How to Delete and Reinstall Vanguard (Riot's Anti-Cheat Software)

Riot Games' Vanguard anti-cheat system is a mandatory component for playing titles like Valorant and League of Legends. Unlike traditional software you install and forget, Vanguard runs at a deep system level — which means deleting and reinstalling it isn't quite the same as uninstalling a typical app. If you're troubleshooting errors, dealing with a corrupted installation, or just want a clean slate, here's what you actually need to know.

What Is Vanguard and Why Does It Work This Way?

Vanguard uses a kernel-level driver (vgk.sys) that loads when your PC boots, not just when the game launches. This design gives it low-level access to detect cheating software that might otherwise hide from user-space applications. That architecture is also why simply dragging it to the Recycle Bin won't work — parts of it are embedded deeper than standard programs.

Understanding this is important before you attempt any removal. You're not just uninstalling an app; you're removing a system driver component.

Step 1: Uninstall Vanguard Through Windows Settings

The cleanest starting point is the standard uninstall path:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps (Windows 11) or Settings → Apps & Features (Windows 10)
2. Search for "Riot Vanguard"
3. Click it and select Uninstall
4. Follow the prompts and restart your PC

The restart is not optional. Because Vanguard's kernel driver is active in memory during a session, the uninstaller schedules the driver removal to complete on reboot.

Step 2: Verify the Driver Is Actually Gone

After restarting, confirm Vanguard's kernel driver was fully removed:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
2. Scroll through the list looking for "vgc" or "vgk"
3. If either service still appears, right-click → Stop, then right-click → Delete (or use an elevated command prompt: sc delete vgc and sc delete vgk)

You can also check C:Program FilesRiot Vanguard — if the folder still exists after the uninstall and reboot, manually delete it. 🗂️

Step 3: Clear Leftover Registry Entries (Optional but Thorough)

For a truly clean removal — especially if you're trying to fix a corrupted install — residual registry entries can cause problems with reinstallation:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices
3. Look for vgc or vgk keys and delete them if present

⚠️ Registry editing carries risk. Only do this if you're comfortable with it, and consider creating a restore point first via System Properties → System Protection.

Step 4: Reinstall Vanguard

Vanguard doesn't have a standalone installer you download separately — it comes bundled with the game client. The reinstall path depends on which Riot game you're using:

Via Valorant:

• Launch the Valorant client
• If Vanguard is missing, the client will detect this and prompt an automatic reinstall
• Follow the on-screen steps and restart when asked

Via Riot Client:

• Open the Riot Client
• Navigate to your game and attempt to launch it
• Vanguard will reinstall automatically as part of the launch process

If neither triggers an automatic reinstall, you can repair the game through the Riot Client (Settings → Repair) which re-validates and replaces missing components including Vanguard.

Common Variables That Affect This Process 🔧

Not everyone's experience will be identical. Several factors shape how smoothly this goes:

When a Simple Reinstall Doesn't Fix the Problem

If you're reinstalling to resolve a specific error — VAN 9001, VAN 135, or driver-related crashes — the root cause matters more than the reinstall itself. Common culprits include:

• Secure Boot disabled in BIOS/UEFI settings (required on Windows 11)
• TPM not enabled or set to the wrong version
• Conflicting kernel drivers from other software (virtual audio devices, RGB control software, older game overlays)
• Corrupted Windows system files that can be checked with sfc /scannow in an elevated command prompt

Reinstalling Vanguard resolves issues caused by corrupted Vanguard files — but if the underlying system configuration doesn't meet its requirements, the same error will return after reinstall.

Different Setups, Different Outcomes

A user on a freshly installed Windows 11 system with Secure Boot properly configured will almost always have a smooth reinstall experience. Someone on a heavily customized PC — running virtualization software, custom kernel patches, or aggressive privacy-focused Windows tweaks — may find Vanguard refuses to run even after a clean reinstall.

The gap between those two scenarios isn't just about following steps correctly. It's about what your specific system configuration allows. Whether your setup aligns with Vanguard's requirements — and how much adjustment you're willing to make to meet them — is something only your own machine can answer.