-24932), the industry as a whole redoubled efforts to lock down pre-boot environments. BlackLotus demonstrated how attackers could slip malicious code past traditional defenses and compromise the system even before Windows or any antivirus could load.
This prompted Microsoft and vendors to aggressively push for Secure Boot, updated certificate authorities (Windows UEFI CA 2023), and stricter default policies to invalidate older, untrusted bootloaders. If your system or game won’t function without these protections, it’s not just about control or inconvenience—it’s about preventing advanced attacks that could put all your data at risk.

Addressing Fallout: Risks & Caveats of Enabling Secure Boot​

While enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 is both a technical and security win, it is not without risks or complications:

• Irreversible Changes: In 2024, Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificate update (in response to CVE-2023-24932) became permanent—once revoked or replaced, there’s no rollback even with a fresh install of Windows. Recovery media and boot loaders lacking the new signatures may become unbootable.
• Firmware Bugs: Microsoft, HP, and Qualcomm have acknowledged some firmware may fail to update Secure Boot’s database properly, leaving certain models vulnerable even after updates.
• BitLocker Recovery Prompts: Enabling Secure Boot can sometimes trigger BitLocker to request a recovery key. If you’ve never backed up your recovery key, you could be locked out.

Recommendations Before Making Changes​

• Backup Data: Any time you change boot-related settings or update firmware, back up important data.
• Update Firmware Cautiously: Only update using official sources, and ensure your device’s model is listed as compatible for the intended patches.
• Test Recovery Media: Create new USB recovery drives after major Secure Boot updates, since old drives might not be recognized.

Can You Bypass These Requirements?​

Some online guides and tools (like Rufus) claim to allow Windows 11 or games like Valorant to run without Secure Boot or TPM 2.0, often via registry tweaks or modified installation media. However, these come with serious caveats:

• Unsupported Systems: Microsoft and Riot both explicitly state that these methods render your system unsupported. Updates (particularly security ones) may not be delivered reliably.
• Increased Attack Risk: Modifying core boot settings for convenience undercuts the very security Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 offer, exposing your system to increased risk of rootkits and malware.
• Potential Instability: There are reports of system instability, driver incompatibility, and even future updates breaking these workarounds, leaving users locked out of their machines.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses of Game-Level Security Enforcement​

Strengths​

• Standardized Security: Requiring Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 across both the OS and game anti-cheat software aligns the security posture, raising the bar for potential attackers.
• Reduced Cheating: Vanguard’s low-level hooks are effective against a wide class of cheats that would otherwise run undetected at the kernel or firmware level.
• Encouragement to Update: These rigid requirements push users to keep systems and firmware updated, indirectly boosting protection across the user base.

Weaknesses and Controversies​

• User Friction: The process of enabling Secure Boot and TPM can be daunting, and for less experienced users, anything involving the BIOS/UEFI is a potential minefield.
• Hardware Fragmentation: Not all hardware, especially older devices, supports these technologies. Some users may be forced to upgrade hardware just to play their favorite games or update to Windows 11.
• Service Outages Due to Bugs: A minority of users encounter edge-case firmware bugs or update failures, which can render machines unbootable or require time-consuming fixes, like firmware rollback or factory reset.
• Dual-boot / Custom OS Pain Points: Hobbyists and developers running custom kernels, Linux, or alternative operating systems often butt heads with Secure Boot requirements.

Future-Proofing and Takeaways​

With cybersecurity threats growing ever more sophisticated, features like Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are increasingly non-optional for both consumers and enterprises. Gaming is just one front in this battle—expect similar demands from workplace software, remote access tools, and even productivity applications as hardware-level protection becomes normalized. Vendors are also expected to further tighten recovery and rollback controls, ensuring only the latest and most secure boot components can ever be loaded.
If you’re hitting the Secure Boot wall, it’s a prompt to audit your system’s setup—not just for Valorant, but to ensure your overall device security is as robust as modern threats demand. As daunting as BIOS settings and error codes may seem today, they’re now just a regular part of the toolkit for anyone serious about maximizing both their gaming and digital safety.
For anyone still struggling with Secure Boot errors in Valorant (or elsewhere), patience, careful reading of your motherboard manual, and regular updates are your best friends. And always, always back up your data before diving into UEFI or firmware territory—one wrong setting could make game crashes the least of your problems.

