{"id":106859,"date":"2026-07-29T21:49:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T16:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seminarsonly.com\/news\/?p=106859"},"modified":"2026-07-29T21:56:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T16:26:55","slug":"vanguard-error-216-fix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seminarsonly.com\/news\/vanguard-error-216-fix\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix Vanguard Error 216 in Valorant & LoL (Complete Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Vanguard Error 216 can interrupt your gaming sessions, but it is entirely fixable with a few system tweaks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Quick Answer: How to Fix Vanguard Error 216<\/h3>\n

Vanguard Error 216 (VAN 216)<\/strong> happens when Riot Vanguard struggles to start, maintain a connection, or confirm that its systems are ready while your game is launching. To fix this instantly, restart your PC<\/strong> to give Vanguard a fresh boot. If that fails, type “Services” into your Windows search bar, find “vgc” (Vanguard), set its Startup type to Automatic<\/strong>, and close conflicting third-party apps like RGB controllers or MSI Afterburner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Few things are more frustrating than booting up your PC for a few matches of Valorant or League of Legends, only to be hit by a sudden crash. Recently, players have been flooding forums complaining about an unexpected crash presenting Vanguard Error 216<\/strong>, which has even resulted in unfair queue dodge penalties for some users.<\/p>\n

If the client simply tells you “An unexpected error with Vanguard has occurred and the client will now close”, don’t panic. Below, we break down exactly what causes this pesky VAN 216 code and provide a step-by-step guide to permanently resolve it.<\/p>\n

What Does VAN 216 Mean?<\/h2>\n

At its core, Riot Vanguard is an invasive (but necessary) anti-cheat system that requires deep system access to verify game integrity. According to Riot Games, error VAN 216 typically signifies that Riot Vanguard is experiencing difficulties starting up, keeping its connection active, or verifying system readiness during the launch phase of your game.<\/p>\n

Step-by-Step Fixes for Vanguard Error 216<\/h2>\n

Start with the easiest solutions first and work your way down the list. Be sure to launch your game after trying each step to see if the issue is resolved.<\/p>\n

1. The Basic Restart<\/h3>\n
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  • Restart your PC:<\/strong> It sounds clich\u00e9, but restarting your computer gives Vanguard a fresh startup sequence and is proven to resolve a variety of temporary connection bugs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    2. Set the Vanguard Service (vgc) to Automatic<\/h3>\n
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    • Open your Windows Search bar and type System Configuration<\/strong> or Services<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Scroll down the list until you find the service named vgc<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Ensure it is ticked, set to start Automatically<\/strong>, and click Apply. Restart your PC afterward.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      3. Close Conflicting Third-Party Software<\/h3>\n
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      • Some background apps can heavily interfere with Riot Vanguard.<\/li>\n
      • Common culprits include old fan control drivers, RGB lighting software, MSI Afterburner, and Samsung Magician.<\/li>\n
      • Try fully disabling or exiting out of these programs from your system tray before launching the Riot client.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        4. Sync Your Windows Time Settings<\/h3>\n
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        • Incorrect date, time, or timezone settings on your PC can cause Vanguard’s secure connection to fail before the game can even launch. Right-click the clock on your taskbar, select “Adjust date\/time,” and ensure “Set time automatically” is turned on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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