Battlefield 6 Secure Boot Requirement: How to Fix the ‘SecureBoot is Not Enabled’ Error
If you’re setting up for the Battlefield 6 beta and see the dreaded “Secureboot is not enabled” error, you’re not alone. EA made Secure Boot a strict requirement for both the beta and full release—mostly to let their new Javelin anti-cheat system work properly on PC. Without Secure Boot, you’re simply locked out. This step-by-step guide will help you check, enable, or troubleshoot Secure Boot so you can get back into the fight.
Why Battlefield 6 Needs Secure Boot
Secure Boot is a Windows security feature, built into the UEFI (modern) BIOS of most new PCs. It stops unauthorized, unsigned, or malicious code from loading during system boot-up, making it a top defense against kernel cheats and hardware spoofing—exactly the kind of threats modern shooters dread. EA’s Battlefield 6 relies on it, and there’s no way to bypass this check.
As technical details about Battlefield 6 continue to surface, Pirat_Nation (@Pirat_Nation) highlighted a crucial requirement for PC players: Secure Boot must be enabled to run the game. This added security measure ensures that the system’s firmware meets the latest standards before players can dive into the battlefield.
The PC launch of Battlefield 6 comes with a new technical requirement, as highlighted by Pirat_Nation (@Pirat_Nation). Players on Windows 10 and 11 are expected to have Secure Boot enabled, with the game automatically prompting users to turn it on if their system supports the feature but has it disabled.
How To Check If Secure Boot is Enabled
Before opening your BIOS, you can quickly check Secure Boot status in Windows. Here’s the simplest way:
-
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
-
Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
-
In System Information, look under System Summary.
-
Find “BIOS Mode.” It must show “UEFI” (not “Legacy”).
-
Check “Secure Boot State.” If it says “On,” you’re set. If it’s “Off,” you need to turn it on.
-
If Secure Boot is already “On” but Battlefield 6 still won’t start, skip down to the troubleshooting section.
How To Enable Secure Boot in Your BIOS
If your PC says Secure Boot is off, you’ll need to dig into the BIOS. Here are the main steps—just be careful, and don’t change anything unrelated.
-
Reboot your PC.
-
As it starts, hold down Delete or F2 (sometimes it’s Esc, F10, or another key based on your motherboard).
-
In the BIOS menu, switch to Advanced Mode if you see it.
-
Look for “Secure Boot” or “Secure Boot Control” under Boot or Security menus.
-
Set Secure Boot to “Enabled.”
-
If it’s locked or greyed out, find and disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module) first.
-
Sometimes you need to switch Secure Boot between “Custom” and “Standard” to properly activate it—most games need “Standard.”
-
Save changes and restart your computer.
Still stumped? Your motherboard manual (or EA’s help pages) should give you the exact location and step-by-step for your hardware.
In the ongoing conversation around Battlefield 6 launch issues, Rich (@OneShotRich) shared a quick fix for players struggling to open the game despite having Secure Boot enabled. He noted that replacing the executable reference—swapping 2042.exe with bf6.exe—helped resolve the startup problem on his system, offering a simple workaround for frustrated players.
What If Secure Boot is Already Enabled?
A good chunk of players find Secure Boot listed as “On,” but Battlefield 6 keeps giving that error. In that case, try this reset sequence:
-
Go into your BIOS and temporarily set Secure Boot to Disabled.
-
Save, reboot, and enter the BIOS again.
-
Re-enable Secure Boot, and make sure it’s set to “Standard” (not “Custom”).
-
Save and restart. Now check if Battlefield 6 launches.
This usually fixes mode conflicts where Secure Boot is only partially active.
Battlefield 6 on Steam Deck and PC Handhelds
It’s worth mentioning: Secure Boot is only on Windows. If you’re running SteamOS or Linux on something like the Steam Deck, Battlefield 6 won’t run. For Windows-installed handhelds or gaming laptops, as long as the hardware supports Secure Boot and it’s enabled, you’ll be fine.
Extra Tips for Smooth Launch
A few things to remember:
-
Old BIOS versions, rare older motherboards, or running Windows in “Legacy” BIOS means Secure Boot isn’t supported. If that’s the case, Battlefield 6 won’t work.
-
Some performance overlays (like MSI Afterburner) can mess with Battlefield’s anti-cheat, so stick to the game’s built-in performance tools.
-
The Battlefield 6 beta supports the latest tech (DLSS 4, Intel XeSS 2.0, AMD FSR 3), but Secure Boot is non-negotiable. Double check before troubleshooting other performance issues.
Battlefield 6’s new anti-cheat standards have raised the bar—and the technical requirements. Make sure Secure Boot is enabled and “On” in both Windows and your BIOS before jumping in. A few careful steps and you should be back on the battlefield, error-free and ready for the action.
