Introduction

Valorant, the popular tactical shooter developed by Riot Games, has implemented stringent security measures to maintain a fair gaming environment. Among these measures is the requirement for players to have Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 enabled on their Windows 11 systems. Failure to meet these requirements can result in errors such as VAN9001 or VAN9003, preventing the game from launching. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and resolving these errors.

Understanding Secure Boot and TPM 2.0

Secure Boot is a security feature embedded in the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) that ensures only trusted software is loaded during the system startup process. It protects against malicious software by verifying the digital signatures of boot loaders and drivers. TPM 2.0 is a hardware-based security module that provides a secure environment for cryptographic operations, such as key generation and storage. It plays a crucial role in system integrity and data protection.

Riot Games' anti-cheat system, Vanguard, leverages these technologies to prevent unauthorized software from interfering with the game, thereby maintaining competitive integrity.

Common Errors and Their Causes

Players may encounter the following errors related to Secure Boot and TPM 2.0:

  • VAN9001: Indicates that Secure Boot is not enabled.
  • VAN9003: Indicates that TPM 2.0 is not enabled.

These errors occur when the system's firmware settings do not meet the security requirements set by Vanguard.

Checking System Compatibility

Before attempting to resolve these errors, it's essential to verify whether your system supports Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.

Verifying Secure Boot Support

  1. Press INLINECODE0 , type INLINECODE1 , and press Enter.
  2. In the System Information window, look for the following entries:
  • BIOS Mode: Should be set to UEFI.
  • Secure Boot State: Should be On.

If Secure Boot State is Off, it indicates that Secure Boot is disabled. If it shows as Unsupported, your hardware may not support this feature.

Verifying TPM 2.0 Support

  1. Press INLINECODE2 , type INLINECODE3 , and press Enter.
  2. In the TPM Management window:
  • Status: Should indicate that the TPM is ready for use.
  • Specification Version: Should be 2.0.

If you receive a message stating that a compatible TPM cannot be found, it may be disabled in the BIOS or not present on your system.

Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0

If your system supports these features but they are disabled, you can enable them through the BIOS/UEFI settings. Please note that accessing and modifying BIOS settings can vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer. It's advisable to consult your system's manual or manufacturer's support resources for detailed instructions.

Accessing BIOS/UEFI Settings

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. During the boot process, press the designated key to enter BIOS/UEFI settings. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc.

Enabling Secure Boot

  1. Navigate to the Boot or Security tab.
  2. Locate the Secure Boot option and set it to Enabled.
  3. Save changes and exit the BIOS.

Enabling TPM 2.0

  1. Navigate to the Security or Advanced tab.
  2. Find the TPM option (may also be labeled as PTT for Intel or fTPM for AMD) and set it to Enabled.
  3. Save changes and exit the BIOS.
Important: Incorrectly configuring BIOS settings can cause system issues. If you're unsure about making these changes, seek assistance from a professional or refer to your manufacturer's support resources.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 does not resolve the errors, consider the following steps:

  • Update Windows: Ensure your operating system is up to date by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings.
  • Update Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues. Update your system's drivers, especially those related to the motherboard and chipset.
  • Run Valorant as Administrator: Right-click the Valorant shortcut and select "Run as administrator" to grant necessary permissions.
  • Disable Background Applications: Some applications, like Discord, may interfere with Vanguard. Disable automatic startup for such applications and close them before launching Valorant.

Conclusion

Ensuring that Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled is crucial for running Valorant on Windows 11 without encountering VAN9001 or VAN9003 errors. By following the steps outlined above, players can configure their systems to meet the game's security requirements, thereby enjoying a seamless gaming experience.