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How to fix the VALORANT VAN9090 error

This means the TPM is present but failed to initiate for Vanguard. Preparing the TPM fixes most cases. Jump to your situation below or work through the methods in order.

By Neeraj Singh ~6 min Updated Jun 2026 88% found this helpful
Error message
VAN9090. Vanguard could not initialise the TPM. TPM failed to start.
Summary

VAN9090 is the VALORANT error you get when the TPM fails to initiate, as opposed to being missing or disabled. The TPM is present but did not start into a ready state Vanguard can use, so the anti-cheat cannot confirm the platform's integrity and blocks the game. Riot's own guidance is to open the TPM Management Console (tpm.msc) and choose Prepare the TPM, which initialises it. If the TPM is not actually enabled in firmware, turn it on (Intel PTT or AMD fTPM) first. When it still will not start, an outdated BIOS with TPM bugs is the usual culprit, so update it; clearing the TPM and reinstalling Vanguard cover the rarer cases. Once the TPM initialises and shows ready in tpm.msc, VALORANT launches.

What this error means

Unlike VAN9001 and VAN9003, which are about features being off, VAN9090 is about the TPM not starting. The chip is there, but it did not initialise into a ready state, so Vanguard cannot use it to attest that the platform is trustworthy.

Preparing the TPM through tpm.msc initialises it, which is why that is Riot's first recommendation. If it cannot be prepared, the TPM may not be enabled in firmware, or the BIOS may have a TPM bug that an update fixes. Clearing the TPM resets a stuck state as a last resort.

Common causes

The TPM failed to initialise into a ready state.
The TPM is not enabled in firmware.
An outdated BIOS with TPM bugs.
A stuck or corrupt TPM state.
A Vanguard install or service problem.
Expert insight

“VAN9090 is different from the other two. Here the TPM exists, it just did not wake up properly. Riot's own fix is the right first move: open tpm.msc and click Prepare the TPM, which kicks it into a ready state. If it will not prepare, I make sure the TPM is actually enabled in the BIOS, and then I look at a BIOS update, because old firmware loves to have TPM start-up bugs. Clearing the TPM is the reset button if it is truly stuck.”

How to fix it

Method 1

Prepare the TPM in tpm.msc

1Press Win+R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter to open the TPM Management Console.
2Click Prepare the TPM on the right and follow the prompts.
3Restart, then launch VALORANT.
Method 2

Enable TPM 2.0 in UEFI

1In the UEFI firmware, enable the TPM, listed as Intel PTT or AMD fTPM.
2Save and reboot.
3Confirm it shows as ready in tpm.msc.
Method 3

Update the BIOS

1Install the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware from your PC or motherboard maker.
2Older firmware has known TPM and Secure Boot bugs that this fixes.
3Re-check msinfo32 and tpm.msc afterwards.
Method 4

Clear the TPM (last resort)

1If it will not prepare, open Settings, Device security, Security processor troubleshooting, and choose Clear TPM (or tpm.msc, Clear TPM).
2Back up anything protected by the TPM first, including your BitLocker recovery key.
3Restart, then prepare the TPM again.
Method 5

Reinstall Riot Vanguard

1Uninstall Riot Vanguard (right-click its system tray icon, Exit, then uninstall from Installed apps).
2Restart and relaunch Valorant, which reinstalls Vanguard fresh.
3A corrupt Vanguard install can cause these errors even with the features on.

VAN9090 means the TPM failed to start, so follow Riot's guidance and open tpm.msc, then choose Prepare the TPM. If it will not prepare, confirm the TPM is enabled in UEFI and update the BIOS, since old firmware often has TPM start-up bugs. Clearing the TPM is a last resort after backing up your BitLocker key.

Frequently asked questions

What does VAN9090 mean in VALORANT?
It means the TPM failed to initiate. Unlike VAN9001 and VAN9003, the TPM is present but did not start into a ready state Vanguard can use, so the game is blocked.
How do I fix VAN9090?
Open tpm.msc and choose Prepare the TPM, which is Riot's recommended fix. If it will not prepare, enable the TPM in UEFI and update the BIOS, then try again.
How do I prepare the TPM?
Press Win+R, type tpm.msc, press Enter, then click Prepare the TPM on the right side of the TPM Management Console and follow the prompts, then restart.
It will not prepare, what next?
Confirm the TPM is enabled in firmware (Intel PTT or AMD fTPM), update the BIOS since old firmware often has TPM start-up bugs, and as a last resort clear the TPM and prepare it again.
Will clearing the TPM lose data?
It can remove TPM-stored keys and anything protected by them. Back up first and note your BitLocker recovery key before clearing the TPM.
How is VAN9090 different from VAN9001?
VAN9001 means TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is disabled, while VAN9090 means the TPM is present but failed to start. VAN9090 is fixed by preparing the TPM rather than enabling features.

Still not working?

If the TPM still will not initialise after preparing it, enabling it in firmware and updating the BIOS, the TPM firmware itself may be faulty and worth raising with your PC or motherboard vendor. You can also submit your error to us for a tailored fix.

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