Riot Games Introduces On-Demand Mode for Vanguard Anti-Cheat on Modern PCs
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Riot Games is rolling out an optional on-demand mode for its Vanguard anti-cheat software, allowing eligible Windows 11 users to run the software only while playing games rather than keeping it active in the background continuously.
For years, the mandatory background operation of Riot Games' Vanguard anti-cheat software has been a frequent point of debate among PC players. Originally required to run continuously from the moment the operating system booted up, Vanguard is finally gaining some flexibility. According to an announcement from Riot head of anti-cheat Phillip Koskinas, the developer is rolling out an optional on-demand mode. With this setting enabled, the anti-cheat driver will only launch when you fire up a supported game and will shut down automatically once you exit, returning those system resources to your taskbar.
This new functionality is not entirely frictionless, as gaining access to on-demand sessions requires meeting a specific set of hardware and software requirements known as the Vanguard Pre-Check. Players must be running Windows 11 with features like UEFI mode, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and Virtualization-Based Security enabled. Riot estimates that roughly 35 percent of its player base already meets these criteria on current hardware and can make the switch immediately. Another small percentage of users on older setups will unfortunately be locked out of the feature unless they upgrade their systems, meaning the always-on version remains their only option.
While this update does not erase the broader privacy concerns and skepticism that kernel-level anti-cheat software naturally attracts, it represents a meaningful concession to player feedback regarding system resource management. Riot has positioned this trust segmentation as a way to reward modern security setups without completely alienating users. For competitive gaming communities where system integrity remains a constant battle against exploits, finding a balance between robust security and user comfort is a welcome step forward.
Originally reported by Mark Warren over at Rock Paper Shotgun.
Tags: League of Legends, Valorant, PC Gaming, Tech News, Security
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun