Introduction
Ever booted up Call of Duty only to have invisible wallhacks or twitchy aimbots ruin your match? It’s infuriating—and Activision thinks it has the cure. On launch day, every PC player wanting to dive into Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 must have both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled—or the game simply won’t start.
Why Hardware-Based Security Matters
Software anti-cheat tools have improved, but low-level hacks still slip through. By enforcing TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, Activision shifts part of the battleground onto your motherboard, where cheats can’t hide. Think of it as locking the front door before you even walk into the house.
Breaking Down TPM 2.0
What is TPM 2.0? TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, and version 2.0 is the modern standard embedded on most motherboards or built into recent CPUs. This tiny security chip securely stores cryptographic keys and validates system integrity every time you power up.
How it works: Before Windows or any game launcher loads, TPM 2.0 checks that critical firmware and hardware components haven’t been tampered with. If it spots a mismatch—say, a modified driver that cheats could exploit—the system halts the boot process.
Why it matters: In a high-stakes shooter like Black Ops 7, TPM 2.0 helps ensure you start on a level playing field. Rootkits, stealth cheats and unauthorized firmware hacks have fewer opportunities to survive each reboot.
Delving into Secure Boot
What is Secure Boot? Secure Boot is a UEFI firmware feature (part of UEFI 2.3 and above) that only allows digitally signed, trusted software—like your operating system, bootloaders and drivers—to run during startup. Any unsigned or suspicious code is blocked before it can load.
How it works: When you power on, the motherboard checks each software component’s digital signature against keys stored in UEFI. If a driver or bootloader isn’t recognized, Secure Boot stops it in its tracks.
Why it matters: Cheats that rely on boot-time code injection or file tampering become far harder to execute. Combined with TPM 2.0, it delivers what Microsoft calls a “trusted launch” environment—ideal for keeping cheaters at bay.
Activision’s Two-Pronged Anti-Cheat Strategy
TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot lay the hardware foundation. On top of that, Activision’s Ricochet anti-cheat system runs a signed kernel driver that scans for cheat signatures in real time. Here’s the playbook:
- Hardware checks: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot prevent stealthy hacks from embedding themselves before the OS loads.
- Kernel-level monitoring: Ricochet’s driver keeps an eye on suspicious processes and memory hooks while you play.
- Legal pressure: Activision’s law team has already sent nearly 40 cease-and-desist notices to cheat distributors for Black Ops 6. Expect continued litigation to deter large-scale cheat sellers.
By squeezing cheaters both technically and legally, Activision hopes to choke off common hacks before they gain traction.
How to Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
Getting these features turned on usually takes less than five minutes in your BIOS/UEFI:
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI setup (often Del, F2 or Esc during boot).
- Locate the Security or Advanced tab. Find TPM 2.0—it may be called PTT on Intel boards or fTPM on AMD.
- Enable TPM, then switch to the Boot or Authentication section and toggle on Secure Boot.
- Save changes and exit. Windows will restart with both features active.
Tip: You can verify TPM is ready by opening Windows and running tpm.msc. Check under “Status” to ensure it’s “The TPM is ready for use.”
Troubleshooting Common Setup Hurdles
- No TPM found: Your board may need a BIOS update or a discrete TPM module. Check the manufacturer’s website.
- Secure Boot greyed out: Disable Compatibility Support Module (CSM) under Boot options, then enable Secure Boot.
- Dual-boot conflicts: Some Linux setups override Secure Boot keys. You may need to enroll custom keys or disable shim.
- Firmware flashing risks: Always back up important files before updating BIOS/UEFI.
Will These Measures Really Curb Cheaters?
TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot won’t stop every determined hacker overnight. But by raising the bar, casual cheat makers and players will think twice before investing time in bypasses. The true test arrives in the weeks after launch—if our lobbies stay cleaner than past Call of Duty titles, Activision will chalk it up as a win. Otherwise, expect new exploits and patches in rapid succession.
Impact on Players and PC Builders
Most gaming rigs built in the last three years sail through these checks—motherboard makers have broadly integrated TPM modules, and Secure Boot is on by default in modern UEFI. However, DIY enthusiasts with decade-old boards or heavily modded systems could hit a roadblock. If your rig fails Black Ops 7’s launch checks, you’ll need a BIOS update, a dedicated TPM module or even a new motherboard.
Looking Ahead: The Future of PC Gaming Security
Activision’s move signals a broader shift: hardware-enforced security is becoming the norm. Rival franchises like Battlefield and other online titles are exploring similar “trusted launch” requirements. As developers and platform holders collaborate more closely, expect PC gaming to lean harder into TPM, Secure Boot and kernel-level defenses to preserve fair play.
Conclusion
Requiring TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 marks a major evolution in PC anti-cheat strategy, blending hardware checks with kernel-level monitoring and legal muscle. It’s not a silver bullet, but it could finally make a noticeable dent in cheat-driven chaos. Before launch day, double-check those BIOS settings—your next match is waiting, complete with a fresh coat of fairness.