Frustrated by Highguard’s launch error? You’re not alone. The new PvP shooter from Apex Legends’ creators requires Secure Boot enabled to combat cheaters—a feature that trips up thousands. Before diving into Highguard’s intense gameplay, you’ll need to tweak BIOS settings. This guide breaks it down into simple steps.
Table of Contents
Highguard System Check Before Starting
| Requirement | How to Check | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| System Info | Press Win + R, type “msinfo32” | Open System Information |
| BIOS Mode | Look at “BIOS Mode” line | Must show “UEFI” |
| Secure Boot State | Find “Secure Boot State” | Should show “On” |
| TPM Version | Check under Security Device | TPM 2.0 required |
BIOS Configuration Steps
1. Enter BIOS: Restart and press Delete, F2, or F10 during boot.
2. Advanced Mode: Press F7/F2 to access full settings where security configurations live.
3. Enable TPM 2.0: Go to Settings > Security > Trusted Computing. Select TPM Device > dTPM, then choose TPM 2.0. This trusted platform module is essential.
4. Configure Windows: Settings > Windows OS Configuration > Windows Support > select UEFI. Disable CSM—it blocks Secure Boot.
5. Activate Secure Boot: Save, restart, re-enter BIOS, go to Windows OS Configuration > Secure Boot > Enable. Save and exit.
Troubleshooting
If you see “Secure Boot can be enabled when the system is in user mode,” go to Secure Boot settings, switch to “Custom” mode, then click “Enroll all Factory Default Keys.” Still showing “Off”? Your motherboard may need a firmware update from the manufacturer’s website.
Why This Requirement?
Wildlight Entertainment uses kernel-level anti-cheat. Secure Boot prevents boot-level exploits by ensuring only signed software runs during startup, blocking unauthorized modifications cheaters exploit to inject hacks before game loads.
Verification
Press Win + R, type “msinfo32,” and verify BIOS Mode reads “UEFI” and Secure Boot State shows “On.” Both must be correct or Highguard displays “Fail to Launch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will enabling Secure Boot affect my other games or programs?
Generally no. Secure Boot is a Windows 11 standard requirement and most modern software supports it. However, some older utilities or dual-boot Linux setups may experience compatibility issues requiring additional configuration.
My motherboard is from 2020 but doesn’t have TPM 2.0—can I still play Highguard?
Some 2020 motherboards include TPM 1.2 instead of 2.0. Unfortunately, Highguard strictly requires TPM 2.0. Check if a BIOS update adds TPM 2.0 support, or consider a motherboard upgrade for future-proofing.
