How to Fix Valorant Vanguard Error 57 Easily

Valorant can stop at launch with Vanguard Error 57, often shown as a message related to Riot Vanguard not being initialized properly. This usually means the anti-cheat service failed to start, was blocked by Windows, or needs a clean restart. Although the error looks serious, most players can fix it with a few simple checks, especially by restarting the PC, enabling the Vanguard service, or reinstalling Riot Vanguard.

What Is Valorant Vanguard Error 57?

Valorant Vanguard Error 57 is a launch error connected to Riot Vanguard, the anti-cheat system required to play Valorant. Vanguard runs in the background and checks whether the game environment is secure. If this service does not start properly, Valorant cannot continue and may display Error 57.

The error commonly appears after a Windows update, a failed Vanguard startup, a system restart issue, or interference from antivirus, firewall, or optimization software. Sometimes, it can also happen if the computer has been running for a long time without a proper restart. Since Vanguard loads early with Windows, even a small service failure can stop Valorant from opening.

In simple terms, Error 57 means that Valorant is ready to launch, but its required anti-cheat component is not working as expected. Because of this, the game blocks access until Vanguard is fixed.

Common Causes of Vanguard Error 57

Before applying fixes, it helps to understand why the issue happens. Most cases are linked to one of the following causes:

• VGC service is stopped: The Riot Vanguard service may not be running in the background.
• VGC startup type is disabled or manual: If the service does not start with Windows, Valorant may fail to launch.
• Windows was not restarted properly: Sleep mode or fast startup can prevent Vanguard from loading correctly.
• Security software interference: Antivirus programs, firewalls, or system cleaners can block Vanguard files.
• Corrupted Vanguard installation: A damaged or incomplete Vanguard install can trigger repeated errors.
• Outdated Windows files: Missing system updates can affect service behavior and driver compatibility.

Fix 1: Restart the Computer Properly

The simplest fix for Valorant Vanguard Error 57 is a full system restart. Since Vanguard needs to initialize with Windows, a normal game restart is often not enough. A proper restart reloads the anti-cheat driver and gives the VGC service a fresh start.

The player should close Valorant and Riot Client completely, then restart the computer from the Windows Start menu. After the system turns back on, they should launch Valorant again as usual. This method may sound basic, but it is one of the most reliable fixes for Error 57.

If the PC has been using sleep or hibernation mode, a shutdown followed by a manual power-on can also help. Vanguard may fail to reload correctly after sleep mode, especially if Windows fast startup is enabled.

Fix 2: Check the VGC Service

If restarting does not fix the issue, the next step is checking the VGC service. This is the main Riot Vanguard service required for Valorant to run. If it is stopped or set to the wrong startup type, Error 57 can appear.

The player can check the service by following these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Scroll down and find vgc.
4. Double-click vgc to open its properties.
5. Set Startup type to Automatic.
6. Click Start if the service is not already running.
7. Click Apply, then OK.
8. Restart the computer and open Valorant again.

This fix works especially well when the service has been accidentally disabled by system optimization tools or after a Windows configuration change. If the Start button is grayed out or the service fails to start, a Vanguard reinstall may be required.

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Fix 3: Run Valorant and Riot Client as Administrator

Permission issues can also prevent Riot services from communicating properly. Running Valorant and Riot Client with administrator rights may allow them to access the required system services.

To do this, the player can right-click the Riot Client shortcut and select Run as administrator. The same can be done for the Valorant shortcut. If the game opens normally after this, administrator permissions may have been the issue.

For a more permanent setting, the player can right-click the shortcut, open Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and enable Run this program as an administrator. However, this should be done only for trusted programs like Riot Client and Valorant.

Fix 4: Reinstall Riot Vanguard

If Vanguard Error 57 continues, reinstalling Riot Vanguard is one of the most effective solutions. This does not usually require reinstalling Valorant itself. Vanguard can be removed separately, and the Riot Client will reinstall it automatically when Valorant is launched.

To reinstall Riot Vanguard, the player should follow these steps:

1. Close Valorant and Riot Client completely.
2. Open the Windows Start menu and search for Add or remove programs.
3. Find Riot Vanguard in the app list.
4. Click Uninstall and confirm the removal.
5. Restart the computer.
6. Open Valorant through Riot Client.
7. Allow Vanguard to reinstall when prompted.
8. Restart the computer again after the installation finishes.

This process replaces damaged Vanguard files and resets the anti-cheat service. It is often the best fix when the VGC service is missing, broken, or unable to start.

Fix 5: Disable Conflicting Background Programs

Some background programs can interfere with Vanguard. These may include aggressive antivirus tools, firewall applications, system boosters, driver utilities, overlay programs, or software that modifies system behavior. Vanguard is designed to protect competitive integrity, so it can be sensitive to programs that interact deeply with Windows.

