Black Ops 7 PC Security Requirements: How to Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0

PC gamers must enable two key security features to play Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The game requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be active on Windows systems. This new mandate is now being enforced for the upcoming beta and full release. Players without these features enabled will be unable to launch the game.

This change is part of a broader security initiative for the Call of Duty franchise. According to official communications from Activision, these measures are designed to strengthen the game’s anti-cheat system. The requirements were first introduced in a recent seasonal update for existing titles.

Understanding the New Security Mandate

Secure Boot is a security standard that ensures a device boots using only software trusted by the system manufacturer. It helps protect against low-level malware and unauthorized programs that can interfere with game operations. When enabled, it creates a more secure environment for online play.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is a hardware-based security feature. It provides cryptographic functions to safeguard system integrity. Together, these technologies form a foundation for the RICOCHET Anti-Cheat system’s kernel-level driver. This combination helps detect cheating software that operates stealthily.

A Step-by-Step Guide to System Compliance

First, check your Secure Boot status. Press the Windows Key + R, type “msinfo32”, and hit Enter. In the System Information window, find “Secure Boot State”. If it says “On”, you are ready. If it says “Off”, you will need to enter your BIOS or UEFI firmware settings to enable it.

Enabling Secure Boot varies by motherboard manufacturer. You typically access these settings by pressing a key like Delete or F2 during startup. Once in the BIOS, navigate to the Boot or Security tab. Look for the Secure Boot option and set it to “Enabled”. Save changes and exit. Your system may restart during this process.

Next, verify your TPM 2.0 status. Press Windows Key + R, type “tpm.msc”, and press Enter. The TPM Management window will show your status. It should read “The TPM is ready for use”. If it is not enabled, you must also activate this within your BIOS settings, often in a “Security” or “Advanced” section.

The Broader Impact on the Gaming Landscape

This move reflects a growing industry trend toward enhanced security in competitive gaming. Major titles are increasingly adopting kernel-level anti-cheat solutions. These systems require deeper system integration to be effective against sophisticated cheating tools.

For most players on modern Windows 11 systems, these features are already enabled by default. The primary impact will be on Windows 10 users and those with custom-built PCs. The change aims to create a fairer playing field, though it requires some technical adjustment from a portion of the player base.

The new Black Ops 7 security requirements mark a significant shift for PC gaming. Players must ensure their systems are properly configured before the game’s launch. These mandatory Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 settings are now essential for accessing the latest Call of Duty title.

Info at your fingertips

What happens if I don’t enable Secure Boot?

You will be unable to launch Black Ops 7. The game performs a system check upon startup. It will display an error message and prevent access until the requirement is met.

Do I need to upgrade to Windows 11?

No, Windows 10 fully supports both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. You can meet the requirements on either operating system. The process for enabling the features is very similar on both.

Will this affect my computer’s performance?

No, these are background security features. They do not consume system resources in a way that impacts gaming performance. You will not notice any difference in frame rates or load times.

Are other games requiring this?

Yes, several competitive online games now mandate similar security features. Titles like Valorant have comparable requirements to combat cheating effectively.

Can I disable these after playing?

It is not recommended. Disabling them will prevent you from launching the game again. Furthermore, these features provide valuable general security for your system.