Secure Boot is a Windows 10 and 11 security feature required by some EA games to ensure only trusted software loads on a PC during startup. This feature helps supported EA games using Javelin Anticheat to detect and remove cheaters, improving overall game integrity and player experience.
What is Secure Boot?
Secure Boot is a UEFI firmware feature that allows only signed, verified software to run during the PC boot process, preventing rootkits and boot-time malware. EA mandates Secure Boot to enhance anti-cheat security for games like Battlefield 6 and others.
How to Check and Enable Secure Boot for EA Games:
- On Windows, open the System Information window with
Windows Key + R, typemsinfo32, and check the "BIOS Mode" (should be UEFI) and "Secure Boot State" (should be On). - If Secure Boot is off but BIOS Mode is UEFI, the disk must be formatted with GPT, not MBR. Use tools like Disk Management or the
mbr2gptcommand to convert if needed. - To enable Secure Boot, restart into BIOS/UEFI settings through Advanced Startup Options, navigate to the Boot tab, and set Secure Boot to Enabled.
- Some BIOSes require resetting Secure Boot keys to factory defaults or setting an admin password before enabling Secure Boot.
- Make sure "OS Type" is set to "Windows UEFI mode."
- Save and exit BIOS to restart with Secure Boot enabled.
Impact for EA Games:
- Secure Boot helps EA's anti-cheat by ensuring the system boots in a secure state, reducing cheating risks.
- Certain EA games may not launch without Secure Boot enabled.
- Players with legacy BIOS modes or MBR disks may need to upgrade or convert their systems to meet requirements.
This procedure is essential for players encountering Secure Boot errors with EA games like Battlefield 6 and can be complex depending on the motherboard and BIOS brand, so consulting manufacturer support is recommended.