The player should temporarily close unnecessary apps before launching Valorant. This can include recording overlays, hardware monitoring tools, RGB control software, VPN clients, and third-party optimization programs. If Valorant works after these programs are closed, one of them may be conflicting with Vanguard.

Security software should not be fully disabled for long periods, but the player can add Valorant, Riot Client, and Riot Vanguard to the antivirus or firewall allowlist. This lets the programs run without being blocked while keeping the system protected.

Fix 6: Update Windows

Valorant and Vanguard rely on modern Windows security and driver components. If Windows is outdated, the VGC service may fail to run properly. Installing updates can fix compatibility issues and restore missing system files.

The player can update Windows by opening Settings, selecting Windows Update, and clicking Check for updates. All important updates should be installed, followed by a restart. Optional driver updates are not always necessary, but critical security and system updates should not be ignored.

After the update, the player should restart the PC and open Valorant again. If Error 57 was caused by a Windows service or driver issue, this step may resolve it.

Fix 7: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Firewall or antivirus software can sometimes block Riot Client, Valorant, or Vanguard from communicating correctly. When this happens, Vanguard may not initialize fully, leading to Error 57.

The player should check whether the following programs are allowed through the firewall:

• Riot Client
• VALORANT
• Riot Vanguard
• vgc service, if visible in the security software

In Windows Security, the player can go to Firewall & network protection, then Allow an app through firewall. If Riot or Valorant entries are missing, they may need to be added manually from the installation folder. Third-party antivirus programs usually have a similar allowlist or exceptions section.

Fix 8: Use System File Checker

If Windows system files are damaged, services like VGC may not start properly. The System File Checker tool can scan Windows and repair corrupted files.

The player can run it by following these steps:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for Command Prompt.
3. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
4. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
5. Wait for the scan to finish.
6. Restart the computer.

This method is useful when Error 57 appears alongside other Windows problems, such as broken services, random crashes, or failed updates.

Fix 9: Reinstall Valorant as a Last Resort

If none of the previous fixes work, a full Valorant reinstall may be necessary. This should be considered a last resort because reinstalling Vanguard alone is usually enough. However, if game files, Riot Client files, and Vanguard components are all damaged, a clean reinstall can help.

The player should uninstall Valorant, Riot Client, and Riot Vanguard, then restart the computer. After that, they can download the latest installer from the official Valorant website and install the game again. Once installation is complete, another restart is required so Vanguard can load correctly.

Tips to Prevent Vanguard Error 57 in the Future

After the error is fixed, a few habits can reduce the chance of it returning. The player should restart the PC regularly instead of relying only on sleep mode. They should also avoid disabling unknown Windows services, especially anything related to Riot or Vanguard.

• Keep Windows updated.
• Do not disable the vgc service.
• Restart the PC after Vanguard updates.
• Add Riot programs to antivirus and firewall exceptions.
• Avoid aggressive system cleaners that modify services automatically.
• Install Valorant only from official Riot sources.

These steps help keep Riot Vanguard stable and reduce launch errors. Since Valorant depends heavily on its anti-cheat system, keeping Vanguard healthy is just as important as keeping the game updated.

FAQ

What does Valorant Vanguard Error 57 mean?

Valorant Vanguard Error 57 usually means Riot Vanguard failed to initialize correctly. Most of the time, the VGC service is stopped, disabled, blocked, or corrupted.

Is Valorant Error 57 a ban?

No. Error 57 is not a ban. It is a technical issue related to Vanguard startup or service initialization. A banned account would show a different message.

What is the fastest fix for Vanguard Error 57?

The fastest fix is to restart the computer. If that fails, the player should open services.msc, set vgc to Automatic, start the service, and restart again.

Does Riot Vanguard need to run all the time?

Riot Vanguard must run when Valorant is played. If Vanguard is not active, Valorant will not launch. The player can exit Vanguard from the system tray, but a restart may be required before playing again.

Should the player reinstall Valorant to fix Error 57?

Usually, no. Reinstalling Riot Vanguard is often enough. A full Valorant reinstall should only be used if all other fixes fail.

Can antivirus software cause Vanguard Error 57?

Yes. Some antivirus or firewall tools can block Vanguard components. Adding Riot Client, Valorant, and Vanguard to the allowlist can fix the issue.

Why does Error 57 return after every restart?

If the error returns repeatedly, the VGC service may be disabled, a security program may be blocking it, or Vanguard may be corrupted. Setting VGC to Automatic and reinstalling Vanguard are the best steps in that case.

Is it safe to uninstall Riot Vanguard?

Yes. Riot Vanguard can be safely uninstalled through Windows settings. When Valorant is launched again, Riot Client will reinstall Vanguard automatically and request a system restart.