Understanding the Issue: Vanguard User Mode Service and High CPU Usage
If you’re a PC gamer, chances are you’ve encountered the Vanguard User Mode Service in one way or another. Vanguard is a driver component of the anti-cheat system run by Riot Games’ VALORANT, and it has left many gamers confused and frustrated by the high CPU usage it brings. Not only that, but the driver can also cause the computer to lag and reduce the gaming performance. In this article, we’ll go over what Vanguard User Mode Service is, what causes the high CPU usage, and the ways you can fix it.
Vanguard is specifically designed to prevent cheating in VALORANT matches. It is a component of Riot Games’ anti-cheat system and works alongside another component called Riot Vanguard. The goal of the two components is to detect and stop cheating before it can compromise the integrity of the game.
Since the launch of VALORANT, Vanguard has been a hot topic among gamers, specifically the Vanguard User Mode Service that causes high CPU usage. This service runs in the background of the computer and constantly monitors the system for malicious behavior, including attempts to bypass anticheat mechanisms. As a result, it uses a significant amount of CPU power, which can cause performance issues in the game and on the computer overall.
The high CPU usage can also cause the computer to overheat, which can be dangerous for the hardware. The constant running of Vanguard User Mode Service can put a strain on the CPU and fans, which can cause a sudden shutdown.
So why does Vanguard User Mode Service use so much CPU power? The answer is simple- a lot of its operations are performed in the user mode. User mode operations are essentially commands and operations that are run by the applications running on the computer. They are not as privileged as kernel mode operations, which are those run by the operating system itself. The user mode operations require a lot more CPU power and processing time due to the limitation on what they can access and perform. This leads to high CPU usage in the case of Vanguard User Mode Service.
In Conclusion: Vanguard User Mode Service and high CPU usage have been a constant headache for many gamers since the launch of VALORANT. As an essential component of the game’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard has been designed to provide a secure and fair gaming experience. However, the extensive CPU usage causes performance issues and even poses a risk to the hardware of the computer. Now that we understand what Vanguard User Mode Service is and what causes the high CPU usage, let’s look at the ways we can fix this issue.
Method 1: Disable Auto-Start for Vanguard User Mode Service
If you’re facing the problem of Vanguard User Mode Service high CPU usage, then one of the easiest ways to fix it is by disabling the auto-start for this service. This will prevent the service from running in the background when your system boots up, which can help reduce the CPU load and improve the overall performance of your computer.
To disable auto-start for Vanguard User Mode Service, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type ‘services.msc’ and hit Enter.
Step 2: Scroll down and locate the ‘Vanguard User Mode’ service.
Step 3: Right-click on the service and select ‘Properties’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: In the Properties dialog box, click on the ‘Stop’ button to stop the service if it’s currently running.
Step 5: From the ‘Startup type’ drop-down menu, select ‘Disabled’.
Step 6: Click on ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to save the changes and exit the dialog box.
After disabling the auto-start for Vanguard User Mode Service, you can manually start the service if you need it. However, it’s recommended to keep this service disabled if you’re not using any Vanguard-related programs or applications as it can cause high CPU usage and slow down your computer.
Keep in mind that disabling auto-start for Vanguard User Mode Service may not completely solve the high CPU usage problem. If you still face the same problem, then you can try other methods to fix it.
Method 2: Uninstall and Reinstall Vanguard Anti-Cheat
If the first method fails to solve the Vanguard User Mode Service high CPU usage issue, you may need to consider uninstalling and reinstalling Vanguard Anti-Cheat. This method should be approached with caution, as it may be necessary to restart your computer in the process, and you should only attempt it if you are confident in your technical skills. Below are the steps to follow:
- Step 1: Open the Control Panel on your Windows desktop and click on the “Uninstall a program” option.
- Step 2: Scroll down until you find the “Vanguard” program and select it.
- Step 3: Click on the “Uninstall” button and follow the prompts that appear on the screen to complete the process.
- Step 4: Once you have uninstalled Vanguard Anti-Cheat, restart your computer to ensure that all files have been removed from your system.
