Fortnite Secure Boot & TPM Requirements Guide (March 2026) Ultimate Guide
If you’re a competitive Fortnite player looking to participate in tournaments starting February 19, 2026, you’ll need to ensure your PC meets Epic Games’ new security requirements. The company has announced that all tournament participants must have three specific hardware security features enabled: Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and IOMMU.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these requirements, why they’re being implemented, and exactly how to enable them on your system. Whether you’re a seasoned competitive player or just starting your tournament journey, understanding these security measures is crucial for your Fortnite competitive career.
Quick Overview: Fortnite Tournament Security Requirements
| Requirement | Purpose | Implementation Date | Impact on Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure Boot | Prevents malicious software from loading during PC startup | February 19, 2026 | ~95% of players already compatible |
| TPM 2.0 | Provides hardware-level security foundation | February 19, 2026 | Standard on Windows 11-compatible PCs |
| IOMMU | Controls hardware access to system memory | February 19, 2026 | May require BIOS/UEFI configuration |
Why Epic Games Is Implementing These Changes
The Growing Cheating Problem
The competitive Fortnite scene has faced significant challenges with cheating, particularly from sophisticated hackers using advanced techniques to bypass traditional anti-cheat systems. Epic Games has been fighting this battle on multiple fronts, including legal action against cheaters and cheat developers.
In [cy-1], Epic took legal action against multiple individuals and groups involved in cheating:
- A tournament cheater was hit with a $175,000 judgment after ignoring a lawsuit
- Lawsuits were filed against cheat developers and sellers
- Settlements were reached with various rulebreakers including account sellers and DDoS attackers
The DMA Cheat Threat
The primary driver behind these new requirements is the rise of DMA (Direct Memory Access) cheats. These are particularly insidious because they:
- Use external hardware devices to read game memory directly
- Bypass traditional software-based anti-cheat systems
- Allow cheaters to access game data without detection
- Can be expensive and sophisticated, making them harder to combat
According to Epic Games, these new security features will help protect Fortnite’s memory from unauthorized access by creating multiple layers of hardware-level security.
Understanding the Three Security Requirements
1. Secure Boot
What it is: Secure Boot is a security feature built into modern PCs that ensures your computer only boots using software trusted by the manufacturer.
How it works:
- Verifies the digital signature of all boot components
- Prevents malicious software from loading during startup
- Creates a chain of trust from hardware to operating system
Why it matters for Fortnite: Prevents rootkits and other malware from compromising your system before anti-cheat software can load.
2. TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
What it is: TPM is a dedicated security chip on your motherboard that provides hardware-level security functions.
How it works:
- Generates and stores cryptographic keys
- Provides secure storage for sensitive data
- Verifies system integrity and boot process
Why it matters for Fortnite: Makes it extremely difficult for cheats to tamper with security settings or spoof system information.
3. IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit)
What it is: IOMMU is a hardware feature that manages how external devices access your system’s memory.
How it works:
- Acts as a hardware firewall for memory access
- Prevents unauthorized devices from reading or writing to system RAM
- Isolates device memory access from the main system
Why it matters for Fortnite: Specifically targets DMA cheats by preventing external hardware from accessing game memory directly.
How to Check if Your PC Meets the Requirements
Checking Secure Boot Status
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog
- Type msinfo32 and press Enter
- Look for “Secure Boot State” in the System Summary
- It should say “On” – if it says “Off,” you’ll need to enable it
Checking TPM 2.0 Status
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog
- Type tpm.msc and press Enter
- Look for “Specification Version” – it should be 2.0 or higher
- Check that “Status” shows “The device is ready for use”
Checking IOMMU Support
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog
- Type msinfo32 and press Enter
- Note your processor model and motherboard manufacturer
- Check your motherboard manual or support site for IOMMU support
Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling These Features
Enabling Secure Boot
Step 1: Access BIOS/UEFI
- Restart your PC
- Press the BIOS key during startup (commonly F2, F10, F12, or Del)
- Navigate to the Boot or Security section
Step 2: Enable Secure Boot
- Look for “Secure Boot” option
- Change setting from “Disabled” to “Enabled”
- Save changes and exit BIOS
Note: You may need to reset BIOS to default settings first if Secure Boot options are grayed out.