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Source: sigortahaber.com Resolving Valorant's Secure Boot Error in Windows 11 | Sigorta Haber

 

[ChatGPT]

For countless PC gamers, VALORANT has become one of the most compelling tactical shooters on the market. Riot Games’ free-to-play title consistently draws millions of active players, largely thanks to its competitive depth, regular content updates, and a robust anti-cheat mechanism known as Vanguard. Yet, while the game is a technical marvel in many ways, those running it on Windows 11 have recently been beset by a confounding roadblock: the enigmatic VAN9003 error. As it turns out, this stubborn issue is more about system security than software bugs, catching even seasoned users by surprise after a routine upgrade to Microsoft’s latest operating system.

What Is the VAN9003 Error in VALORANT?​

The VAN9003 error typically rears its head during attempts to launch VALORANT on a PC running Windows 11. While users on Windows 10 rarely—if ever—encountered this code, the Windows 11 landscape has made it a frequent topic of discussion within gaming forums and social media circles. The stark message provided by Vanguard, VALORANT’s anti-cheat tool, offers little guidance, simply announcing that the system is “not meeting security requirements.” For users, this is both confusing and frustrating, especially since the game often ran flawlessly prior to the OS upgrade.
After some investigation, experts and affected gamers have pinpointed VAN9003’s cause: one, or both, of the system’s core security features—Secure Boot and TPM 2.0—are disabled or unavailable. These settings, while familiar to enterprise users, have only recently entered mainstream gaming consciousness thanks to the widespread adoption of Windows 11, which requires both for full functionality.

What Are Secure Boot and TPM 2.0?​

To grasp the root of the problem, it’s critical to understand what Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 actually do:

• Secure Boot: An essential UEFI feature, Secure Boot ensures only trusted operating systems can load during PC startup. It helps prevent bootkits and other malicious software from taking control before Windows itself even loads. Most motherboards shipped within the past five to six years support Secure Boot, although it’s not always activated by default.
• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This cryptographic security chip manages encryption keys and bolsters system integrity against low-level attacks. Because Windows 11 mandates TPM 2.0 for installation, most modern PCs include the chip. However, it often needs manual activation via UEFI firmware settings (formerly known as BIOS).

Vanguard, Riot’s anti-cheat system, leverages both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to prevent sophisticated cheat loaders from operating before or during game launch. If either is disabled, VAN9003 is triggered and gameplay is blocked.

Why Windows 11 and Not Windows 10?​

Windows 10 did not require TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot on a hardware level, which is why most VALORANT players never encountered VAN9003 in the previous OS era. With Windows 11’s arrival, Microsoft prioritized a “zero-trust” approach, elevating hypervisor-protected code integrity and baseline security requirements. Vanguard embraced these changes to uphold the competitive integrity of VALORANT, making the game unplayable without these two features enabled.
As a result, upgrading to Windows 11 frequently “wakes up” dormant hardware requirements. Users often report that VALORANT worked seamlessly on their rig minutes before upgrading, only to be met with VAN9003 on reboot—even though the game itself hasn’t changed.

Diagnosing VAN9003: Are You Affected?​

You’ll see the VAN9003 error if Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 are disabled, incorrectly configured, or unavailable on your motherboard. The symptoms typically present as follows:

• VALORANT launches Vanguard, then abruptly halts, displaying the recurring VAN9003 message.
• System information tools or Windows Security settings indicate Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are “Off,” “Disabled,” or missing.

It’s important to note that console players (Xbox and PlayStation) and most Windows 10 users are exempt. VAN9003 is a Windows 11-specific issue, a point confirmed in official Riot support documentation and echoed by reputable technology outlets.
For those affected, hardware age is rarely the issue unless their motherboard predates 2016 or is otherwise incompatible. In that scenario, a hardware upgrade may be necessary—though this is considered a last resort.

How to Fix VAN9003: Step-by-Step Solution​

The most effective remedy for VAN9003 is enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. While this may seem daunting for those unfamiliar with firmware interfaces, the process is relatively straightforward with a bit of guidance.

