Playing Valorant on a PC that does not support Secure Boot or has it disabled can result in frustrating errors, especially after Riot Games tightened its anti-cheat requirements. Many players have encountered boot-related errors or simply cannot launch the game due to Secure Boot being off. If you’re one of the players facing the Secure Boot not enabled warning, there are a few safe methods to address this issue. This topic explores potential Secure Boot workaround options for Valorant, while emphasizing best practices and safe configurations.
Understanding Why Secure Boot Matters in Valorant
Valorant uses Vanguard, a kernel-level anti-cheat system developed by Riot Games. Vanguard operates at a deep level of your system to prevent cheating and manipulation of game files. To function correctly, it requires both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled in the BIOS. This security policy became mandatory after Windows 11’s release, affecting users with older hardware or custom-built PCs.
Secure Boot helps prevent malware from loading when your system starts. While it’s beneficial for system protection, not every machine supports it, and some users may have it disabled unknowingly. Unfortunately, Valorant won’t run unless Secure Boot is active, pushing many players to seek a workaround.
Verify If Secure Boot Is Enabled
Before attempting any workaround, you should first confirm whether Secure Boot is truly disabled. Here’s how:
- PressWindows + R, typemsinfo32, and press Enter.
- Look for Secure Boot State in the System Summary.
- If it says Off or Unsupported, you’ll need to take further action.
If your PC doesn’t support Secure Boot at all, then your options are limited. However, if it’s supported but not enabled, a BIOS configuration change might help.
Secure Boot Workaround for Valorant
Although Riot does not officially support bypassing Secure Boot requirements, players have discovered reliable steps to enable or emulate Secure Boot functionality safely on supported systems.
1. Enable Secure Boot in BIOS
This is the most straightforward solution for users with compatible hardware. Follow these steps:
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS (usually by pressingDEL,F2, orF10during boot).
- Locate theBootorSecuritytab.
- Find the Secure Boot setting and set it toEnabled.
- Make sure Boot Mode or Boot Option is set toUEFI.
- Save and exit BIOS.
After restarting, check the system information again. If Secure Boot is enabled, Valorant should run without any problems.
2. Convert Legacy BIOS to UEFI (If Needed)
Secure Boot only works in UEFI mode. If your system uses legacy BIOS (MBR), you need to convert it to UEFI (GPT) using Windows tools. Here’s a safe way to do it:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type:mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullos
- Reboot into BIOS and switch from Legacy to UEFI.
Warning: Back up your data before making changes. Disk conversion is usually safe, but mistakes can lead to data loss if done improperly.
3. Check for Firmware Updates
If Secure Boot is not available in your BIOS, check your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website for a BIOS update. Some older systems added Secure Boot support through firmware updates. Flashing your BIOS may enable the setting needed for Valorant to run.
4. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement (Temporary Bypass – Not Recommended)
Some players try to bypass Secure Boot errors by disabling driver signature enforcement temporarily, but this is not recommended due to the risk of security vulnerabilities. Still, for reference:
- Open Advanced Startup (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery).
- Click Restart Now under Advanced startup.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- Choose option 7 to Disable driver signature enforcement.
Keep in mind this method is not a permanent solution. Vanguard may refuse to operate fully in this state.
What If Your PC Doesn’t Support Secure Boot?
If your hardware simply doesn’t support Secure Boot common on older systems you’re out of luck. Valorant won’t launch without it. In this case, consider the following:
- Upgrade your system hardware (motherboard and CPU that support UEFI and Secure Boot).
- Play Valorant on a different device that meets security requirements.
- Consider dual-booting on a second system with compatible specifications.
While frustrating, Riot Games has made Secure Boot mandatory to protect the integrity of competitive play.
Tips to Avoid Common Secure Boot Errors
Even with Secure Boot enabled, some players still face Vanguard errors. Here are quick tips to reduce issues:
- Always restart your PC after enabling Secure Boot.
- Reinstall Vanguard if issues persist (use Add or Remove Programs).
- Make sure Windows updates are installed especially security updates.
- Disable Fast Boot in BIOS, which can interfere with Secure Boot validation.
Valorant’s Secure Boot requirement ensures a cheat-free environment, but it can lock out players with unsupported or misconfigured systems. By enabling Secure Boot in BIOS, converting to UEFI, and keeping firmware up to date, many users can overcome the problem and continue playing. While no bypass will work for unsupported hardware, properly configuring your BIOS can serve as the best workaround. If you’re serious about competitive Valorant, investing in Secure Boot–compatible hardware is the most reliable long-term solution.