Fix Vanguard Error VAN 57: Easy steps to resolve Riot Vanguard anti-cheat error code 57 and get back to playing Valorant and League of Legends smoothly.
For many players of Valorant and League of Legends, encountering the Vanguard Error VAN 57 can bring gameplay to a halt. This error signifies that Riot Vanguard, the anti-cheat system essential for running these games, is either not running or has failed to initialize properly. When this happens, the games refuse to launch, leaving players frustrated and unable to play.
This guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of what Vanguard Error 57 is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to fix it step-by-step. Following these instructions will help you get back into the game as quickly as possible.
What Is Vanguard Error VAN 57?
Understanding the Error Code
The Vanguard Error VAN 57 is a specific error code from Riot Games’ anti-cheat software called Riot Vanguard. This software runs at a deep system level to detect cheating or hacking attempts in games like Valorant and League of Legends. The VAN 57 code indicates that Riot Vanguard is either not running or has stopped functioning correctly on your computer.
Since Vanguard runs as a background service with elevated privileges, if it is disabled, stopped, or blocked by another program, the game’s launcher will detect this and refuse to start the game for security reasons.
Riot Vanguard’s Role in Your Game
Riot Vanguard was first introduced with Valorant in 2020 and later integrated with League of Legends in April 2024. Its purpose is to maintain fair gameplay by scanning for cheats and hacks in real time. However, because Vanguard operates at the kernel level of Windows, it requires continuous operation with system permissions. Any disruption to Vanguard’s service causes errors like VAN 57.
Common Causes of Vanguard Error VAN 57
Understanding the causes of this error can help prevent it in the future. The most frequent reasons for Vanguard not running properly include:
1. Riot Vanguard Service Is Not Running
Vanguard runs as a Windows service called vgc. If this service crashes, fails to start on system boot, or is manually disabled, you will encounter the VAN 57 error.
2. Software Conflicts
Many players report that third-party antivirus software, firewalls, or system optimization tools interfere with Vanguard. These programs might mistakenly block Vanguard from running because of its deep system access.
3. Corrupted Installation or Missing Files
Sometimes Vanguard or the game’s installation files can become corrupted during updates or due to system issues. Corrupted files prevent Vanguard from initializing properly.
4. Outdated or Incompatible System Drivers
Drivers, especially for graphics cards and network adapters, must be up to date and compatible with your current version of Windows and Vanguard. Outdated drivers can cause conflicts and prevent Vanguard from running.
5. Network and DNS Issues
On some occasions, problems with network configuration or cached DNS entries can cause Vanguard to fail during connection verification, resulting in error 57.
How to Fix Vanguard Error VAN 57
The following section details the most effective and widely recommended fixes to resolve the VAN 57 error. It is advisable to follow the steps sequentially and test the game after each fix.
Step 1: Restart Your PC and Riot Client
Often, temporary glitches or conflicts in system processes prevent Vanguard from starting correctly. Simply restarting your computer can clear these issues.
- Save all your work and reboot your computer.
- Once restarted, open the Riot Client and try launching Valorant or League of Legends again.
Restarting ensures that any system processes or Vanguard services that may have crashed are reset.
Step 2: Verify and Start the Riot Vanguard Service
Riot Vanguard runs as a service in the background, usually named vgc in the Windows Services manager. If this service is not running or set to manual start, the game will throw the VAN 57 error.
How to Check and Enable Vanguard Service:
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
- Scroll down to find the Riot Vanguard (vgc) service.
- If its status is anything other than “Running,” right-click on it and select Start.
- To ensure Vanguard starts automatically on system boot, right-click the service, select Properties, and set Startup type to Automatic.
- Close the window, restart your PC, and launch the game again.
Step 3: Flush Your DNS Cache
Network issues and stale DNS entries can sometimes cause Vanguard to fail verification and trigger error 57. Flushing the DNS cache refreshes your system’s network settings and often resolves such problems.
