Trying to play Highguard but getting blocked by Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 errors? You’re not alone! Many gamers face these security requirements when launching the new PvP shooter. The good news is that enabling these features is easier than you think, and we’ll guide you through every step. In just a few minutes, you’ll have your system ready for Highguard’s anti-cheat protection and back in the game.
Key Takeaways
- Highguard requires both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to run due to Easy Anti-Cheat integration
- Check your current status using msinfo32 for Secure Boot and tpm.msc for TPM 2.0
- Access BIOS settings by restarting your PC and pressing Delete, F2, or F10 during startup
- UEFI mode is required for Secure Boot – MBR systems need conversion to GPT
- Most modern PCs support these features but may need manual activation in BIOS
- Windows 11 systems usually have these enabled by default, Windows 10 often needs setup
Why Highguard Requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0?
Highguard uses Easy Anti-Cheat, a powerful system that protects against cheaters in online matches. This anti-cheat software works at the kernel level of your computer, which means it needs deep access to your system’s core functions. Secure Boot acts like a security guard that only allows trusted software to start when you turn on your PC. TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) adds another layer of hardware-based security.
These gaming security features work together to create a safe environment where everyone plays fair. When you enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, you’re helping protect the entire Highguard community from hackers and cheaters. Many modern games like Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty also require these features, so setting them up now will prepare you for future gaming releases too.
How to Check Your Current Secure Boot State?
Before diving into BIOS settings, let’s verify what your system currently has. Checking your Secure Boot state is simple and takes less than a minute.
First, press the Windows button + R key on your keyboard to open the Run command. Type msinfo32 in the search bar and hit Enter. This opens the System Information window where you can see details about your computer. Look for the “Secure Boot State” item under “System Summary.” If it says “On,” you’re already set! If it shows “Off,” don’t worry – we’ll fix that soon.
You should also check your BIOS Mode in the same window. Look for “BIOS Mode” – it needs to say “UEFI” for Secure Boot to work. If it says “Legacy,” you’ll need to convert your system to UEFI mode first. This is more complex but still doable with the right steps.
How to Enable Secure Boot in BIOS Settings?
Enabling Secure Boot requires accessing your computer’s BIOS settings. The exact steps vary by manufacturer, but the general process is similar across most systems.
First, restart your computer and immediately start pressing the BIOS key repeatedly. Common keys include Delete, F2, F10, or Esc – watch your screen during startup for the correct key. Once in BIOS, look for the “Boot” or “Security” tab. You might need to press F7 for Advanced Mode on some systems like ASUS.
Find the “Secure Boot” option and change it from “Disabled” to “Enabled.” Some systems require you to first set “CSM” (Compatibility Support Module) to “Disabled” and select “UEFI” as the boot mode. Save your changes and restart your computer. Your PC should now have Secure Boot enabled, but you might need to enter BIOS again if the setting doesn’t stick the first time.
For specific manufacturer instructions, check your motherboard maker’s website. ASUS users can find detailed guides on their support site, while Dell and HP have their own step-by-step tutorials.
How to Check and Enable TPM 2.0?
TPM 2.0 is just as important as Secure Boot for Highguard. To check if you have it, press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. This opens the TPM Management window.
Look at the “Status” section – if it says “The TPM is ready for use,” you’re good to go! If you see “Compatible TPM cannot be found” or “Not ready for use,” you’ll need to enable it in BIOS.
Restart your computer and enter BIOS settings again. Look for TPM options under “Security,” “Advanced,” or “PCH Configuration” tabs. The setting might be called “fTPM,” “Intel PTT,” or “AMD fTPM” depending on your system. Enable it and save your changes. Some older systems might need a hardware TPM module, but most modern CPUs have built-in TPM 2.0 support.
If you’re still having issues, check if your Windows partition uses GPT format. Right-click the Start button, select Disk Management, right-click your C: drive, and check Properties > Volumes tab. It should say “GPT” – if it says “MBR,” you’ll need to convert it, but this requires backing up your data first.
