How to Fix Error VAN 79 in Valorant: A Comprehensive Guide

Error VAN 79 is a common issue faced by Valorant players, preventing them from launching or playing the game. This error typically indicates a problem with Vanguard, Riot Games’ anti-cheat system, or its interaction with your system. This guide provides detailed steps to troubleshoot and resolve Error VAN 79.

Understanding Error VAN 79

Before diving into fixes, it’s important to understand what triggers this error. VAN 79 usually arises due to the following reasons:

  • Vanguard Not Running: The Riot Vanguard service might not be running properly in the background.
  • Driver Issues: Incompatible or outdated drivers can interfere with Vanguard’s operation.
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 Incompatibility: Valorant requires TPM 2.0 on Windows 11 and sometimes on Windows 10.
  • Secure Boot Disabled: Secure Boot needs to be enabled in your BIOS settings.
  • Conflicting Software: Certain software or applications might conflict with Vanguard.
  • Installation Issues: Problems during the installation of Valorant or Vanguard can lead to errors.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Error VAN 79

Here’s a structured approach to resolving Error VAN 79:

1. Restart Your Computer

The simplest solution is often the most effective. A system restart can resolve temporary glitches and ensure that all necessary services are running.

2. Manually Start the VGC Service

The VGC service is crucial for Vanguard’s operation. If it’s not running, Error VAN 79 will occur. Here’s how to start it manually:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Locate the VGC service in the list.
  4. Right-click on VGC and select Properties.
  5. In the Properties window, go to the General tab.
  6. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
  7. Click Apply and then OK.
  8. Right-click on VGC again and select Start.

3. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

Reinstalling Vanguard can fix corrupted files or installation issues.

  1. Completely uninstall Riot Vanguard:
    • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
    • Find Riot Vanguard and uninstall it.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Launch Valorant. The game should prompt you to reinstall Vanguard. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Restart your computer again after the reinstallation.

4. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause conflicts. Update them to the latest version:

  • NVIDIA: Download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA website or use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app.
  • AMD: Download the latest drivers from the AMD website or use the AMD Radeon Software.
  • Intel: Download the latest drivers from the Intel website or use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.

5. Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

Valorant requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be enabled, especially on Windows 11. Here’s how to check and enable them:

  1. Check TPM Status:
    • Press Windows Key + R.
    • Type tpm.msc and press Enter.
    • If TPM is enabled, you’ll see information about the TPM module.
    • If TPM is not enabled, you’ll see a message indicating that compatible TPM cannot be found.
  2. Check Secure Boot Status:
    • Press Windows Key + R.
    • Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
    • In the System Information window, look for Secure Boot State. It should say Enabled.
  3. Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS:

    • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing Delete, F2, F12, or Esc during startup – check your motherboard manual).

    • Locate the TPM or Security Device settings and enable TPM 2.0.

    • Find the Boot settings and enable Secure Boot.

    • Save the changes and exit BIOS. Your computer will restart.

    • Note: The exact steps to access and modify BIOS settings vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Consult your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

6. Check for Conflicting Software

Certain software can interfere with Vanguard. Common culprits include:

  • Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus to see if it’s causing the issue.
  • Virtual Machines: Running Valorant in a virtual machine is not supported and can cause errors.
  • Cheating Software: Any cheating software or tools can conflict with Vanguard.

7. Run Valorant as an Administrator

Running Valorant with administrator privileges can resolve permission-related issues.

  1. Right-click on the Valorant shortcut on your desktop.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.

8. Ensure Windows is Up to Date

An outdated operating system can cause compatibility issues. Make sure your Windows is up to date:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

9. Check Vanguard Installation Path

Ensure that Riot Vanguard is installed in the default directory. If you moved the installation folder, it can cause issues.

10. Reinstall Valorant

If none of the above steps work, a complete reinstall of Valorant might be necessary. This can resolve deeply rooted installation issues.

  1. Uninstall Valorant from Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Delete any remaining Valorant files or folders from your computer.
  3. Download the latest version of Valorant from the official Riot Games website.
  4. Install Valorant and follow the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion

Error VAN 79 can be frustrating, but by systematically following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to playing Valorant. Remember to restart your computer after making significant changes, and always ensure that your drivers and operating system are up to date. If the problem persists, consider contacting Riot Games support for further assistance.