The gamer community has finally been heard after years of intense debate regarding privacy and machine performance. Recent Vanguard changes promise to transform how Riot Games’ security system interacts with your computer on a daily basis.
Prepare to discover how to take full control over this software and free up valuable resources from your processor. Understand the required technical specifications and learn how to deactivate the program whenever you close your favorite game.
What do Riot’s Vanguard changes mean?
The end of 24-hour monitoring
The direct answer to the players’ main question is that the anticheat no longer needs to run uninterruptedly. Historically, the protection software remained active at the kernel level from the exact moment Windows was started. This generated enormous discomfort within the community, which questioned the need for constant background monitoring.
However, the recent Vanguard changes completely alter this invasive dynamic and put control back into the user’s hands. As a result, the program stops consuming processing power when no title from the developer is open on your screen. This is a massive victory for those who use their computer for work or to play other demanding games.
How the system works now
Despite this unprecedented flexibility, security against cheaters remains the company’s absolute priority. During your VALORANT or League of Legends sessions, the software will continue to operate with maximum system privileges. This rigorous measure is strictly necessary to ensure match integrity and prevent real-time hacks.
However, as soon as the player closes the game, the application immediately enters a suspended or standby state. Consequently, you gain peace of mind and a lighter computer to perform other daily tasks.
Requirements to use Vanguard “on-demand” on your PC
Who can activate the new feature?
It is extremely important to note that this manual deactivation does not happen automatically for all users. Currently, only about 35% of the global player base has the necessary eligibility to use this setting. To access Vanguard “on-demand”, Riot Games requires the PC to meet specific security requirements.
These requirements involve modern protection technologies that are already integrated into the most recent versions of Windows. Therefore, keeping your operating system properly updated is the first step to taking advantage of this benefit.
The importance of modern hardware
In addition to software, the age of your computer’s components also dictates the rules for this new functionality. Computers built with very old hardware will unfortunately not be compatible with the Vanguard “on-demand” model.
In these specific cases, the anticheat will continue to operate exactly according to the previously established continuous execution standard.
To make it easier to understand, check the table below with the differences between the operating modes:
| PC Status | Compatibility | How the Anticheat Works |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Hardware + Updated Windows | Eligible | Allows manual shutdown after the game |
| Old Hardware or Outdated Windows | Not Eligible | Runs continuously in the background |
| During Matches (Any PC) | Mandatory | Active kernel-level to block hacks |
Step-by-step to configure the anticheat on Windows
Turning off the program manually
The process of activating this functionality is entirely optional, direct, and does not require advanced computer knowledge. If your system supports the aforementioned prerequisites, you can manage the program’s status with just a few clicks. Everything happens through the system tray, located in the bottom right corner of your taskbar.
See the numbered list with the exact step-by-step to close the software:
- Completely close the VALORANT or League of Legends client.
- Locate the red anticheat icon in the Windows system tray.
- Right-click the icon to open the options menu.
- Select the option to exit or quit to turn off monitoring immediately.
What happens when reopening the game?
Many players fear that turning off the program might cause connection errors the next time they go to play. However, the system was designed to be smart and will start running automatically when opening Riot games. Finally, if your system does not show the exit option in the menu, the diagnosis is quite simple.
This means your computer does not meet the technical criteria required by the developer for momentary suspension. In this scenario, the only solution is to provide security upgrades to your machine in the long term.
Security and performance after Vanguard changes
The impact on PC performance
One of the biggest advantages of this update is the release of precious resources from your processor and RAM. Many users questioned whether deactivating the software could pose risks to the overall security of their personal computer. Riot Games categorically states that the new method is safe and keeps all protection protocols intact.
Additionally, the company emphasizes that it does not intend to force this transition on any specific player profile. Because of this, those who prefer to keep the system running as they always have can continue without making any changes. These Vanguard changes balance the need for a fair environment with the demand for greater hardware freedom.
Alerts about third-party scripts
Despite the implemented conveniences, the community must remain on high alert against false promises on the internet. It is fundamental to avoid using third-party scripts that promise to “remove” the anticheat permanently.
Check out the main reasons to avoid these unofficial solutions:
- Extremely high risk of malware infection and personal data theft.
- Severe instability in the operating system, causing frequent blue screens.
- Direct violation of the game developer’s terms of service.
- Permanent and irreversible ban of your account and your hardware.
Only the company’s official solution guarantees game stability and avoids severe punishments on your account. In short, the Vanguard changes represent a massive victory for player privacy and performance.
