Issue Description
When launching Valorant, my PC's network connection stops working, as if the network adapter driver is missing or disabled. The problem appears to be related to Riot Vanguard (anti-cheat) conflicts with network drivers.
Troubleshooting Steps Attempted
Driver Conflict Resolution
- Identified that Vanguard may be causing conflicts with network adapter drivers
- Checked for missing Vanguard driver file
iqvw64e.sys (which appears to be now renamed to vgk.sys)
- Added Vanguard files to antivirus exceptions (path:
C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard\)
Clean Reinstallation
- Completely uninstalled both Valorant and Riot Vanguard
- Manually removed residual folders (
C:\Program Files\Riot Games and C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard)
- Reinstalled Valorant from the official website as administrator
System Security Adjustments
- Disabled HVCI (Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity) through Windows Security or Group Policy
- Turned off Smart App Control in Windows Security settings
- Exited Windows S Mode through System > Activation settings
- Modified registry to disable Microsoft's vulnerable driver blocklist
Current Status reinstalling Vanguard, the iqvw64e.sys file is still not found in the expected location, but it may have been renamed to vgk.sys in recent updates. I've made the recommended security adjustments, but the network connection issue persists when launching Valorant.
Additional System Information
- OS: Windows 11 insider edition 64
- Network adapter: intel gigabit
Looking for advice from anyone who has successfully resolved similar Vanguard/network adapter conflicts.
