Black Ops 7 Will Require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot: What You Need to Know

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is taking PC security to the next level. At launch, the game will require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, reinforcing Activision’s push for a cheat-resistant environment. While this strengthens Ricochet anti-cheat, it may also lock out players on older or custom-built PCs—reshaping what it means to be “gaming-ready” in 2025.

What Are TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?

Before diving into the implications, here’s a quick breakdown of what these technologies do:

• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) is a hardware-based security feature that verifies system integrity at boot. It stores cryptographic keys and ensures no tampering has occurred.
• Secure Boot ensures only trusted and signed software loads during the system’s startup, preventing rootkits and early-stage exploits.

Both are part of Windows security architecture and already required for Windows 11. Now, Call of Duty is making them essential for gameplay.

See also: Two Call of Duty Games Removed from HQ App: MW2 & MW3 Go Standalone

These technologies operate before the operating system fully loads, working hand-in-hand with Activision’s Ricochet kernel-level driver, which activates during gameplay. This layered defense—from pre-boot validation to real-time monitoring—creates a hardened environment against cheat injection and tampering.

Why You Can’t Play Black Ops 7 Without TPM and Secure Boot

Activision’s Ricochet anti-cheat has been a critical tool in fighting cheaters in Call of Duty. But with increasingly sophisticated exploits—especially those that operate at the kernel level—software solutions alone are no longer enough.

TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot create a hardware-level “chain of trust” from the moment the system starts, minimizing the chance of deep system-level cheats loading before the game even boots.

These features are not a replacement for Ricochet but will work alongside the kernel-level anti-cheat driver to reinforce cheat prevention from system boot through gameplay.

See also: Call of Duty Mobile Season 7 Phantom Current Adds Gulag, RC-XD Racing, and Mythic Operator

Ricochet’s kernel-level driver only runs when Call of Duty is active, monitoring for tampering or unauthorized processes. Meanwhile, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot verify your PC’s integrity during startup. The combination dramatically narrows the attack surface for persistent and stealth-based cheats.

Activision has also targeted 22 cheat developers so far, pursuing legal action to remove cheating at the source. Many have complied, but enforcement is ongoing.

Black Ops 7 Launch Requirements: Key Dates to Know

• Season 5 of Black Ops 6 and Warzone (August 7): These features will be introduced with notifications only for non-compliant systems.
• Black Ops 7 Launch (Late 2025): TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot will be mandatory. Systems without them will be blocked from launching the game.

Players on a free PC Game Pass trial should also note that ranked multiplayer will remain restricted, even if their system passes security checks.

How to Check and Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

To check TPM 2.0:

1. Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter.
2. If you see “TPM is ready for use,” you’re good. If not, check your BIOS to enable it (listed as PTT on Intel or fTPM on AMD).

To check Secure Boot:

1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
2. Ensure:
   • BIOS Mode = UEFI
   • Secure Boot State = On

It’s important to proceed carefully when editing BIOS settings. Improper changes can cause system instability or prevent your PC from booting. Check your motherboard’s support site—some offer firmware updates that enable TPM 2.0 even if it wasn’t initially supported.

What If Your PC Isn’t Compatible?

That’s where things get complicated.

• Older PCs and custom-built rigs may lack TPM 2.0 or boot in Legacy mode by default.
• Some motherboards only support TPM 1.2 (which is not sufficient).
• Enabling Secure Boot may require BIOS configuration and OS reinstall (if your drive is MBR instead of GPT).
• In rare cases, you may need a motherboard upgrade to meet requirements.

Even older systems capable of running modern games at high settings could be locked out—not due to performance issues, but because they lack these security features.

How This Affects Linux, Modding, and Steam Deck Players

Secure Boot is designed for signed Windows environments, meaning:

• Linux kernels not signed by Microsoft may fail to load.
• Dual-boot setups could be disrupted.
• Steam Deck users may face compatibility hurdles unless they enable workarounds (which could violate terms of service).

Secure Boot may also block unsigned drivers and tools, affecting modding, capture tools, or advanced streaming setups. These changes may challenge long-time PC enthusiasts who rely on customized workflows.

See also: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Pre-Order Bonuses – Full List, Operators, Camos & More

Don’t Get Locked Out of Black Ops 7 — Do This First

If you plan to play Black Ops 7 on PC, it’s smart to prepare early:

1. Check your system for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot now using the steps above.
2. Update your BIOS/UEFI firmware—many motherboards can enable TPM with a simple update.
3. Convert from MBR to GPT if needed using Windows’ built-in MBR2GPT tool.
4. Back up your system before making BIOS changes.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your Activision account. While not mandatory yet, Activision has suggested it may become a requirement in future updates.

See also: Beavis and Butt-Head Event Pass in Call of Duty: What’s Included?

Requiring TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 sets a new standard for anti-cheat enforcement in PC gaming. It boosts security and integrity—but at the cost of accessibility and customization. For many players, this will mean BIOS tweaks or even hardware upgrades.

As the Call of Duty franchise leads this transition, it may soon become the norm across esports titles. Whether this improves fairness or deepens the digital divide depends on how developers balance security with inclusivity going forward.