Why Does Vanguard Keep Crashing League of Legends?

If Vanguard, Riot Games’ anti-cheat system, is causing League of Legends to crash, several underlying issues could be responsible. These range from compatibility problems and driver conflicts to software bugs and system resource limitations. Understanding these potential causes is key to resolving the problem and getting back into the game.

Common Causes of Vanguard Crashing League

Here’s a breakdown of the typical culprits behind Vanguard’s instability with League:

  • Driver Incompatibility: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a frequent cause. Vanguard interacts directly with your system’s kernel, making it sensitive to driver issues.
  • Software Conflicts: Conflicts with other programs, especially other anti-cheat software, can lead to crashes. This can include antivirus programs, system monitoring tools, or even some game overlay applications.
  • Vanguard Service Issues: Sometimes, the Vanguard service itself might encounter problems, leading to instability. This can be due to corrupted installation files or issues with Riot’s servers.
  • Hardware Limitations: Although less common, inadequate system resources (RAM, CPU) can cause crashes, especially on lower-end machines.
  • Windows Compatibility: Operating system issues or outdated versions of Windows can cause conflicts with Vanguard.
  • Secure Boot/TPM 2.0 Issues: Vanguard requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled. Problems with these features can lead to errors and crashes.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Vanguard Crashes

Here’s a structured approach to diagnosing and fixing Vanguard-related crashes in League of Legends:

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

  • Check for Updates: Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers.
  • Clean Installation: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove old drivers completely before installing new ones. This ensures a clean installation, minimizing conflicts.

2. Close Conflicting Applications

  • Identify Conflicts: Close any unnecessary programs running in the background, especially antivirus software, system monitoring tools, and game overlays.
  • Selective Startup: Use the Task Manager to disable startup programs that might be causing conflicts.

3. Reinstall Vanguard

  • Uninstall Vanguard: Use the Control Panel to uninstall Riot Vanguard.
  • Restart Your Computer: After uninstalling, restart your computer to ensure the files are completely removed.
  • Reinstall Vanguard: Launch League of Legends; the game should prompt you to reinstall Vanguard. Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Check System Requirements

  • Minimum Specs: Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for both League of Legends and Vanguard.
  • Resource Usage: Monitor your CPU, RAM, and GPU usage while playing the game. High usage can indicate hardware limitations.

5. Ensure Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are Enabled

  • Check in BIOS: Access your computer’s BIOS settings (usually by pressing DEL, F2, or F12 during startup) and verify that Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled.
  • Consult Motherboard Manual: Refer to your motherboard’s manual for specific instructions on enabling these features.

6. Update Windows

  • Windows Update: Check for and install any available Windows updates. This ensures your operating system has the latest patches and compatibility fixes.

7. Run League of Legends as Administrator

  • Right-Click and Run: Right-click the League of Legends shortcut and select “Run as administrator.” This can resolve permission issues that might be causing conflicts.

8. Check Vanguard Service Status

  • Task Manager: Open Task Manager and check if the VGC service (Vanguard’s service) is running. If it’s not, try starting it manually.
  • Services.msc: Open the Services application (search for “services.msc”) and find the VGC service. Ensure it’s set to start automatically.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, consider these more advanced solutions:

  • System File Checker (SFC): Run the System File Checker to scan for and repair corrupted system files.
  • Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify conflicting software.
  • Check Event Viewer: Examine the Event Viewer for error messages related to Vanguard or League of Legends. This can provide clues about the cause of the crashes.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and Vanguard continues to crash League of Legends, it might be time to seek professional help. Contact Riot Games support or consult a qualified computer technician. They can provide personalized assistance and diagnose more complex issues.

By systematically addressing the potential causes, you can significantly increase your chances of resolving Vanguard-related crashes and enjoying a stable gaming experience in League of Legends.