Alex Ruben
How To Resolve VAN Secure Boot Verification Errors
If you’ve run into the VAN Secure Boot Verification Failure error while trying to launch Valorant, you’re definitely not the only one. This one’s a classic annoyance, caused when Secure Boot isn’t enabled in BIOS — which Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat system relies heavily on. Without Secure Boot turned on, Vanguard throws a fit and blocks the game from launching properly. So, the goal here is to get into your BIOS, enable Secure Boot, and hopefully get back to gaming without that nagging error.
Quick heads-up: messing around in BIOS isn’t complicated, but it’s a good idea to back up your data just in case. Also, BIOS menus look different depending on your motherboard or laptop brand, so some steps might vary slightly. If Secure Boot isn’t showing up, your system might not support it, or it could be disabled at a deeper level. Patience is key.
How to Fix VAN Secure Boot Verification Failure in Valorant
Accessing BIOS and Enabling Secure Boot
This seems to be the critical step — when Secure Boot is turned off, Vanguard isn’t happy. The thing is, you gotta get into BIOS first. Depending on your system, the way in is different, but generally:
- Restart the PC. As it’s booting, keep pressing the key that opens BIOS. Usually, it’s F2, Delete, ESC, or F10. If you’re unsure, a quick Google with your motherboard or laptop model + “enter BIOS” should do the trick.
- If the key doesn’t work, try holding it down right after powering on, or check your manual. Sometimes, manufacturers hide it behind other menus or delay the prompt, so patience helps.
Once you’re in, navigate around—using arrow keys or mouse if supported—and look for the Security or Boot tab. That’s where Secure Boot lives on most setups. If you don’t see Secure Boot, it might be disabled by default, or your system’s firmware could be outdated or locked down.
Enabling Secure Boot – Why it Matters
Found Secure Boot? Good. Now, change its setting to Enabled. This is often a simple toggle or dropdown menu. After turning it on, double-check if there’s an option that says OS Type — sometimes, you need to switch it from Legacy to UEFI mode before enabling Secure Boot. Without UEFI mode, Secure Boot won’t work, and that’s a common missed step.
Saving your changes is crucial. Usually, pressing F10 or following the on-screen prompts will save and exit. Make sure to confirm. On some rigs, you might see a warning about Secure Boot, which is normal. Just hit OK or Yes.
Reboot and Test
After saving, your PC will restart. Once back into Windows, launch Valorant again. Fingers crossed, the error should be gone. If it’s still there, maybe try toggling Secure Boot again, or checking for BIOS updates — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
On some machines, toggling Secure Boot and rebooting might need a couple of tries to fully register. Also, remember that some systems require disabling *Fast Boot* or *Secure Boot Mode* in Windows to unlock BIOS options (head to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart now, then head into Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings, to get into BIOS directly).
Extra Tips & Common Issues
- Updating your motherboard firmware might be necessary if Secure Boot isn’t showing or acting weird. Firmware updates can fix bugs and add support for features.
- If Secure Boot still refuses to turn on or options are missing, check your motherboard’s manual. Sometimes, Secure Boot is disabled at a hardware level or requires a specific firmware version.
- Always back up important data before tinkering in BIOS — sometimes things can get weird, and it’s better to be safe.
Wrap-up
Enabling Secure Boot in BIOS seems to be the universal fix for the VAN Secure Boot Verification Failure in Valorant. It’s a bit tedious, but once it’s enabled, Vanguard can do its job properly, and game launching should be smooth sailing. If you still hit weird issues, it’s worth exploring BIOS update guides for your specific motherboard, or looking into UEFI versus Legacy mode. Sometimes, you’ll need to disable Secure Boot and then re-enable it after certain updates — so don’t be surprised if you have to do this a couple of times.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone trying to get Valorant working again. Fingers crossed this helps!
Summary
- Access BIOS using the correct key for your machine (F2, Delete, etc.).
- Navigate to the Boot or Security tab.
- Enable Secure Boot — switch from Disabled to Enabled.
- Ensure your system is set to UEFI mode if needed.
- Save changes (usually F10) and restart.
- Try launching Valorant again and see if the error clears.