1. Restart Your PC​

Simple but essential. Begin by fully restarting your system, ensuring no residual system processes or updates interfere with BIOS access.

2. Enter BIOS/UEFI Firmware​

During system reboot, immediately press the designated BIOS key (usually F2, F10, F11, F12, or Delete—your motherboard’s manual or splash screen will specify). Persistence is crucial: timing is everything in catching this narrow window before Windows boots.

3. Enable Secure Boot​

Within the firmware menu:

• Navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Options" tab.
• Locate the Secure Boot setting.
• Set it to Enabled.
• If the option is grayed out, check that your system is set to use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) rather than legacy BIOS. Switching to UEFI may require reinstalling Windows—a consideration to weigh carefully.

4. Enable TPM 2.0​

• Move to the “Security,” “Advanced,” or “Trusted Computing” tab.
• Find TPM, Intel Platform Trust Technology (for Intel), or AMD fTPM (for AMD).
• Ensure it’s activated (“Enabled”).
• Some older boards label it as “Security Device Support.” Confirm that this is set to On.

5. Verify Boot Protocol is UEFI​

Secure Boot only works in UEFI mode—not in Legacy or Compatibility Support Module (CSM) mode. Adjust this setting if prompted.

6. Save and Exit​

After making changes, save your settings (usually via F10) and confirm the reboot. Your PC will restart with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 now enabled.

7. Attempt to Launch VALORANT​

Upon returning to Windows, start VALORANT. If the settings were correctly applied, the game should now launch—bypassing the VAN9003 error.

Troubleshooting Tips​

• If these settings don’t appear, consult a guide or user video specific to your motherboard brand (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock, etc.).
• Some systems hide advanced options by default. You may need to activate “Advanced Mode” or supply an administrator password.
• For PCs built before 2015, motherboard limitation may necessitate hardware upgrades to meet requirements.

What If You Still See VAN9003?​

• Double-check that both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are in fact enabled. Windows Device Security (findable from the Start Menu) can confirm this status.
• Ensure all Windows and motherboard firmware updates have been applied.
• If changes within BIOS/UEFI fail to save, your motherboard’s CMOS battery could be failing—or UEFI firmware might be corrupted.
• Uninstall and reinstall Vanguard, as remnants of misconfigured startup settings can linger even after a successful hardware change.
• Consider a clean install of Windows 11 set to UEFI mode.

Alternate Options for Affected Players​

For users who simply cannot meet VAN9003’s demands—whether due to legacy hardware or technical barriers—other avenues for enjoying VALORANT remain:

• VALORANT Mobile (Pre-Registration): Riot is actively developing a mobile version, allowing gamers to keep playing on smartphones or tablets.
• Console Versions: The game is now available on Xbox and PlayStation, with full cross-progression and cosmetic carryover, minimizing disruption to your in-game experience.

While these options may not suit purists who prefer mouse-and-keyboard precision, they enable continued access to the VALORANT ecosystem while you plan a system upgrade.

A Critical Examination of Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 Requirements​

Key Strengths​

1. Enhanced Cheating Deterrence
Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 together provide a formidable barrier against advanced cheat loaders, which often attempt to compromise systems before or during the OS boot process. By leveraging Microsoft’s baseline security posture and integrating it with its own proprietary systems, Riot Games has set a new standard for anti-cheat rigor—mirrored by competitors like Easy Anti-Cheat and BattleEye in select titles.
2. System Integrity Beyond Gaming
The implementation of these technologies extends beyond gaming: Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 contribute to more resilient protection against bootkits, ransomware, and credential theft for all users, not just gamers. As cyberattacks grow ever more sophisticated, this is a net positive for the broader Windows 11 user base.
3. Future-Proofing the Competitive Ecosystem
By enforcing these requirements, Riot Games helps future-proof its competitive integrity, minimizing disruptions from known vectors of system-level attack. This alignment with Microsoft’s vision of “zero-trust security” amplifies VALORANT’s reputation as a fair, secure, and progressive esports platform.

