Learn the basics
New to BIOS settings? These plain-English explanations cover the terms you will see in our guides — nothing more than you need to make a confident change.
What is TPM 2.0?
TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) is a small security feature built into modern PCs. Games and Windows use it to confirm your hardware is genuine and has not been tampered with. Think of it as a locked vault for security keys — you rarely interact with it directly.
Intel PTT vs AMD fTPM
You usually do not need a separate chip. On Intel systems the feature is called Intel PTT. On AMD systems it is called AMD fTPM. Both count as TPM 2.0 for Windows 11 and for games that require it.
What is Secure Boot?
Secure Boot is a check that runs before Windows starts. It helps block low-level malware and cheats from loading first. Many anti-cheat systems require it to be on before the game will launch.
UEFI vs Legacy BIOS
UEFI is the modern firmware interface (still often called “BIOS”). Legacy mode, sometimes labeled CSM, keeps older compatibility options. Secure Boot needs full UEFI mode, so CSM must be disabled.
MBR vs GPT
MBR and GPT are ways Windows organizes your drive. GPT is the modern format and works with UEFI. If turning CSM off sends you back to BIOS instead of Windows, your drive may still be MBR — Windows includes a built-in tool (MBR2GPT) that can convert it without deleting your files.
Why games ask for this
Anti-cheats such as Vanguard, FACEIT, and EA Anti-Cheat often require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on Windows 11. If either setting is off, the anti-cheat may refuse to start and the game will not launch.
After Secure Boot
Turning on Secure Boot is an important first step. For ongoing protection against malware and phishing while you play, many in our community also use Bitdefender.
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