To Flush DNS Cache:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: press Win + R, type cmd, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
- Run the following commands one after another: bashCopyEdit
ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns - After executing these commands, restart your computer and try launching the game.
This method was reported to be effective by many users on community forums such as Reddit.
Step 4: Reinstall Riot Vanguard and Your Game
If the problem persists, the most reliable method is to perform a clean reinstall of Riot Vanguard and your game (Valorant or League of Legends).
How to Clean Reinstall:
- Go to Add or Remove Programs in Windows settings.
- Uninstall Riot Vanguard and then uninstall Valorant or League of Legends.
- Navigate to the Riot Games installation directory (usually
C:\Riot Games) and delete any leftover folders related to the games. - Restart your PC to clear any cached files.
- Open the Riot Client and reinstall your game. Vanguard will automatically reinstall alongside the game.
This approach ensures that any corrupted files are removed and replaced with fresh copies. Riot Games officially recommends this method for resolving VAN 57 errors.
Step 5: Update Your System Drivers and Windows
Outdated drivers can cause Vanguard to malfunction or crash during initialization.
- Visit the official websites for your graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers.
- Update your network drivers via Device Manager or your PC manufacturer’s website.
- Check for and install any pending Windows updates.
- After updating, restart your PC before trying the game again.
Keeping drivers and your operating system current helps maintain compatibility with Riot Vanguard.
Step 6: Disable Conflicting Software Temporarily
Many users find that third-party antivirus software or firewalls interfere with Vanguard’s operation, as it requires deep system access.
- Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall programs before launching the game.
- Avoid running system optimization tools or VPNs during your gaming sessions.
- If this resolves the issue, add Riot Vanguard and the Riot Client as exceptions in your antivirus and firewall settings to prevent future conflicts.
Advanced Troubleshooting Options
If none of the above steps work, consider these more advanced methods:
Run the Game in Compatibility Mode
Some users report success by running the game in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows.
- Right-click the game’s shortcut or executable.
- Select Properties, then go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for: and choose an older Windows version (such as Windows 8 or 7).
- Apply the changes and try running the game again.
Disable Windows Testing Mode
Windows Testing Mode can interfere with Vanguard’s operation because it disables driver signature enforcement.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run the following commands: vbnetCopyEdit
bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF bcdedit -set NOINTEGRITYCHECKS OFF - Restart your PC.
This disables Windows Testing Mode and may resolve VAN 57 caused by driver signature issues.
Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to eliminate software conflicts.
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items.
- Restart your PC and test if the error persists.
If the error disappears, you can enable services and startup items one by one to identify the conflicting software.
When to Contact Riot Support
If the above solutions do not resolve Vanguard Error VAN 57, it is time to reach out to Riot Games for support. Submit a detailed support ticket explaining the problem, the error code, and all troubleshooting steps you have taken.
You can submit a ticket at Riot’s official support page dedicated to Vanguard errors. Their technical team can provide further guidance or identify issues that require direct intervention.
Conclusion
The Vanguard Error VAN 57 is a common yet resolvable problem for many Valorant and League of Legends players. It typically arises because Riot Vanguard—the crucial anti-cheat system—is not running due to service issues, software conflicts, corrupted files, or network problems.
The most effective fixes include restarting your PC, ensuring the Vanguard service is running, flushing your DNS cache, and performing a clean reinstall of both Vanguard and the game. Keeping your drivers and Windows updated and temporarily disabling conflicting software can also help.
By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, most users can resolve the VAN 57 error and enjoy uninterrupted gameplay. When all else fails, Riot Support is available to provide further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error code 57 mean in Valorant?
Error code 57 means that Riot Vanguard failed to start or is not running, preventing the game from launching.
How do I fix Vanguard error 57?
Fixes include restarting your PC, starting the Vanguard service, flushing DNS, reinstalling Vanguard and the game, updating drivers, and disabling conflicting software.
Is Riot Vanguard necessary to play Valorant and League of Legends?
Yes. Vanguard is essential for preventing cheating and maintaining fair play in Riot Games’ competitive titles.
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