How to Fix HVCI Valorant Error: A Full Guide

Seeing an HVCI error in Valorant can be frustrating, especially when the game was working normally before. This issue is usually connected to Windows security features, Riot Vanguard, virtualization settings, or incompatible drivers. Because Valorant uses a strict anti-cheat system, your operating system must meet certain security requirements before the game will launch.

TLDR: To fix the HVCI Valorant error, first restart your PC and update Windows, Valorant, and Riot Vanguard. Then check that Memory Integrity, Virtualization, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 are enabled where required. If the error remains, remove incompatible drivers, reinstall Vanguard, and confirm your BIOS settings are correctly configured.

What Is the HVCI Valorant Error?

HVCI stands for Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity. In Windows, it is closely related to the Memory Integrity feature found under Core Isolation settings. Its purpose is to protect critical parts of the operating system from malicious or unsigned code.

Valorant relies on Riot Vanguard, a kernel-level anti-cheat system. Vanguard checks whether your system is secure enough to run the game. If Windows security features, firmware settings, or drivers do not meet Vanguard’s requirements, Valorant may refuse to launch and show an HVCI-related error.

This error may appear after a Windows update, a BIOS change, a driver installation, or a Vanguard update. It is not always caused by Valorant itself. In many cases, the root cause is a mismatch between Windows security settings and your hardware configuration.

Before You Start: Basic Checks

Before changing advanced settings, complete these simple steps. They often resolve the problem without further troubleshooting.

• Restart your PC: Vanguard runs at a low level and sometimes requires a full reboot after updates.
• Update Valorant: Open the Riot Client and allow all pending updates to complete.
• Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all important updates.
• Run Riot Client as administrator: Right-click the Riot Client shortcut and choose Run as administrator.
• Check for third-party security software: Some antivirus, system hardening, or driver tools may interfere with Vanguard.

If the error still appears after these steps, continue with the more specific fixes below.

Fix 1: Enable Memory Integrity in Windows Security

If Valorant is asking for HVCI, the first setting to check is Memory Integrity. This is the Windows feature that enables hypervisor-based protection for code integrity.

1. Click Start and open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & security.
3. Select Windows Security.
4. Click Device security.
5. Under Core isolation, click Core isolation details.
6. Turn Memory integrity to On.
7. Restart your computer.

If the toggle is available and turns on successfully, launch Valorant again after the restart. If Windows says Memory Integrity cannot be enabled because of incompatible drivers, you must fix those drivers first.

Fix 2: Remove or Update Incompatible Drivers

One of the most common reasons HVCI cannot be enabled is an incompatible driver. These are often older drivers for hardware utilities, RGB software, mouse software, audio tools, phone tools, or outdated system monitoring programs.

When Memory Integrity fails to enable, Windows may show a list of incompatible drivers. Write down the driver names exactly. Then follow these steps:

• Update the related software: Visit the official manufacturer website and install the latest version.
• Uninstall unnecessary tools: Remove old utilities you no longer use from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Update device drivers: Use Device Manager or the manufacturer’s support page.
• Avoid random driver websites: Downloading drivers from untrusted sources can create security risks and make Vanguard issues worse.

After updating or removing the problematic driver, restart your PC and try enabling Memory Integrity again. Once it turns on successfully, test Valorant.

Fix 3: Enable Virtualization in BIOS or UEFI

HVCI depends on virtualization-based security. If virtualization is disabled in your BIOS or UEFI firmware, Windows may not be able to use Memory Integrity correctly.

To check whether virtualization is enabled:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Performance tab.
3. Select CPU.
4. Look for Virtualization on the right side.

If it says Disabled, you need to enable it in BIOS or UEFI. The exact wording depends on your motherboard or laptop brand. Common names include:

• Intel Virtualization Technology
• Intel VT-x
• AMD SVM Mode
• Virtualization Technology

To enter BIOS, restart your PC and repeatedly press the correct key during startup. Common keys are Delete, F2, F10, or Esc. Once inside, look under menus such as Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Security. Enable virtualization, save changes, and restart.

Important: BIOS menus vary widely. If you are unsure, check your motherboard or laptop manual before changing settings.

Fix 4: Enable Secure Boot

Valorant and Riot Vanguard may require Secure Boot, especially on Windows 11 systems. Secure Boot helps ensure that your PC starts using trusted firmware and bootloaders only.

