Problem: Riot Vanguard “VAN: RESTRICTION” blocks you from playing (and often demands BIOS / Secure Boot / TPM changes)

Published: 2026-01-10 00:15 (local time)

Quick Summary

Many PC players are being blocked from Riot games by a VAN: RESTRICTION message tied to Vanguard’s security checks.
The message can require changes that feel “extreme” for gamers: Windows updates, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and sometimes a BIOS firmware update.
It’s widespread because it can affect large groups of motherboards/configurations at once when Vanguard tightens requirements.
There’s no single universal fix: hardware, firmware, and Windows configurations vary wildly by PC.
Workarounds exist, but some carry risk (especially BIOS updates), so proceed carefully.

What’s happening

PC players trying to launch Riot titles protected by Vanguard (notably VALORANT, and also other Riot games where Vanguard is enforced) are seeing an error that prevents play: VAN: RESTRICTION. Riot’s support documentation describes it as a restriction applied when Vanguard detects a PC configuration considered “too cheat-capable,” and the error text indicates which settings must be changed to remove the restriction. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

In practical terms, affected players report being suddenly blocked even if they haven’t changed anything—because enforcement can change on Riot’s side, and because Windows updates, firmware versions, and security features (TPM/Secure Boot) differ across systems. Riot explicitly calls out that the fix checklist is individualized to what your Vanguard message says. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

This problem is especially disruptive because the “solutions” are not typical game troubleshooting steps. They can require entering BIOS/UEFI menus, enabling security modules, and even updating motherboard firmware—tasks many players avoid due to the risk of misconfiguration or a failed update.

Likely causes (what research suggests)

Security baseline enforcement (TPM 2.0 / Secure Boot / Windows version): Riot states that outdated Windows or specific configurations conducive to cheating can trigger restrictions, and it instructs users to update Windows and enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot where required. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))
Motherboard firmware / BIOS limitations or outdated firmware: Riot notes that if you can’t enable Secure Boot (or already enabled TPM 2.0 but still get the prompt), you may need a BIOS firmware update, and it warns BIOS navigation is highly variable. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))
Anti-cheat “arms race” response to hardware cheat vectors: Recent reporting describes Riot pushing stricter firmware expectations and BIOS updates from major motherboard vendors to close pre-boot gaps used by advanced cheats. ([theverge.com](https://www.theverge.com/news/847539/riot-games-motherboard-security-flaw-pc-cheaters-anti-cheat?utm_source=openai))

If you see conflicting advice online, it’s often because there are multiple “restriction” triggers that look similar to users. The most reliable next step is to follow the exact requirements listed in your own VAN: RESTRICTION message and then match them to Riot’s official guides.

Solutions & Workarounds

1) Read the VAN: RESTRICTION message carefully and fix only what it asks for

Who it helps: All PC players seeing VAN: RESTRICTION.

Launch the game to reproduce the error and note the exact requirement(s) listed in the message (Windows update, TPM, Secure Boot, BIOS update, etc.). ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))
Do not shotgun-fix everything; do one category at a time and reboot between changes.

Risks/tradeoffs: None, this reduces unnecessary changes.

Stop & contact support when: The message is unclear, changes are completed but the restriction persists, or you’re asked to modify BIOS settings you don’t understand. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

2) Update Windows fully (then reboot twice)

Who it helps: Players flagged for outdated Windows/security baseline. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Open Windows Settings → Windows Update → install all updates.
Reboot, then check again for additional updates, and reboot again.

Risks/tradeoffs: Updates can occasionally introduce driver issues; schedule time to roll back if needed.

Stop & contact support when: Windows Update fails repeatedly or you’re on a managed/work PC where you can’t update.

3) Enable TPM 2.0 (or confirm it’s enabled)

Who it helps: Systems where Vanguard requires TPM 2.0. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Press Win+R → type tpm.msc → confirm TPM is present and ready.
If TPM is missing/disabled: reboot into BIOS/UEFI and enable TPM (Intel PTT / AMD fTPM naming varies by vendor).
Boot back into Windows and re-check tpm.msc.

Risks/tradeoffs: If BitLocker/device encryption is enabled, changing TPM settings can have recovery-key implications. If you’re unsure, pause and research your device’s encryption status before flipping TPM settings.

