Error VAN: RESTRICTION

If we find PCs that are too cheat-capable (e.g., because of outdated Windows or specific configurations that are conducive to allow cheating), Vanguard will restrict that PC's access to Riot games and display an error message. The VAN: RESTRICTION error message tells you what settings are necessary to remove the restriction.

For your actual checklist of tasks, refer to the specific VAN: RESTRICTION error message you received from Vanguard.

Update Windows

Check the requirements and update accordingly: [Microsoft] Update Windows 

Enable TPM 2.0

TPM 2.0 settings vary across different PC manufacturers. For detailed instructions and troubleshooting steps, refer to our TPM 2.0 Guide.

Secure Boot

Unsure how to turn on Secure Boot or what your system status means? Our Secure Boot Guide has everything you need.

Update BIOS Firmware (AMD/Intel)

If you are unable to enable Secure Boot or have already enabled TPM 2.0 but are still seeing the prompt in-game, your motherboard may need a BIOS firmware update. Follow the steps below to check if that’s the case.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box
2. Type tpm.msc and press Enter
3. Under TPM Manufacturer Information, look for your Manufacturer Version
4. Note down the version number

If your TPM firmware is outdated, reach out to your motherboard manufacturer’s customer support to confirm whether a BIOS update is available for your model.

For AMD users, you can find more details about this known issue here: AMD FAQ: TPM 2.0 and Firmware Update Information

Enable IOMMU

IOMMU (Input Output Memory Management Unit) must be enabled for certain virtualization and security features to work correctly. If it is turned off, Windows may not be able to isolate memory or run virtualization based protections, which can cause configuration errors or prevent features like VBS and HVCI from activating. Enable IOMMU before continuing with the steps below.

1. Press Windows Key + R.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. Identify your motherboard brand and CPU. 
3. Using a search engine, look up for your motherboard manufacturer's procedure to enable IOMMU. Make sure to add the CPU brand as this will likely to influence the steps. Alternatively, you can reach out to your motherboard manufacturer for more details.

Here are some common ones: 

ASUS MOTHERBOARDS

MSI MOTHERBOARDS

Enable HVCI/VBS Memory Integrity (Core Isolation)

Memory Integrity is part of Windows Core Isolation and helps protect your system from attacks. To function correctly, it relies on hardware virtualization provided by your CPU. This means BIOS Virtualization must be enabled; otherwise, Windows cannot create the secure virtual environment required for HVCI and Memory Integrity. If virtualization is turned off in your BIOS, you may see errors or the feature may not load at all.

You can enable Memory Integrity using the steps below once BIOS Virtualization is active.

1. Click the Windows Start menu, then ⚙️Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Device Security.
3. Under Core isolation, find Memory Integrity.
4. Toggle the switch on.
5. Restart your system when prompted.

Potential Issues

Issue 1: Error "Page not available"

Your BIOS Virtualization is disabled. You still need to enable it.

Issue 2: Incompatible Drivers/Conflicting Drivers

If you encounter driver issues, you can try contacting the manufacturer and uninstalling/disabling the problematic drivers, or try a clean reinstall.

Issue 3: Blue Screen Error (BSOD) when enabling or auto disables the option

Update Windows

• Ensure your system is up to date with the latest Windows updates.

Run SFC and DISM

1. Press the Windows key, type PowerShell, right-click on it, select Run as administrator.
2. Paste and run the following:
   • sfc /scannow; DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Update BIOS (if needed):

1. Press Windows Key + R.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. Identify your motherboard details.
3. Download the latest BIOS update from the manufacturer’s website.
4. Follow manufacturer instructions to update BIOS.

Related articles

• Error VAN 9001
• Error VAN 9003
• Error VAN 9090

Motherboard Manufacturer Resources

BIOS and firmware menus can vary significantly depending on your motherboard manufacturer and model. If you’re unable to locate required security or system settings (such as Secure Boot, TPM, virtualization, or DMA-related options), we recommend reviewing your motherboard manufacturer’s official support documentation.

Below are links to common motherboard vendors where you can find model-specific BIOS guidance: