Don't Get Locked Out of Battlefield 6: The TPM 2.0, HVCI, and VBS Checklist You Need Now
Countdown to Battlefield 6 comes with a catch: PC gamers must enable TPM 2.0, HVCI, and VBS, with EA locking the game behind these security settings.
Battlefield 6 is almost here, and EA is putting a lock on the door: you need three Windows security features turned on to play. The acronyms are a mouthful (TPM 2.0, HVCI, VBS), but flipping them on is pretty painless. Do it once now, avoid headaches later.
The short version
- TPM 2.0: Press Windows Key + R, type "tpm.msc". If it shows Version 2.0 and says the TPM is ready for use, you’re set. If it says a compatible TPM can’t be found, reboot into your UEFI/BIOS, enable TPM (Intel calls it PTT; AMD calls it fTPM/FTPM), save with F10, and reboot. Check again with "tpm.msc".
- HVCI: In Windows search, type "Core Isolation". Open it, toggle "Memory Integrity" on, and restart.
- VBS: In Windows search, type "System Information". Find "Virtualization-based Security". If it says "Running", you’re good. If not, make sure Memory Integrity is on and reboot.
Why EA wants this on
Short answer: cheating and system hardening. TPM 2.0 is a hardware-backed trust check. HVCI and VBS wall off sensitive parts of Windows so shady code can’t mess with the game or your system. It’s security tech doing what it’s supposed to do, and yes, EA’s requiring it.
TPM 2.0: what it is and how to turn it on
TPM 2.0 is a security chip (sometimes built into your CPU) that proves your system hasn’t been tampered with. First, see if it’s already active:
- Press Windows Key + R, type "tpm.msc", hit Enter.
- If you see Version 2.0 and a status that says the TPM is ready for use, done.
- If you get a message like "Compatible TPM cannot be found", it’s probably disabled in firmware.
To enable it in UEFI/BIOS, here’s the cleanest route (Windows can take you there):
- Open Settings. You can go through Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Recovery, or just Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, choose Restart now. You’ll land in the blue Advanced Startup menu.
- Pick Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
- In your UEFI/BIOS, open the Security or Advanced tab. Look for TPM 2.0. On Intel systems it’s often labeled PTT; on AMD it’s fTPM/FTPM.
- Enable it. Save and exit (usually F10). Your PC will reboot.
Back in Windows, press Windows Key + R, type "tpm.msc" again to confirm TPM 2.0 is now enabled and ready to go.
HVCI: the Memory Integrity switch you actually need
Hypervisor-Enforced Code Integrity (HVCI) stops unsigned or sketchy kernel-level drivers from slipping into Windows and messing with critical processes while the game is running. It’s one toggle:
- Hit the Windows key, type "Core Isolation", open it.
- Turn on "Memory Integrity". Restart when prompted.
VBS: the isolated bubble around your system
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) uses the Windows hypervisor to carve out a protected memory space for sensitive security tasks. If you just turned on Memory Integrity, VBS is basically along for the ride.
To verify it’s active:
- Hit the Windows key, type "System Information", open it.
- In the main pane, find "Virtualization-based Security". If it says "Running", you’re set. If it’s not running, double-check that Memory Integrity is enabled and reboot.
Performance-wise, VBS/HVCI aren’t the frame-rate murderers they used to be. Expect a small hit at most, not a disaster.
Final take
Annoying? A little. Necessary? If you want to launch Battlefield 6, yes. Flip these on now and you won’t be chasing error messages on day one.