Secure Boot in the context of Battlefield, specifically Battlefield 6, is a security feature required to play the game on PC. It is part of the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) system and ensures that only trusted software can load during the computer's startup process. This technology helps prevent malware, particularly bootkits (malware that infects the bootloader), from launching before the operating system, which could otherwise enable cheating software to run undetected. EA's Battlefield 6 requires Secure Boot to enhance anti-cheat measures by adding an additional layer of protection against cheating tactics such as:
- Kernel-level cheats and rootkits
- Memory manipulation and injection
- Spoofing and hardware ID manipulation
- Use of virtual machines and emulation
- Tampering with anti-cheat systems
Secure Boot must be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings of the PC, and the system must be running in UEFI mode (not Legacy or CSM). The disk partition style also needs to be GPT (GUID Partition Table) instead of MBR for Secure Boot to work correctly. If Secure Boot is not enabled or the system does not meet these requirements, the game will refuse to launch. By requiring Secure Boot, EA aims to make it harder for cheat developers to create undetectable cheats and to improve the overall fairness and security of the gaming environment for all players. In summary:
- Secure Boot is a BIOS/UEFI security feature that checks the integrity of software during PC startup.
- Battlefield 6 requires Secure Boot enabled as part of its anti-cheat system.
- Secure Boot helps block cheats that attempt to interfere at the system level, particularly with malware that starts before Windows.
- Players must enable Secure Boot in BIOS, use UEFI mode, and have GPT partitioned drives to play the game.
This approach is designed to support Battlefield's Positive Play commitment and improve the detection and prevention of cheating.
