How to Fix VALORANT Error VAN 185: A Comprehensive Guide

Encountering the VAN 185 error in VALORANT can be frustrating, preventing you from launching the game and joining your friends. This error typically arises due to issues with Riot Vanguard, VALORANT’s anti-cheat system. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the most effective solutions to get you back into the game.

Understanding the VAN 185 Error

The VAN 185 error indicates that Riot Vanguard has either failed to initialize properly or is being blocked from running. This can be due to various reasons, including:

  • Outdated or Corrupted Vanguard Installation: A faulty installation can prevent Vanguard from running correctly.
  • Conflicting Software: Certain programs might interfere with Vanguard’s operation.
  • Driver Issues: Incompatible or outdated drivers can cause conflicts.
  • Boot Problems: Vanguard might not be starting correctly during system boot.
  • Secure Boot/TPM 2.0 Incompatibility: On Windows 11, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are sometimes required for Vanguard to function properly.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix VAN 185

Here are several methods, progressing from the simplest to more advanced, to fix the VAN 185 error in VALORANT:

1. Restart Your Computer

This is often the first and simplest solution to try. Restarting your computer can resolve temporary software glitches and allow Vanguard to initialize correctly.

2. Restart Riot Vanguard

Riot Vanguard may be running in the background but not functioning correctly. To restart it:

  • Locate the Riot Vanguard icon: It’s usually in the system tray (lower-right corner of your screen).
  • Right-click the icon: Select “Exit Vanguard.”
  • Launch VALORANT: This will automatically restart Vanguard.

If you don’t see the icon, proceed to the next steps.

3. Manually Start the VGC Service

The VGC service is essential for Riot Vanguard to operate. Make sure it’s running:

  • Press Windows Key + R: This opens the Run dialog box.
  • Type “services.msc” and press Enter: This opens the Services window.
  • Scroll down and find “vgc”.
  • Right-click “vgc” and select “Properties”.
  • In the “General” tab, find the “Startup type” dropdown menu.
  • Set the “Startup type” to “Automatic”.
  • If the service is stopped, click “Start”.
  • Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
  • Restart your computer.

4. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

If the previous steps didn’t work, reinstalling Vanguard might be necessary:

  • Uninstall Riot Vanguard:
    • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
    • Find Riot Vanguard in the list.
    • Right-click and select Uninstall.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Restart Your Computer: This is crucial to remove all Vanguard files.
  • Launch VALORANT: This will automatically reinstall Riot Vanguard.

5. Check for Conflicting Software

Certain programs can interfere with Riot Vanguard. Common culprits include:

  • Antivirus Software: Some antivirus programs might mistakenly flag Vanguard as a threat. Temporarily disable your antivirus and try launching VALORANT.
  • Virtual Machines: Running VALORANT inside a virtual machine is generally not supported and can cause errors.
  • Cheating Software: Any programs designed to cheat in online games are likely to conflict with Vanguard. If you suspect a program is causing the issue, try closing it or uninstalling it to see if it resolves the VAN 185 error.### 6. Update Your Graphics DriversOutdated graphics drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues with Riot Vanguard. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed:* NVIDIA: Go to the NVIDIA website or use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience application.* AMD: Go to the AMD website or use the AMD Radeon Software.* Intel: Go to the Intel website or use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.Download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card, then restart your computer.### 7. Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (Windows 11)On Windows 11, Riot Vanguard often requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings. This provides enhanced security and helps prevent cheating.* Check if Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are Enabled: * Press Windows Key + R: This opens the Run dialog box. * Type “msinfo32” and press Enter: This opens System Information. * In the right pane, look for “Secure Boot State” and “TPM 2.0”. If Secure Boot is off or TPM 2.0 is not detected, you’ll need to enable them in your BIOS/UEFI.* Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in BIOS/UEFI: * Restart Your Computer: As your computer restarts, press the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc – check your motherboard manual). * Locate Secure Boot Settings: The location of these settings varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Look for options like “Secure Boot”, “Boot Mode”, or “Boot Options”. * Enable Secure Boot: Set the Secure Boot option to “Enabled” or “UEFI”. * Locate TPM Settings: Look for options related to “TPM”, “Trusted Platform Module”, or “Security Device”. * Enable TPM 2.0: Enable the TPM module. * Save Changes and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will restart.Caution: Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings can be risky. If you’re not comfortable with these settings, consult your motherboard manual or seek help from a qualified technician.### 8. Perform a Clean BootA clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the VAN 185 error.* Press Windows Key + R: This opens the Run dialog box.* Type “msconfig” and press Enter: This opens System Configuration.* Go to the “Services” tab.* Check “Hide all Microsoft services”.* Click “Disable all”.* Go to the “Startup” tab.* Click “Open Task Manager”.* In Task Manager, disable all startup items.* Close Task Manager and click “Apply” and then “OK” in System Configuration.* **Restart your computer.**After the clean boot, launch VALORANT to see if the VAN 185 error is resolved. If it is, you can re-enable the services and startup items one by one to identify the conflicting program.## ConclusionThe VALORANT VAN 185 error can be a nuisance, but by systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the underlying issue. Remember to restart your computer after each significant change to ensure the changes take effect. If you’ve tried all of these solutions and are still experiencing problems, consider contacting Riot Games Support for further assistance.