Valorant Error Code 57 – Vanguard Not Initialized [FIXED]

You can fix Valorant Error Code 57 by Terminating Background Processes, Removing 3rd Party DNS Servers, Manually Starting VGC Service and Reinstalling Vanguard.

Like most first-person shooters, Valorant has its own set of issues. One such problem that prevents you from even booting up Valorant is Error Code 57. This error has affected a lot of players, surfacing when Vanguard, the anti-cheat system, is not running in the background. If you have also been one of its victims, buckle up as I guide you through all the possible fixes to get you back into the game.

The error message reads, “Vanguard Anti-Cheat has not been initialized. If this is your first… Error Details: Error Code: 57.” 
Valorant Error Code 57
Valorant Error Code 57 (Image by eXputer)
Key Takeaways

Below are some solutions you can try for Error Code 57:

  • Terminate unnecessary Background Programs.
  • Flush your DNS Cache & Change 3rd-Party DNS Servers. 
  • Change the VGC Service startup type and Manually Start it.
  • Reinstall Vanguard.

Pre-Check: Before anything, I recommend trying basic troubleshooting steps, such as restarting your computer and checking your network connection.

Terminate Unnecessary Background Programs

By default, Vanguard has a few services that run automatically on startup to boot the anti-cheat. But, to save up on resources, these services go dormant after a while. The problem arises when your operating system needs even more resources. And when it does, it kills these non-essential services, causing Error Code 57.

While this would generally not be an issue if you have a decent amount of RAM (>8 GBs), I would still recommend taking a peek, just in case. If you need help in terminating these pesky programs, check out our dedicated guide on the matter.

Change The VGC Service’s Startup Type

As I said above, Vanguard has a few services that help boot it up on startup. By default, these services should start automatically. Sometimes, however, they can switch to a manual start. This can become a problem as Vanguard needs to boot up on kernel level. Fixing this, however, is not that hard. 

To do so, follow the steps as such:

  1. Press Win + R to open Run > Type “services.msc” > Press Enter.
  2. Look for “VGC” in the list of services.
    changing valorant's vanguard service to automatic to fix error code 57
    Accessing the Properties of the VGC Service (Image Captured by eXputer)
  3. Right-click on it > Click on Properties.
  4. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
    Starting the VGC Service
    Starting the VGC Service (Image Copyrighted by eXputer)
  5. Click on OK to save the changes.

Change Custom DNS

Every network request you make first goes through a series of DNS requests. For easier understanding, you can think of DNS as an address book. Before you go anywhere, you look for the place’s address. So, while a custom DNS brings many benefits, Vanguard doesn’t like its traffic being redirected. So, a fix that has worked for several players is to switch to a public DNS.

While this won’t give you the same level of control, doing so is highly likely to fix the Error Code 57 in Valorant. Check our guide on the topic to learn how to change your DNS.

Tip: I recommend clearing your DNS cache afterward to prevent domain-resolving issues.

Reinstall Vanguard

If none of the above solutions work for you, the issue likely lies with the corrupted Vanguard itself. Because Vanguard operates at the kernel level, even a tiny problem with its structure can make it fail to load up. So, at this point in the guide, I recommend reinstalling Vanguard and its services as the last resort. 

Follow the steps as such to do so: 

  1. Press Start Button > Type ‘Command Prompt’ > Press Enter.
  2. Type ‘sc delete vgc’ > Press Enter > Type ‘sc delete vgk’ > Press Enter.
    Deleting Vanguard's services to fix error code 57
    Deleting Vanguard’s Services (Image by eXputer)
  3. Press Start Button > Search ‘Add or Remove Programs’ > Press Enter.
  4. Type Vanguard in Search this list > Click on Vanguard > Click Uninstall.
    Uninstall Vanguard
    Uninstalling Vanguard (Image Captured by eXputer)
  5.  Open Valorant > Click on Update to reinstall Vanguard.
    Updating Vanguard to fix error code 57
    Installing Vanguard (Image Captured by eXputer)

Once done, don’t forget to restart your computer so Vanguard can boot up again.

My Thoughts On Error Code 57

From playing Valorant for a long time, I can understand how frustrating its errors are to handle. They pop up out of nowhere and sometimes go away automatically as well. What makes Error Code 57 slightly more frustrating is that Vanguard has no built-in diagnostic tools.

Thankfully, however, the issue is not as widespread among the player base and only periodically pops up. But fear not when it pops up, as this guide will always be here to do the heavy lifting for you. Finally, if nothing works for you, Riot Support is always going to be your best bet.

FAQs

How Do I Fix Valorant Vanguard Error?

You can fix the Valorant Vanguard error by restarting the game client, rebooting your PC, enabling the VGC service, or reinstalling the game.

What Does Vanguard Anti-Cheat Do?

The Vanguard Anti-Cheat runs on the Kernel to detect actively running cheats.

Does Uninstalling Valorant remove Vanguard?

No, uninstalling Valorant doesn’t remove Vanguard.


Check Other Valorant Error Guides covered on eXputer: 

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Ayyoun Ali


Ayyoun is a Senior Writer & Editor for Error Fixes and Game Settings guides on eXputer. He’s been passionate about games and technology since he got his hands on the PS1. He’s got a Software Engineering background and loves to play games for entertainment and understand them from a technical perspective. He has a knack for uncovering solutions for the latest games and presenting them in easy-to-follow guides for his audience. Ayyoun has logged over 1,000 hours on Rainbow Six Seige; you can keep up with his gaming activity on his Steam profile. Experience: 7+ years || Worked For VeryAli Gaming and IGN || Written 200+ Articles || Senior Editor For Game Errors & Settings

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