Riot Games has recently increased security protocols for Valorant, requiring players using Windows 11 to have Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled in order to access the game.

This step, designed to strengthen Valorant’s protection against hackers and cheaters, makes knowing how to activate Secure Boot a crucial requirement for players.

Secure Boot functions as a safeguard, allowing only verified software to run during system startup, thereby helping preserve the integrity of your gaming experience.

Making sure your system meets Valorant’s Secure Boot requirement helps protect your device and guarantees smooth access to one of today’s most competitive gaming environments.

This guide will take you through the steps to verify your Secure Boot and TPM status, enable Secure Boot in your BIOS settings, and resolve common problems that might occur along the way.

Whether you’re configuring your settings to comply with Valorant’s Secure Boot requirements for the first time or encountering issues with Secure Boot on Windows 11, this article offers a detailed step-by-step guide.

By following the step-by-step guidance outlined here, you can properly set up your system to meet Valorant’s Secure Boot requirement and return to the game with little hassle.

Understanding Secure Boot: What It Means and Why It Matters

Secure Boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 are security features in Windows 11 that function as safeguards, allowing only trusted and verified programs to run on your PC.

Secure Boot is a security feature that permits only verified software to launch during system startup, helping to protect the integrity of your gaming experience.

TPM is a hardware component that securely stores encryption keys and other critical information. Together with Secure Boot, it helps create a more secure and trusted environment for running startup programs.

The Role of Secure Boot in Running Valorant Smoothly

Valorant needs Secure Boot and TPM enabled because they help Vanguard, Riot Games’ anti-cheat system, confirm that your PC is a secure and reliable environment.

Vanguard relies on TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to verify a system’s trusted status, which plays a key role in preventing most forms of cheating.

Meeting Valorant’s Secure Boot requirement helps protect your system and allows continuous access to the game.

If TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is turned off on a Windows 11 device, launching Valorant might trigger error codes like VAN9001 or VAN9003, signaling that these features need to be enabled.

How to Check If Secure Boot and TPM Are Enabled

Before proceeding with enabling Secure Boot and TPM, it’s important to verify their current status on your Windows 11 computer. This will let you know whether any adjustments are needed to comply with Valorant’s requirements.

Steps to Verify TPM 2.0 via Windows Key on Your PC

• Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Type tpm.msc (without quotes) and press Enter.
• Look at the Status section.

If it displays “The TPM is ready for use,” your Windows 11 system is equipped to run Valorant.

However, if you encounter the message “Compatible TPM cannot be found: Compatible Trusted Platform Module (TPM) cannot be found on this computer,” it indicates that TPM is either disabled or not supported on your device.

How to Identify If Secure Boot and TPM Are Enabled

To verify the Secure Boot status and BIOS mode:

• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type msinfo32 and hit Enter.
• Check the values for Secure Boot State and BIOS Mode.

If you see BIOS Mode: UEFI and Secure Boot State: On, your system is ready.
If BIOS Mode shows Legacy, you may need to convert your OS drive from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table).

These easy steps will help you determine if your system meets the Secure Boot and TPM requirements for Valorant.

If one or both features are turned off or not supported, the following sections will walk you through how to enable them.

How to Turn On Secure Boot from Your BIOS Settings

Turning on Secure Boot in your system’s BIOS is essential to comply with Valorant’s security standards. While the exact procedure might differ based on your motherboard manufacturer, the overall steps are generally consistent.

Accessing BIOS Settings on Windows

To enter the BIOS, restart your computer and press a designated key during startup—commonly F1, F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc.

You can find the correct key for your specific system in your motherboard’s manual or by searching online.

Locate the Secure Boot Option in BIOS

After entering the BIOS, use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move to the Boot Options tab, since the mouse might not function in this interface. Locate the Secure Boot setting, which might also appear under the Security tab on certain systems.

Secure Boot Setup

• Find the Secure Boot setting within your BIOS menu.
• Set Secure Boot to Enabled.
• Make sure the Boot Protocol or BIOS Mode is configured as UEFI.
• Under the Security tab, confirm that the TPM State is enabled.

Apply BIOS Changes and Reboot

Once you’ve enabled Secure Boot and confirmed all required settings, save your changes. While the exact method may vary depending on your BIOS version, there is usually a “Save and Exit” option available. After saving, your system will reboot with Secure Boot enabled.

Following these instructions should enable Secure Boot successfully, allowing you to run Valorant without encountering related errors.

If problems persist or you need additional help, refer to your motherboard’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s support team.

How to Fix Common Problems and Errors

Even after enabling Secure Boot and TPM, you might still face issues when launching Valorant on Windows 11. Below are some common problems and how to resolve them:

TPM Not Detected

If you see an error indicating that a compatible TPM cannot be found, it suggests that TPM is either not supported or currently disabled. To resolve this:

• Refer to your motherboard’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to confirm TPM 2.0 compatibility.

• If TPM is supported, access the BIOS and locate options like “Security Device Support” or “AMD fTPM switch.”

• Enable the TPM setting and make sure to save your changes before exiting the BIOS.

What to Do Next If Issues Still Occur

If problems persist after enabling Secure Boot and TPM, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Make sure your Windows 11 system is fully updated with the latest security patches and updates.

• Confirm that your device meets the minimum hardware specifications needed to run Valorant on Windows 11.

• Check that your BIOS is configured to UEFI mode, as Secure Boot won’t function in Legacy mode.

• If you’re using a custom Secure Boot setup, consider reverting to the default configuration.
  

Should these steps not resolve the issue, contact Riot Games’ support team or your motherboard manufacturer for additional help. They can offer guidance tailored to your system’s specific setup.

Conclusion

This guide has thoroughly walked through the essential steps needed to enable Secure Boot and TPM on Windows 11, helping players meet the necessary security standards for running Valorant.

From checking the current settings to navigating BIOS menus for activation, the process highlights just how vital these features are for a smooth and protected gaming experience.

By following the steps outlined, players can effectively resolve issues related to Secure Boot and TPM, improving both gameplay performance and system protection.

The importance of Secure Boot and TPM goes beyond fulfilling game requirements—it reflects a broader effort to uphold system reliability and defend against cheating and harmful software.

As you apply these settings, it’s equally important to keep your system updated and seek expert help when needed.

To go further, consider keeping up with evolving security practices in gaming or joining community discussions to exchange advice and experiences, helping ensure Valorant remains both fair and secure for everyone.