Fix VAN 185 Error: Step-by-Step Guide for TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot

Understanding the VAN 185 Error in Valorant

Encountering the VAN 185 error can be a frustrating experience, especially when you are geared up for a competitive match in Valorant. This specific error code is almost exclusively tied to the Riot Vanguard anti-cheat system and its strict requirements for Windows 11 users. At its core, VAN 185 is a security handshake failure; the game is unable to verify that your system meets the mandatory security specifications required to prevent cheating at a kernel level.

The primary culprits behind this error are TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot. While these features are standard on most modern hardware, they are often disabled by default in the BIOS/UEFI settings or were turned off during a previous OS installation. Without these active, Vanguard cannot guarantee a secure environment, leading to the immediate termination of the game client.

• What is TPM 2.0?
• How to enable Secure Boot
• BIOS configuration for different motherboards
• Troubleshooting CSM and UEFI modes
• Checking Windows 11 security status

Primary Solutions to Resolve VAN 185

To resolve the VAN 185 error, you must move beyond Windows settings and enter your system's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). Before proceeding, ensure you have a backup of your data, although changing these specific settings rarely affects your files. To improve your overall gaming performance and stability, it is also recommended to keep your motherboard drivers updated.

Step 1: Verifying Your Current Security Status

Before diving into the BIOS, you should confirm exactly what is missing. Press the Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter. In the System Information window, look for two specific lines: BIOS Mode and Secure Boot State. If the BIOS Mode says 'Legacy' instead of 'UEFI', or if Secure Boot State is 'Off', you have found the source of the problem. Additionally, type tpm.msc in the Run dialog to check if the TPM is ready for use. If it says 'Compatible TPM cannot be found', you must enable it in the firmware.

Step 2: Enabling TPM 2.0 (fTPM or PTT)

Depending on your CPU, TPM is handled differently. Intel users will look for Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT), while AMD users will look for AMD fTPM. To enter the BIOS, restart your PC and repeatedly press the Delete or F2 key during the boot sequence.

• ASUS Motherboards: Navigate to 'Advanced' mode > 'Advanced' tab > 'PCH-FW Configuration' (Intel) or 'AMD fTPM configuration' (AMD). Set the option to 'Enabled'.
• Gigabyte Motherboards: Go to the 'Settings' or 'Peripherals' tab. Look for 'Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)' or 'AMD CPU fTPM' and switch it to 'Enabled'.
• MSI Motherboards: Go to 'Settings' > 'Security' > 'Trusted Computing'. Set 'Security Device Support' to 'Enabled' and 'TPM Device Selection' to 'PTT' or 'fTPM'.

Optimizing your windows environment ensures that these hardware changes are recognized immediately by the OS.

Step 3: Enabling Secure Boot

Once TPM is active, you must address Secure Boot. This is a security standard that ensures your PC boots using only software that is trusted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). In your BIOS, locate the 'Boot' or 'Security' tab.

Look for the Secure Boot option. If it is disabled, change it to 'Enabled'. However, if you see a message saying 'System in Setup Mode', you may need to install 'Default Secure Boot keys'. Look for an option like 'Restore Factory Keys' or 'Install Default Secure Boot Keys' to move the system into 'User Mode', which allows Secure Boot to actually function.

Advanced Troubleshooting: CSM and UEFI Mode

A common hurdle when fixing the VAN 185 error is the CSM (Compatibility Support Module). CSM is a legacy feature that allows newer UEFI BIOS to boot older operating systems that don't support UEFI. However, Secure Boot cannot function while CSM is enabled.

Disabling CSM

If your BIOS Mode in msinfo32 was listed as 'Legacy', you must disable CSM. Navigate to the 'Boot' tab in your BIOS and find 'CSM Support'. Set this to 'Disabled'. Warning: If your Windows was installed on an MBR (Master Boot Record) partition rather than a GPT (GUID Partition Table), disabling CSM may prevent your computer from booting into Windows. In such cases, you will need to convert your disk from MBR to GPT using the mbr2gpt tool provided by Microsoft.

Updating Riot Vanguard

If your BIOS settings are correct but the error persists, the issue might be a corrupted installation of the anti-cheat software. Use the Add or Remove Programs menu to uninstall 'Riot Vanguard'. Restart your computer, then launch the Riot Client. The client will detect that Vanguard is missing and prompt you to reinstall it. This fresh installation often clears residual configuration errors that cause the VAN 185 trigger.

Conclusion

The VAN 185 error is less of a 'bug' and more of a security requirement. By ensuring your system is running in UEFI mode, disabling CSM, and activating both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, you align your hardware with the security standards demanded by Riot Games. While navigating the BIOS can feel intimidating, following the manufacturer-specific paths for Intel PTT or AMD fTPM typically resolves the issue for the vast majority of users. Once these settings are locked in, your system will not only be compatible with Valorant but will be more secure against boot-level malware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every PC have TPM 2.0?
Most PCs manufactured after 2018 have TPM 2.0 integrated into the CPU (as fTPM or PTT). Older systems might require a dedicated hardware TPM module plugged into the motherboard, though this is rare for average gaming builds.

Will enabling Secure Boot delete my files?
No, enabling Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 does not delete your personal data. However, if you disable CSM and your drive is formatted as MBR, Windows will not boot until you convert the drive to GPT or re-enable CSM.

Can I bypass VAN 185 without enabling TPM 2.0?
On Windows 11, there is no official way to bypass these requirements. Riot Vanguard strictly enforces these checks to maintain competitive integrity. Users on Windows 10 may experience fewer of these requirements, but the trend is moving toward mandatory TPM support.

Why does my BIOS say Secure Boot is enabled but Valorant says it is not?
This usually happens when the system is in 'Setup Mode'. You must install the 'Default Secure Boot Keys' in the BIOS settings to move the system into 'User Mode', which confirms the activation to the operating system.

What is the difference between fTPM and TPM?
A discrete TPM is a physical chip on the motherboard. fTPM (firmware TPM) is a software-based implementation built directly into the processor (CPU). For Valorant and Windows 11, both are equally acceptable.