A Safe Windows Repair Workflow for VALORANT VAN 9002

VALORANT error VAN 9002 points to Windows Exploit Protection, not a generic network failure or an automatic reason to change BIOS settings. Riot support describes the error as a state where Exploit Protection is disabled or no longer uses the required defaults. Vanguard needs that Windows security layer active before the game can run.

A safe repair is narrow and reversible: confirm the exact code, record the current Exploit Protection configuration, restore the affected system controls to their Windows defaults, remove only Riot-related program overrides, restart once and test before touching anything else.

What VAN 9002 means

Windows Exploit Protection contains system-wide mitigations and optional per-program rules. A program rule can override the broader system configuration. This is why changing only one visible toggle may not solve the error if Riot or Vanguard executables still have custom entries.

Do not reuse this workflow for a different VAN code. Secure Boot warnings, TPM requirements, HVCI restrictions and connection errors have different causes. Capture the complete message and confirm that the client specifically reports VAN 9002.

How to create a safe baseline

Before editing the configuration:

1. take a screenshot of the complete VAN 9002 message
2. install normal pending Windows and Riot Client updates
3. restart once if an update is waiting
4. open Windows Security through the Start menu
5. record any Exploit Protection settings that show a custom override
6. avoid importing configuration files from another PC

The record provides a rollback reference and prevents a managed or intentionally configured system from being changed blindly. On a work or school device, local settings may be controlled by organizational policy. Contact the administrator instead of fighting a policy that Windows will reapply.

How to restore Exploit Protection defaults

Open Windows Security, choose App & browser control, then open Exploit protection settings. Under System settings, compare the relevant mitigations with Riot's current VAN 9002 instructions and select Use default where required.

The important choice is Use default, not manually forcing every mitigation on. Windows displays the intended default state beside each option. A manual configuration that looks stricter can still differ from the baseline Vanguard expects.

Finish the System settings review before restarting. This keeps the repair in one controlled cycle and lets you check the program-specific layer next.

How to remove only Riot program overrides

Switch to the Program settings tab and inspect the list. Look only for custom entries connected to Riot Games, Riot Client, Riot Vanguard or Riot game executables. Remove the custom program rule as directed by Riot's support workflow so the normal system defaults can apply.

Use these boundaries:

• do not remove rules for unrelated applications
• do not disable Exploit Protection globally
• do not delete Riot or Windows executables manually
• do not download replacement DLL files
• do not paste registry commands from an unknown source
• do not turn off antivirus or firewall protection as a guess

After the System and Program settings checks are complete, restart Windows once. Launch the Riot Client normally and test VALORANT before making another change.

How to diagnose a failed first repair

If VAN 9002 returns, verify that the code is unchanged. Then reopen Exploit Protection and check whether the defaults stayed applied. If the settings reverted, device-management policy or security software may control them. Record the time of the test and whether Windows displayed an organization-management notice.

Do not escalate directly to firmware settings or a complete reinstall. Those actions do not target the Exploit Protection configuration identified by the code. Open a Riot support request with the exact error, Windows version, screenshots and a concise list of the changes already tested.

A useful test log looks like this:

Error: VAN 9002
System settings: restored to documented defaults
Program overrides: Riot-related custom entries removed
Restart: completed once
Result: same code / resolved
Policy notice: present / absent

Common repair mistakes

• following instructions for VAN 9003 or another code
• forcing every Exploit Protection control on manually
• deleting unrelated per-program security rules
• changing BIOS, TPM or Secure Boot without evidence
• combining Windows, driver and game reinstalls in one test
• skipping the restart before evaluating the result
• applying a corporate-policy workaround on a managed PC

Complete checklist

The ALVIRAN VALORANT VAN 9002 Exploit Protection repair guide includes the exact Windows navigation, system-default checklist, program-override cleanup, managed-device boundary and safe escalation path.