Why Does Valorant Keep Crashing UEFI? (And How to Fix It)

Valorant crashing, especially with UEFI errors, is a frustrating experience. It usually boils down to compatibility issues between the game’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard, and your computer’s UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) or BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). More specifically, Secure Boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 settings are often the culprits. However, outdated drivers, corrupted game files, and even hardware conflicts can also contribute to the problem. Let’s dive into the reasons and, more importantly, how to fix it.

Understanding the UEFI Connection

Valorant’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard, requires a secure environment to operate effectively. It relies on UEFI firmware settings to verify the integrity of the boot process and ensure no malicious software interferes with the game. If Vanguard detects any inconsistencies or vulnerabilities in your UEFI setup, it can trigger crashes. Essentially, Vanguard is looking for a digitally signed and trusted boot environment, and any deviation can cause issues.

Common Causes of Valorant Crashing with UEFI Errors

Here are the most frequent reasons why Valorant might be crashing related to UEFI:

  • Secure Boot Disabled: Secure Boot is a feature within UEFI that ensures only trusted operating systems and software can boot. Vanguard requires this to be enabled.
  • TPM 2.0 Inactive/Unsupported: TPM 2.0 is a hardware security module that provides enhanced security features. Vanguard needs TPM 2.0 to be enabled in the UEFI settings.
  • Outdated BIOS/UEFI Firmware: Older firmware versions may have compatibility issues with Vanguard.
  • Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings: Incorrect configurations within the UEFI setup can interfere with Vanguard’s functionality.
  • Driver Conflicts: Conflicts between device drivers (especially graphics card drivers) and Vanguard can also cause crashes.
  • Corrupted Game Files: Damaged or corrupted Valorant installation files can lead to instability.
  • Hardware Incompatibility: Although rare, specific hardware configurations might cause conflicts.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Valorant UEFI Crashes

Follow these steps to resolve Valorant crashes related to UEFI:

1. Enable Secure Boot

  1. Access UEFI/BIOS: Restart your computer and press the designated key (usually Delete, F2, F12, or Esc) during startup to enter the UEFI/BIOS setup. The key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
  2. Locate Secure Boot Settings: Navigate to the “Boot,” “Security,” or “Authentication” section within the UEFI menu. The exact location depends on your motherboard.
  3. Enable Secure Boot: Find the “Secure Boot” option and enable it. You might need to set the operating system type to “Windows UEFI mode” or a similar setting.
  4. Save Changes and Exit: Save the changes and exit the UEFI setup. Your computer will restart.

2. Enable TPM 2.0

  1. Access UEFI/BIOS: As before, restart your computer and enter the UEFI/BIOS setup.
  2. Locate TPM Settings: Look for the “Security,” “Trusted Computing,” or “Advanced” section.
  3. Enable TPM 2.0: Find the TPM option (it might be labeled as “PTT” for Intel or “fTPM” for AMD) and enable it. Ensure it is set to version 2.0.
  4. Save Changes and Exit: Save the changes and restart your computer.

3. Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware

  1. Identify Motherboard Model: Determine your motherboard’s manufacturer and model number. You can find this information using system information tools like CPU-Z or through the Windows System Information utility (msinfo32.exe).
  2. Download Latest Firmware: Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest UEFI/BIOS firmware for your specific model.
  3. Follow Update Instructions: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for updating the firmware. This usually involves using a USB drive and a dedicated flashing tool provided by the manufacturer. Important: Improperly flashing your BIOS can brick your motherboard, so proceed with caution and follow the instructions precisely.

4. Update Graphics Drivers

  1. Download Latest Drivers: Visit the NVIDIA or AMD website (depending on your graphics card) and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
  2. Perform Clean Installation: When installing the drivers, choose the “Custom” installation option and select the “Perform a clean installation” checkbox. This removes any previous driver files that might be causing conflicts.

5. Verify Game File Integrity

  1. Open Valorant Launcher: Launch the Valorant launcher.
  2. Locate Settings: Click on your profile icon and select settings.
  3. Repair Game Files: Look for an option to “Repair” or “Verify” game files. This will check for and replace any corrupted or missing files.

6. Disable Overlays and Background Applications

Overlays from applications like Discord, MSI Afterburner, or other game launchers can sometimes interfere with Valorant. Close these applications before launching the game.

7. Check for Hardware Conflicts

While less common, hardware conflicts can occur. Ensure all your hardware components are properly installed and functioning correctly. Consider running hardware diagnostics to identify any potential issues.

8. Reinstall Valorant

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling Valorant. This will ensure a clean installation and eliminate any potential issues with corrupted files.

Conclusion

Valorant crashing with UEFI errors can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the potential causes, you can often resolve the issue. Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, updating your BIOS/UEFI firmware and graphics drivers, and verifying game file integrity are essential steps. If the problem persists, consider checking for hardware conflicts or reinstalling the game. Following these steps should help you get back to playing Valorant without further interruptions.