Valorant VAN Restriction 5 Fix: HVCI, Secure Boot and Vanguard
VAN Restriction 5 is not a normal ranked issue and it is not fixed by changing your Valorant settings. It points to a Windows, HVCI or firmware security check that Vanguard cannot initialize correctly.
Source: Riot Support on Error VAN: RESTRICTION: 5.
What does VAN Restriction 5 mean?
Riot Support explains VAN Restriction 5 as an HVCI problem. HVCI means Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity, and Windows also presents it as Memory Integrity. Vanguard needs this system integrity layer to start correctly before Valorant launches.
If HVCI cannot initialize, Vanguard may block Valorant from opening. That can happen even when the player thinks the PC is already secure, because the issue can sit in Windows settings, virtualization, NX/XD support, Secure Boot, TPM or a partially configured BIOS/UEFI setup.
VAN Restriction 5 is a device and security configuration problem. Treat it differently from normal Valorant error codes, connection problems or account penalties.
Why Vanguard blocks Valorant from launching
Vanguard is built around system integrity checks. If the PC is missing a required security state, or if Windows cannot start the protection layer Vanguard expects, the game can be restricted before you ever reach the lobby.
Riot lists common causes such as NX/XD being disabled in BIOS, Memory Integrity being off in Windows, virtualization not being fully enabled, or BIOS security settings being only partly configured. Riot also warns that TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot being enabled does not automatically rule out VAN Restriction 5 if NX/XD is disabled.
Memory Integrity may be disabled or blocked by drivers.
NX/XD, virtualization, Secure Boot or TPM may need checking.
Old drivers can stop Windows security features from turning on.
A PC can look secure in one menu and still fail another required check.
What to check before changing BIOS settings
Start with the least risky checks first. Do not jump straight into BIOS changes if you are not comfortable with your motherboard or laptop firmware. Wrong firmware settings can create boot problems, and every manufacturer names settings slightly differently.
HVCI and Memory Integrity explained in plain English
HVCI is a Windows security feature that uses virtualization-based protection to help keep sensitive code integrity checks isolated. In the Windows Security app, most players will see it under Core isolation as Memory Integrity.
If Memory Integrity is off, Valorant may fail the required check. If Windows refuses to turn it on, the usual reason is not Valorant itself. It can be an incompatible driver, missing virtualization support, outdated Windows build or firmware setting that prevents the feature from starting properly.
That is why a patient fix path matters. Turning random settings on and off can create more confusion. You want to confirm the actual blocker, then change only the setting that applies to your PC.
Secure Boot, TPM, virtualization and NX/XD
Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are often mentioned around Vanguard restrictions, but VAN Restriction 5 can also involve NX/XD and virtualization. NX/XD is a processor feature used for execution protection, and Riot specifically notes it can still matter even if TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are already enabled.
The tricky part is that BIOS labels vary. One motherboard may call it NX, another may call it XD, Execute Disable Bit or something close. Virtualization can also appear under Intel VT-x, Intel Virtualization Technology, SVM Mode or AMD-V depending on the system.
If you are unsure, use Riot Support and your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s support page. A correct fix on one PC can be the wrong menu path on another.
A clean way to approach VAN Restriction 5
What not to do when fixing Vanguard errors
Do not download random “Vanguard fixers” or scripts from social media. They may change security settings without explaining what they do, and some can be unsafe. Do not disable security features blindly just because a forum comment says it helped one person.
Also avoid treating VAN Restriction 5 as an account-value problem. Buying another account will not fix a PC that cannot pass Vanguard’s required checks. The device must be able to launch Valorant cleanly first.
What this means before buying a Valorant account
If you are comparing Valorant accounts, make sure your own PC can launch the game reliably before you focus on rank, skins or region. A good account is not useful if Vanguard blocks the device before you queue.
For a smoother buying decision, check the practical basics first: the account region, access quality, agent unlocks, skins, rank expectations and whether your PC already runs Valorant without VAN restrictions. That keeps the purchase decision about the account, not an unresolved Windows or BIOS issue.
Need a Valorant account after your setup is ready?
Sort out Vanguard and Windows security first. Then compare Valorant accounts by region, access, skins and ranked fit.
Related Valorant guides
VAN Restriction 5 FAQ
What does Valorant VAN Restriction 5 mean?
It usually means HVCI, also called Memory Integrity, cannot initialize correctly, so Vanguard blocks Valorant from launching.
Is VAN Restriction 5 an account ban?
No. It is a device or security configuration restriction, not the same as a normal account ban. You still need to follow Riot’s support steps carefully.
Can the error happen if Secure Boot and TPM are enabled?
Yes. Riot notes that VAN Restriction 5 can still occur if NX/XD is disabled or if required HVCI-related settings fail to initialize.
Should I change BIOS settings myself?
Only if you understand your PC or motherboard firmware. If you are unsure, ask Riot Support or your device manufacturer for help before changing BIOS or UEFI settings.