Stop & contact support when: You rely on BitLocker and don’t have recovery keys, or BIOS options are confusing.

4) Enable Secure Boot (and ensure UEFI mode)

Who it helps: Players whose restriction calls for Secure Boot. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Enter BIOS/UEFI and ensure the system boots in UEFI mode (not Legacy/CSM).
Enable Secure Boot (options vary by board; some require setting OS type to “Windows UEFI”).
Save changes and reboot.

Risks/tradeoffs: Misconfigured boot settings can cause boot failure if the OS drive is not set up for UEFI. Consider backing up important data first.

Stop & contact support when: You’re unsure whether your Windows install is UEFI/GPT, or the PC fails to boot after changes.

5) Update motherboard BIOS/UEFI firmware (only if Riot specifically indicates it)

Who it helps: Players who can’t enable Secure Boot, or whose restriction persists even with TPM/Secure Boot enabled; Riot explicitly says a BIOS update may be needed in those cases. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Identify motherboard model (or laptop model) and current BIOS version in BIOS or via system info.
Download the correct BIOS update from the manufacturer support page (exact model match).
Follow the manufacturer’s official flashing procedure (often via built-in flash utility).

Risks/tradeoffs: BIOS updates carry real risk (power loss, wrong file, corruption). Riot warns that incorrect BIOS configuration can prevent the computer from starting and recommends professional help if you’re not comfortable. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Stop & contact support when: You can’t confidently verify the exact motherboard model/BIOS file, or you’re on an unstable power setup.

6) If you’re still blocked: follow Riot’s official “Vanguard Restrictions” guidance and open a ticket

Who it helps: Anyone who completed the required steps and still sees restrictions.

Review Riot’s “Vanguard Restrictions” and “VAN: RESTRICTION” support pages for your game. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/44545169004051-Vanguard-Restrictions?utm_source=openai))
Submit a support ticket with: your error text, motherboard model, BIOS version, Windows version, and confirmation of TPM/Secure Boot state.

Risks/tradeoffs: Time cost; may require back-and-forth.

Stop & contact support when: Immediately—if you’re asked to perform BIOS changes you’re uncomfortable with, or if your PC is a prebuilt/laptop with limited BIOS options.

Prevention (so it doesn’t come back)

Keep Windows up to date and reboot after major updates (don’t defer indefinitely). ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))
When safe and applicable, keep motherboard BIOS reasonably current—especially if vendors release security fixes related to pre-boot protections. ([theverge.com](https://www.theverge.com/news/847539/riot-games-motherboard-security-flaw-pc-cheaters-anti-cheat?utm_source=openai))
Avoid repeatedly toggling Secure Boot/TPM unless necessary; treat firmware settings like system-critical configuration.

FAQ

Q: Is VAN: RESTRICTION a ban?
A: Riot describes it as a PC restriction based on security/cheat-capability signals; the message tells you what settings to change to remove it. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Q: Do I really need to update my BIOS?
A: Only if the message indicates it, or if you can’t enable Secure Boot / the restriction persists even after meeting TPM/Secure Boot requirements. Riot explicitly frames BIOS updates as sometimes necessary. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Q: Why would this happen “all of a sudden”?
A: Enforcement and required baselines can change, and your system may fall below the newly enforced configuration (or a newly recognized firmware issue). Reporting also indicates Riot is responding to evolving hardware cheat methods. ([theverge.com](https://www.theverge.com/news/847539/riot-games-motherboard-security-flaw-pc-cheaters-anti-cheat?utm_source=openai))

Q: I enabled TPM and Secure Boot but it still fails—what next?
A: Verify they are truly enabled (and that you’re booting in UEFI mode). If still blocked, Riot notes you may need a BIOS firmware update or vendor help. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Q: Can Secure Boot break my PC?
A: It can cause boot problems if you switch boot modes incorrectly (UEFI vs Legacy/CSM). If you’re unsure, stop and consult your motherboard/laptop support documentation.

Q: Should I pay someone to do this?
A: Riot explicitly recommends reaching out to a professional if you’re not familiar with BIOS navigation/configuration. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))

Q: Where should I check for official status updates?
A: For Riot/Vanguard restrictions, rely on Riot’s support pages first; they describe the restriction logic and required settings. ([support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com](https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/48069719245587-Error-VAN-RESTRICTION?utm_source=openai))