VALORANT VAN 9100 Error: Causes and Solutions of the Error Code

If you're a player experiencing the VAN 9100 VALORANT error, you're not alone. This persistent issue has frustrated many in the community, often accompanied by messages about unsupported virtual environments. In this article, you'll discover what the VAN 9100 error code means, what triggers it, and how to effectively fix or avoid it.

What is VAN 9100 in Valorant?

When launching Valorant, some users encounter an abrupt message:

“Unsupported Virtualized Environment Detected – This version of Vanguard does not allow running under virtual machines” along with the VAN 9100 error code.

The error is a security response from Vanguard, Riot Games’ anti-cheat system. Vanguard closely monitors the environment in which VALORANT is running and, upon detecting certain virtualization technologies, stops the game to prevent potential exploits. It's one of the VALORANT error codes that appears when something fishy is up.

What Causes the Valorant VAN9100 Error?

The van9100 error primarily occurs due to Riot Vanguard identifying what it views as an “unsupported virtual environment.” Here’s a breakdown of common triggers:

• Running Valorant in a Virtual Machine: Vanguard, by design, does not allow the game to run in virtual machines like VMware, Hyper-V, or VirtualBox. This is to maintain anti-cheat integrity, as VMs can be used to mask cheating software.
• Enabled Virtualization Technologies: Sometimes, you may see the VAN 9100 error even if you're not running a VM. Certain BIOS or UEFI settings such as Hyper-V, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), or even Compatibility Support Module (CSM) can be misidentified by Vanguard as a virtual environment.
• System Configuration Issues: Advanced features or tweaks in Windows security or virtualization might flag your system, triggering the error code.
• Observations from the Community: Players often report encountering VAN9100 after hardware or software changes, including new streaming tools, changes in BIOS, or after system updates. Sometimes, even security software can interfere.

Is Enabling Secure Boot or TPM Enough?

While similar errors like VAN9001 or VAN9003 require Secure Boot and TPM for compliance (especially on Windows 11), the van 9100 error code is completely different. Secure Boot/TPM are about verifying the integrity of your system; VAN 9100 is explicitly about virtualization.

Enabling Secure Boot and TPM will NOT guarantee a fix for VAN 9100. You must address the virtualization detection itself, even if other compliance settings are satisfied.

How to Fix and Avoid the VAN 9100 VALORANT Error

Here are actionable steps to resolve or prevent the VALORANT unsupported virtual environment detected issue:

1. Uninstall and Reinstall Riot Vanguard

• Open Windows Control Panel and uninstall Riot Vanguard.
• Restart your PC.
• Launch the Riot client (Valorant will prompt to reinstall Vanguard).
• This can clear out lingering configuration issues with Vanguard.

2. Disable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

• Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Delete, F2, or F10 during startup).
• Locate settings such as “Intel Virtualization Technology,” “VT-x,” “AMD-V,” or “Hyper-V.”
• Ensure all virtualization options are disabled.
• Save changes and reboot.

If you’re not using virtual machines on your system, this step won’t negatively impact your system.

3. Turn Off Windows Virtual Machine Features

• In Windows, search for and open “Turn Windows Features On or Off.”
• Uncheck “Hyper-V,” “Virtual Machine Platform,” and “Windows Hypervisor Platform.”
• Restart your computer.

4. Avoid Third-Party Security

• Security tools that create sandboxed or virtualized environments may trigger this error.
• Temporarily disable or uninstall unnecessary tools and test Valorant again.

5. Ensure Native Windows Installation

The most reliable solution: Play Valorant on a non-virtualized (running natively) Windows installation. Emulators and virtual machines, even for legitimate use, will not work.

6. Contact Riot Support

If none of the above resolves your issue, submit a support ticket with your detailed system specs. Riot Games may provide further instructions or clarifications.

How to Avoid VAN9100 in the Future

• Do not attempt to run Valorant in a VM or emulator: Playing Valorant on cloud PC services or streamed Windows images will almost always trigger VAN 9100.
• Review system changes after updates: After Windows or BIOS updates, check that virtualization options remain disabled.
• Stay Up-to-Date: Vanguard updates occasionally adjust detection methods. Keeping Riot Vanguard, Windows, and your BIOS up to date is a good pre-emptive step.

In Conclusion

The VAN 9100 Valorant error is a safeguard by Riot Vanguard to prevent the game from running in virtualized environments, ensuring fair play and system integrity. By understanding its causes and following the recommended fixes, players can effectively resolve this issue.

Always remember to run Valorant on a native Windows installation and keep your system and Vanguard updated to avoid this error in the future. With these steps, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy seamless gameplay without any disruptions.