VAN 9004: Windows is too old for Vanguard

VAN9004. This version of Vanguard requires you to update your operating system to Windows 10 20H1 or newer. See the Vanguard notification center in the tray for more details.

A version check, and nothing else

VAN 9004 is Vanguard reading your Windows version and finding it below the floor Riot has set, which is Windows 10 20H1. Riot's reason is that Vanguard leans on security pieces and system services that only arrive through Windows updates. There's no Vanguard setting to change and nothing to reinstall here. The PC needs a newer Windows build, and the only fix Riot gives is to install every update on offer and restart.

The error also tells you to look at Vanguard's notification center in the tray. That's the red Vanguard icon by the clock (you may have to click the little arrow to show hidden icons), and Riot's security requirements page describes it as the place where Vanguard spells out which requirement failed and links the matching help.

9004 and 9006 are the same fix

VAN 9006 carries its own number but asks for the same thing. Riot's two articles define both codes with the identical sentence (Windows 10 20H1 or newer) and give each the identical fix. Landed on 9006 instead? Follow the same step.

Riot's fix, in Riot's order

1. Install every pending Windows update

   Open Settings, then Windows Update, and keep installing and restarting until it says you're up to date. Vanguard's checks lean on security components that ship in those updates, and optional driver updates are worth a look while you're there.

Related errors

• VAN 9006
• Unsupported operating system
• VAN 9001
• VAN 9003

Source: Riot Games Player Support, Error VAN 9004, updated July 16, 2026. Riot's steps are paraphrased here, not copied; checked September 25, 2026.