Riot Games is giving League of Legends and Valorant players more control over how its Vanguard anti-cheat software runs. Starting today, players with compatible hardware can opt into what Riot calls Vanguard Pre-Check, which allows the kernel-level driver to run only when you launch the game, rather than constantly at system startup. Players who enable the feature gain access to pre-boot security mechanisms and Windows' native protection features. The change addresses long-standing player concerns about Vanguard's invasiveness—kernel-level access that runs automatically has been controversial in gaming communities. According to The Verge, this opt-in approach offers a compromise: tighter anti-cheat security when you need it, without always-on system overhead.

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