Highguard System Requirements Beyond Security
While Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are crucial, Highguard has other system requirements you should know about. The minimum specs include an Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen R5 1600 processor, 8GB RAM, and an Nvidia GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580 graphics card. You’ll also need Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11.
The recommended specs bump things up with better processors and graphics cards for smoother gameplay at higher settings. If your system meets these requirements but you’re still having trouble with Secure Boot or TPM 2.0, the issue is likely software configuration rather than hardware limitations.
Windows 11 users generally have an easier time since these features are enabled by default on most new systems. Windows 10 users might need to do more manual configuration, but the steps we’ve covered should get you gaming-ready regardless of your Windows version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Highguard without Secure Boot?
No, you cannot play Highguard without enabling Secure Boot. The game’s Easy Anti-Cheat system requires Secure Boot to be active as a fundamental security requirement. When you try to launch Highguard without Secure Boot enabled, Steam will detect this and show you an error message preventing the game from starting. This isn’t optional – it’s a mandatory requirement that protects all players from cheating and ensures fair gameplay across the community.
What if my PC doesn’t support TPM 2.0?
If your PC doesn’t support TPM 2.0, you have a few options. First, check if your motherboard has a TPM header where you can install a physical TPM 2.0 module. These cost around $20-30 and are easy to install. If your system is older and lacks both built-in TPM support and a TPM header, you might need to upgrade your motherboard or entire system. However, most computers from the last 5-7 years have some form of TPM support that just needs to be enabled in BIOS settings.
Why does Highguard use kernel-level anti-cheat?
Highguard uses kernel-level anti-cheat through Easy Anti-Cheat because it provides the strongest protection against sophisticated cheating methods. Kernel-level access allows the anti-cheat system to detect and block cheats that try to hide deep within your computer’s operating system. While this might seem intrusive, it’s becoming standard for competitive online games to ensure fair play. The requirement for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 helps ensure that only trusted software runs at this deep level, protecting both the game and your computer.
How do I know if I have UEFI mode?
You can check if you have UEFI mode by opening System Information (press Windows + R, type msinfo32, press Enter) and looking for “BIOS Mode” under System Summary. If it says “UEFI,” you’re good to go. If it says “Legacy” or “BIOS,” you’ll need to convert to UEFI mode to enable Secure Boot. You can also check using Command Prompt – open it as administrator and type bcdedit /enum | find “path”. If you see \windows\system32\winload.efi, you’re using UEFI. If you see winload.exe, you’re using legacy BIOS.
Will enabling Secure Boot affect my other games?
Enabling Secure Boot generally won’t affect your other games and can actually improve security across your system. Most modern games work fine with Secure Boot enabled, and many benefit from the same anti-cheat protections. However, some very old games or software that uses unsigned drivers might have issues. If you encounter problems with specific games after enabling Secure Boot, you can temporarily disable it for those titles, but you’ll need to re-enable it for Highguard. The security benefits usually outweigh any minor compatibility issues.
What happens if I disable Secure Boot after installing?
If you disable Secure Boot after installing Highguard, the game will stop working and show the same error message as before installation. Highguard checks for Secure Boot status every time you launch the game, not just during installation. This is because the anti-cheat protection needs to be active during every gaming session. You’ll need to re-enable Secure Boot to play Highguard again. It’s best to keep Secure Boot enabled permanently since it protects your entire system, not just Highguard.
Conclusion
Enabling Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 for Highguard might seem technical, but it’s actually straightforward once you know the steps. These security features protect both you and the entire gaming community from cheaters while keeping your system safer overall. With our guide, you should be able to get everything set up in under 15 minutes and jump into Highguard’s action-packed matches.
Remember that these requirements are becoming standard for modern competitive games, so taking the time to set them up now will benefit your future gaming experiences too. If you run into any issues, check your manufacturer’s support website or visit the official Easy Anti-Cheat support page for additional help.
Ready to join the Highguard battlefield? Enable those security features and we’ll see you in the game! And while you’re optimizing your gaming setup, check out our Roblox gaming controls for more gaming tips and tricks on desinema.com.