Potential Risks and Drawbacks​

1. Exclusion of Older Hardware
Not every gaming enthusiast has the latest motherboard or UEFI firmware. Players using slightly older but otherwise performant systems may discover that their hardware simply cannot meet the Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 benchmarks, forcing them into costly upgrades or out of the community altogether. While unavoidable as technology marches forward, this can be a bitter pill for cash-strapped or eco-conscious users.
2. Complex Configuration Barriers
Entering a system’s BIOS/UEFI firmware to toggle obscure settings can be terrifying for newcomers. A single misclick risks unbootable configurations or data loss, underscoring the importance of thorough research and, where possible, seeking the guidance of experienced hands or manufacturer support. Potential damage from misconfigured settings cannot be discounted.
3. Transitional Frustration
For many, the sudden appearance of VAN9003 after an otherwise smooth upgrade to Windows 11 feels both arbitrary and opaque. The sparse error messaging from Vanguard compounds frustration, and players may not know where to begin unless they find a reliable step-by-step guide or official Riot Games support resources.
4. Privacy and Trust Debates
Requiring system-level security features induces a necessary conversation around privacy, vendor trust, and platform neutrality. While Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 have proven their worth in enterprise and security contexts, some advanced users remain wary of technologies that limit system customization or cede control to third-party root-of-trust authorities.

Official Statements and Community Consensus​

Both Riot Games and Microsoft have publicly articulated the necessity of Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to protect against increasingly sophisticated threats—both to games and the operating system more broadly. Riot’s support channels and release notes make clear their commitment to enforcing VAN9003 as a baseline requirement, citing game fairness and user safety as primary motivators.
Independent testing by technology journalists and enthusiast forums confirms that enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 reliably resolves the error, provided the underlying hardware is compliant. Community guides, expert blog posts, and YouTube videos echo this consensus, providing further comfort to wary upgraders and those troubleshooting for the first time.
It’s worth noting, however, that some anecdotal claims on fringe forums about “circumventing” the error by rolling back firmware or employing boot loaders have not been verified by reputable sources and often expose users to additional, substantial risks. Following the manufacturer’s and Riot’s prescribed solution remains the safest and most future-proof path.

Best Practices When Upgrading or Troubleshooting​

• Always back up important data before entering BIOS/UEFI or toggling boot settings. Even minor misconfigurations can occasionally require a full OS reinstallation.
• Double-check motherboard documentation for specific language around Secure Boot and TPM 2.0—settings are sometimes relabeled or hidden by default.
• Leverage official support resources: Both Microsoft and Riot Games maintain up-to-date knowledgebases that can provide device-specific troubleshooting tips.
• Keep firmware and Windows updates current, as new releases may enhance compatibility or clarify ambiguous settings.
• Avoid untested third-party utilities that promise rapid fixes—these can corrupt firmware and sometimes introduce malware.

The Broader Impact: What Does VAN9003 Mean for PC Gaming?​

VAN9003 is more than an isolated bug—it’s a bellwether for the future of gaming security on Windows. As games evolve into ever more complex, connected ecosystems, and as cheaters and malicious actors turn to deeper system manipulation, expect industry leaders to further embrace hardware-based safeguards. For most modern users, this transition is a simple, if momentarily inconvenient, procedural step. But for legacy hardware users or those unfamiliar with firmware menus, it’s a reminder that “just working” often requires a little more technical fluency in the Windows 11 era.
For its part, Riot Games has opted for uncompromising security standards, even at the risk of some user friction. The success of this approach will likely influence how both game developers and operating system vendors enforce baseline requirements in the years to come.

Final Thoughts​

The VALORANT VAN9003 error exemplifies the growing intersection of gaming, security, and modern operating system requirements. While the initial appearance of this error post-Windows 11 upgrade can be frustrating and opaque, the underlying fix—enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0—is straightforward with a methodical approach. For those with compatible hardware, the process rewards players with a more secure system and a seamless gaming experience. For others, it may signal that a hardware refresh lies on the horizon—a challenging but inevitable facet of ever-advancing security paradigms.
The industry’s migration to hardware-backed protection is both a promise and a challenge: a promise of fairer, safer games, and a challenge for those whose systems are running on borrowed time. As always, knowledge, preparation, and a willingness to adapt remain the best armor in the PC gamer’s toolkit.

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Source: Inven Global How to fix the VAN9003 error in VALORANT