Riot Vanguard on-demand mode drops always-on driver for Windows 11

Gamers running Riot Games' Vanguard anti-cheat software will soon see a change in how the program occupies system resources. The studio is replacing the controversial always-on driver with an on-demand mode that loads only when a game is active. This shift matters because it reduces background interference for players who do not need constant security monitoring. Users who previously complained about performance hits from the always-on driver can now expect a lighter system footprint during non-gaming hours.

New anti-cheat mode requires Windows 11 25H2 and strict security features

The new Vanguard On-Demand mode relies on Windows 11 25H2 to function correctly. Riot Games requires the operating system to use Runtime Driver Attestation Report for security verification while the driver remains dormant. This technical dependency ensures that the anti-cheat system maintains integrity without running continuously in the background. The feature targets PC gamers who have upgraded to the latest Windows 11 version and enabled specific hardware security features.

Compatibility for this new mode is strict and requires several security features to be enabled simultaneously. PCs must have UEFI Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, Virtualization-Based Security, Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity, and IOMMU switched on. Riot anti-cheat lead Phillip Koskinas stated that roughly 35% of players already clear that bar. He estimates the share of fully secured machines is rising by one to two percentage points a month. This means the majority of the player base still cannot use the on-demand mode due to hardware limitations.

Players without compatible hardware can continue using the traditional always-on Vanguard driver. The older mode remains available for systems that lack the required Windows 11 25H2 features or security toggles. Benchmarks have long since shown a small but noticeable degradation to frame rate when these security features are active. The on-demand mode aims to mitigate this impact by keeping the driver inactive when no game is running. Users can expect better performance stability during gaming sessions if their hardware meets the new requirements.

When we covered the last vanguard update, several of the same balance and stability themes came up. The transition to on-demand operation represents a significant step in addressing long-standing player concerns. Riot Games continues to refine its anti-cheat strategy to balance security with system performance. The new mode is available to those who meet the strict Windows 11 25H2 and hardware security requirements.

The update confirms that Riot Games is prioritizing system resource efficiency for its largest user base. Players with compatible hardware can now enjoy a less intrusive anti-cheat experience. Those with older systems will continue to use the always-on driver without interruption. This change aligns with a wider industry move toward more precise control over system-level security features.