- Step 5: After your computer has finished restarting, visit the official Vanguard website and download the latest version of the Vanguard client.
- Step 6: Run the installation file and follow the prompts to install Vanguard Anti-Cheat on your computer.
- Step 7: After the installation is complete, restart your computer again to ensure that all files have been installed correctly.
If you have followed all of these steps, you should have successfully uninstalled and reinstalled Vanguard Anti-Cheat on your computer. This method is often effective in solving the Vanguard User Mode Service high CPU usage issue, as it ensures that all files related to the program are up to date and properly installed on your system.
However, if you continue to experience the same problem, there may be other issues at play, such as conflicts with other programs installed on your computer or compatibility issues with your operating system. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek additional support from Vanguard or reach out to a professional technician for assistance.
Method 3: Modify System Settings for Better Performance
If your computer is struggling to handle Vanguard’s user mode service, there might be some modifications you can do on your system settings to improve its performance. Here are some steps you can take:
- Update your drivers and software: Make sure that all your drivers and software are updated to the latest version. You can usually find this information on the manufacturer’s website. Keeping your system updated will help with stability and performance issues.
- Disable unnecessary programs: Programs running in the background can take up a lot of resources, which can lead to performance issues. Close any applications that you are not using and disable any programs that start up automatically with your computer.
- Adjust power settings: Adjust your power settings to prioritize performance over battery life. This will ensure that your computer is using all available resources to run Vanguard’s user mode service smoothly.
- Check your virtual memory: Virtual memory is a type of memory that helps your computer run programs that require more memory than your physical RAM. If you don’t have enough virtual memory, your computer might struggle to run Vanguard’s user mode service. Check your virtual memory settings and adjust them if necessary.
- Disable visual effects: Windows visual effects can be taxing on your system, especially if you have an older computer. Consider disabling these effects to optimize your computer’s performance.
- Uninstall unnecessary programs: Uninstall any programs that you no longer use or need. This can free up space on your hard drive and help with system performance.
These steps should help improve your computer’s performance and allow it to handle Vanguard’s user mode service with ease. However, if you continue to experience performance issues, you might need to consider upgrading your hardware or seeking further assistance from a professional.
Conclusion: Keeping Vanguard User Mode Service under Control
As we have discussed, Vanguard User Mode Service is an essential component of Valorant, but it can cause issues like high CPU usage at times. To prevent these issues, we have discussed five important subtopics that can help you keep Vanguard User Mode Service under control.
1. Upgrading your hardware
If you’re facing issues with Vanguard User Mode Service and have an older computer, it might be time to consider upgrading your hardware. A faster processor and more RAM can help improve your computer’s performance, which can, in turn, help reduce the load on Vanguard User Mode Service, thereby reducing CPU usage.
2. Disabling unnecessary startup programs
Another way to reduce the load on Vanguard User Mode Service is by disabling unnecessary startup programs. When you start your computer, several applications start running in the background, which can consume system resources and increase CPU usage. By disabling unnecessary programs at startup, you can reduce the load on your system and, in turn, reduce the load on Vanguard User Mode Service.
3. Checking for malware
Malware can also be a reason for high CPU usage. Therefore, it’s essential to run a malware scan regularly to check if there are any infections on your computer. Malware can cause system instability and increase CPU usage, leading to Vanguard User Mode Service issues.
4. Installing the latest updates
To ensure optimal performance, it’s important to keep your computer up to date with the latest updates and patches. These updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can help reduce CPU usage. Similarly, updating your drivers can also help reduce hardware-related issues that can cause Vanguard User Mode Service to consume more CPU usage.
5. Uninstalling and reinstalling Valorant
If none of the above methods works, or if you’re facing other issues with Valorant, it might be best to uninstall and reinstall the game. Sometimes, game files can become corrupted, leading to performance issues like high CPU usage. Uninstalling and reinstalling the game with the latest version can help fix these issues and ensure smooth gameplay.
By following the above methods, you can ensure that Vanguard User Mode Service is never a problem for you while playing Valorant. As a player, it’s important to ensure that your system is optimized for the best performance and that you’re keeping up with the latest updates to ensure optimal gameplay.