To check Secure Boot status:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. Look for Secure Boot State.

If it says On, Secure Boot is already enabled. If it says Off, you may need to enable it in BIOS or UEFI.

In BIOS, Secure Boot is usually found under Boot, Security, or Authentication. You may also need to make sure your system is using UEFI mode rather than Legacy or CSM mode. If your Windows installation uses Legacy boot, switching modes incorrectly can stop Windows from booting.

Because of this, be careful. If you are not familiar with UEFI, partition styles, or boot modes, it is safer to consult your motherboard documentation or seek help from a qualified technician.

Fix 5: Check TPM 2.0

On Windows 11, Valorant commonly expects TPM 2.0 to be enabled. TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, a security component used for hardware-based protection.

To check TPM status:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type tpm.msc and press Enter.
3. Check the Status section.
4. Look for the Specification Version.

If it says TPM is ready and the version is 2.0, this requirement is satisfied. If TPM is not found or disabled, you may need to enable it in BIOS.

Common BIOS names for TPM include:

• Intel PTT
• AMD fTPM
• Security Device Support
• Trusted Computing

Enable the correct option, save BIOS changes, and restart your computer. Afterward, run tpm.msc again to confirm the change.

Fix 6: Reinstall Riot Vanguard

If Windows security settings are correct but Valorant still shows the HVCI error, Riot Vanguard may be corrupted or stuck in an invalid state. Reinstalling it is a reliable fix.

1. Close Valorant and the Riot Client completely.
2. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Riot Vanguard.
4. Click Uninstall.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Open the Riot Client again.
7. Launch Valorant and allow Vanguard to reinstall.
8. Restart once more when prompted.

Do not skip the restarts. Vanguard’s driver must load during startup, and Valorant may continue to fail until the system has fully rebooted.

Fix 7: Reset Windows Security Settings Carefully

If you previously used debloating scripts, privacy tools, registry tweaks, or security hardening utilities, they may have disabled services required by Memory Integrity or Vanguard. In that case, review your changes and restore default Windows security behavior.

Check that the following services and features are not disabled:

• Windows Security
• Microsoft Defender Antivirus
• Virtualization Based Security
• Windows Update
• Device Security features

If you are unsure what was changed, consider using System Restore to return Windows to a point before the error started. You can search for Create a restore point in the Start menu, open System Restore, and choose an appropriate restore point if one is available.

Fix 8: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify whether another program is interfering with Vanguard or Windows security features.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
4. Click Disable all.
5. Open the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
6. Disable unnecessary startup programs.
7. Restart your PC and test Valorant.

If Valorant works after a clean boot, re-enable services gradually until you identify the conflicting software. Pay special attention to low-level utilities, old driver tools, overclocking software, and aggressive antivirus suites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not disable Windows security randomly: Vanguard often needs stronger security settings, not weaker ones.
• Do not install unofficial Vanguard files: Only use the Riot Client to install Vanguard.
• Do not change BIOS settings blindly: Incorrect boot settings can prevent Windows from starting.
• Do not ignore incompatible drivers: If Memory Integrity flags a driver, address it directly.
• Do not skip restarts: Vanguard and HVCI changes often require a full reboot.

When to Contact Riot Support

If you have enabled Memory Integrity, virtualization, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0, removed incompatible drivers, and reinstalled Vanguard, but the error continues, it is time to contact Riot Support. Include screenshots of the error, your Windows version, Secure Boot status, TPM status, and any incompatible driver messages shown by Windows Security.

You should also mention any recent changes, such as BIOS updates, Windows upgrades, new hardware, or driver installations. Clear information helps support identify whether the issue is caused by Vanguard, Windows, firmware, or a specific driver conflict.

Final Thoughts

The HVCI Valorant error is usually fixable, but it requires a methodical approach. Start with updates and restarts, then confirm Memory Integrity, Virtualization, Secure Boot, and TPM. If Windows blocks HVCI because of incompatible drivers, resolve those drivers before reinstalling Vanguard.

Most players can solve the problem by enabling the correct Windows and BIOS security features, then reinstalling Riot Vanguard. Take your time, avoid risky shortcuts, and make changes one step at a time. This gives you the best chance of fixing Valorant without creating new system problems.