> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://blackout-5.gitbook.io/blackout-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://blackout-5.gitbook.io/blackout-docs/valorant/preparing-pc.md).

# Preparing PC

Complete these steps **before** launching the loader. Skipping any step is the most common cause of issues.

## Disable Windows Defender

{% hint style="warning" %}
Windows Defender must be disabled **every single time** before launching. It resets automatically after each reboot.
{% endhint %}

1. Download [DControl](https://drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=1jxmKjN820qP_cLZLgbeBi-aP5DUbROle\&export=download\&authuser=0)
2. Extract the archive with password: `sordum`
3. Run **DControl.exe**
4. Click **Disable Windows Defender Real-Time Protection**
5. Verify it shows as disabled in Windows Security

## Install Required Components

These are **mandatory** for the loader to function.

* **Visual C++ Redistributable (2015–2022)** — [Download x64](https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe) · [Download x86](https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x86.exe)
* **DirectX End-User Runtime** — [Download](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35)

## Remove Conflicting Software

{% hint style="warning" %}
These must be **completely uninstalled** — simply closing them is not enough.
{% endhint %}

* FACEIT Anti-Cheat
* Any third-party antivirus: Avast, Kaspersky, McAfee, ESET, Bitdefender, Norton, or similar

If FACEIT AC or any third-party antivirus remains installed, the loader **will not work** regardless of other settings.

## BIOS Settings

1. Restart your PC → enter BIOS (**F2** / **F10** / **DEL** / **ESC**)
2. Find **Virtualization** (VT-x / SVM) → set to **Enabled**
3. Find **Secure Boot** (Boot or Security tab) → set to **Disabled**
4. Save and exit BIOS

{% hint style="danger" %}

## ⚠️ SECURE BOOT — CRITICAL FOR VALORANT

Valorant uses **Vanguard anti-cheat** which normally **requires** Secure Boot to be ON. However, our loader needs Secure Boot **OFF** to function.

You **must disable Secure Boot** in BIOS before loading. Vanguard will still launch — our hypervisor handles the bypass internally.

**Do NOT re-enable Secure Boot after loading. Keep it OFF until you restart without the cheat.**
{% endhint %}

## TPM 2.0

{% hint style="danger" %}
**TPM 2.0 must be ENABLED** in BIOS. Vanguard requires it and will not let Valorant launch without it.
{% endhint %}

TPM 2.0 is usually enabled by default on modern motherboards. If Vanguard complains about TPM:

1. Enter BIOS (**F2** / **F10** / **DEL** / **ESC**)
2. Find **TPM** / **Trusted Platform Module** / **fTPM** (AMD) / **PTT** (Intel) — usually under **Security** or **Advanced** tab
3. Set to **Enabled**
4. Save and exit

{% hint style="info" %}
**AMD** — look for **fTPM** (firmware TPM)\
**Intel** — look for **PTT** (Platform Trust Technology)\
Both are software TPM built into the CPU, no separate chip needed.
{% endhint %}

## Core Isolation (Memory Integrity)

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Core Isolation / Memory Integrity must be ENABLED** in Windows. Vanguard requires this to run.
{% endhint %}

To verify and enable:

1. Open **Windows Security** → **Device Security** → **Core Isolation Details**
2. Set **Memory Integrity** to **On**
3. Restart your PC if prompted

If the toggle is greyed out:

* Check for incompatible drivers — Windows will list them. Uninstall or update those drivers.
* Run in CMD (admin): `bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto` and restart

{% hint style="warning" %}
Do **NOT** disable Core Isolation / Memory Integrity — Vanguard will block Valorant from launching if it’s off.
{% endhint %}


---

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