A: Technically it could, because kernel access allows that. But no evidence has been found of such behavior, and multiple independent security audits have been performed on Vanguard (including by the German government’s cybersecurity agency).
Common stop codes include:
Riot does not allow permanent disablement from within Windows, but you can stop it until the next reboot:
As of 2025, Riot has made changes: the Vgk driver now unloads when you right-click the system tray icon and select “Exit Vanguard,” a major concession to privacy concerns.
The (technically the vgk.sys file) is the kernel-mode driver component of Riot Vanguard , the proprietary anti-cheat system developed by Riot Games for games like Valorant and League of Legends .