Fix: Vanguard Kernel-Mode Driver Says “A driver cannot load on this device”

Riot Vanguard stopped working after major Windows update (KB5041585) from Microsoft, effectively preventing games that rely on it from running. This error indicates that system security features are obstructing Vanguard’s initialization due to incompatibility or vulnerability.

Because Vanguard is integrated with Valorant and designed to enforce strict anti-cheat measures, it sometimes conflicts with Windows security features. These conflicts began after significant Windows updates when Microsoft mandated that developers update the Kernel driver to ensure compatibility with Windows security features and policies.

If you dive deeper into the error message, it states: The driver cannot load because it is incompatible with a Windows security mitigation called Hardware-enforced Stack Protection. This feature prevents memory-based attacks and is part of enhanced security mitigations.

Windows may block incompatible drivers from running to maintain system integrity. Given Microsoft’s updated security features, Vanguard might be incompatible with these new enhancements.

To restore functionality to the Vanguard Kernel-Mode Driver, it’s necessary to disable Hardware-enforced Stack Protection, as suggests the error message. Should the driver continue to malfunction, you might also need to disable Memory Integrity. Both settings are constituents of Windows’ core isolation features and can hinder drivers that fail to align with Windows security policies.

This error has frustrated many users as disabling these security features not only compromises system protection but also permits unsigned or potentially harmful drivers to operate.

1. Disable Hardware-enforced Stack Protection

To resolve the error message, you need to disable Hardware-enforced Stack Protection, which will reduce your system’s security. Regrettably, no other solution exists apart from reducing system security until the developers update the driver to meet the Windows security policy.

When presented with the Vanguard Kernel-Mode Driver error screen, click ‘Disable,’ then restart your computer to deactivate the Hardware-enforced Stack Protection.

If the error persists, consider disabling Memory Integrity alongside Hardware-enforced Stack Protection by following these steps:

1. Open Settings by pressing the Win + I keys together.
2. Navigate to Privacy and Security from the left pane and select the Windows Security page.
   
3. Click Open Windows Security.
   
4. Select Device Security from the sidebar and click Core Isolation Details.
   
5. Turn off Memory Integrity and Hardware-enforced Stack Protection.
   
6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
7. This should resolve the error message.

By disabling Hardware-enforced Stack Protection, you should no longer encounter this error message.