Enabling TPM 2.0
For Intel Systems:
- Enter BIOS/UEFI
- Navigate to “Security” or “Advanced” section
- Look for “Intel PTT” or “TPM” option
- Enable the feature
- Save and exit
For AMD Systems:
- Enter BIOS/UEFI
- Navigate to “Security” or “Advanced” section
- Look for “AMD fTPM” or “TPM” option
- Enable the feature
- Save and exit
Enabling IOMMU
For Intel Systems:
- Enter BIOS/UEFI
- Look for “VT-d” (Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O)
- Enable VT-d
- Save and exit
For AMD Systems:
- Enter BIOS/UEFI
- Look for “IOMMU” or “AMD-Vi” option
- Enable IOMMU
- Save and exit
Troubleshooting Common Issues
BIOS Access Problems
Issue: Can’t access BIOS or UEFI settings Solutions:
- Try different BIOS keys (F2, F10, F12, Del, Esc)
- Use Windows Advanced Startup: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now
- Check your motherboard manual for specific keys
Secure Boot Won’t Enable
Issue: Secure Boot option is grayed out or unavailable Solutions:
- Reset BIOS to default settings first
- Ensure you’re running in UEFI mode, not Legacy BIOS
- Update your BIOS to the latest version
- Check that your Windows installation is UEFI-compatible
TPM Not Detected
Issue: TPM doesn’t show up or can’t be enabled Solutions:
- Check if your motherboard has a TPM chip
- Some older boards may need a TPM module added
- Update motherboard BIOS
- Ensure CPU supports TPM instructions
IOMMU Not Available
Issue: Can’t find IOMMU/VT-d option in BIOS Solutions:
- Update to latest BIOS version
- Check CPU and motherboard compatibility
- Some budget boards may not support IOMMU
- Contact manufacturer support for specific model
Impact on Different PC Configurations
Modern Gaming PCs (2020+)
If you have a relatively modern gaming PC, especially one that’s Windows 11-compatible, you likely already have the necessary hardware. Epic Games estimates that 95% of Fortnite PC players already meet these requirements or can enable them without new hardware.
Older Gaming PCs
For older systems, you might encounter:
- Lack of TPM 2.0 support on motherboards
- No IOMMU support on budget motherboards
- BIOS that doesn’t expose these features
Solutions for older systems:
- Add a TPM 2.0 module if motherboard supports it
- Upgrade BIOS to latest version
- Consider motherboard upgrade if critical features are missing
Laptop Users
Laptop users may face additional challenges:
- Limited BIOS/UEFI access
- Some manufacturers lock down security features
- May need to contact manufacturer for BIOS updates
Comparison with Other Games
Fortnite isn’t the first game to implement these requirements. Several other major titles have similar security measures:
| Game | Requirements | Implementation Date |
|---|---|---|
| Valorant | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot | 2024 |
| Battlefield 6 | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot | 2025 |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot | 2025 |
| The Finals | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot | 2024 |
| Fortnite | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, IOMMU | February 19, 2026 |
Fortnite goes a step further by also requiring IOMMU, making it one of the most secure competitive gaming environments.
The Future of Anti-Cheat in Gaming
Industry Trend
The gaming industry is moving toward hardware-level security as software-based anti-cheat systems become increasingly ineffective against sophisticated cheats. This trend includes:
- BIOS/UEFI level security checks
- Hardware-based authentication
- Cloud-based verification systems
- Machine learning for cheat detection
Microsoft’s Role
Microsoft is developing Remote Attestation, a feature that checks a user’s boot environment against cloud servers. This could become an alternative to kernel-level anti-cheat systems while providing even stronger security.
Potential Concerns
While these measures improve security, they raise some concerns:
- Risk of bricking systems during BIOS updates
- Reduced compatibility with older hardware
- Potential privacy implications
- Impact on Linux gaming and alternative operating systems
Preparing for Tournament Play
Timeline Checklist
6 Weeks Before Tournament:
- Check if your system meets all requirements
- Test enabling features in safe environment
- Backup important data
4 Weeks Before Tournament:
- Enable all required features
- Test Fortnite competitive modes
- Verify tournament eligibility
2 Weeks Before Tournament:
- Practice with new settings
- Monitor for any stability issues
- Have backup plan ready
Week of Tournament:
- Double-check all settings are enabled
- Test tournament client/connection
- Document your settings for reference
Best Practices
- Create System Restore Points before making BIOS changes
- Document Your Settings with screenshots for reference
- Test Thoroughly in non-competitive modes first
- Keep BIOS Updated but wait for stable releases
- Have Backup Hardware ready for important tournaments
Community Reaction and Concerns
Positive Responses
Many competitive players have welcomed these changes:
- “Finally, something to stop the DMA cheaters”
- “Level playing field for legitimate players”
- “Worth the inconvenience for fair competition”
Concerns and Criticism
Some community members have raised valid concerns:
- Risk of system instability from BIOS changes
- Exclusion of players with older hardware
- Potential for false positives
- Questions about effectiveness against determined cheaters
Epic Games’ Response
Epic has acknowledged these concerns and stated:
- Requirements only apply to tournaments, not casual play
- Most players already meet these requirements
- Support resources are available for affected players
- Continuous monitoring of system impact
Technical Deep Dive: How These Features Work Together
The Security Chain
These three features create a comprehensive security chain:
- Secure Boot ensures only trusted software loads at startup
- TPM provides hardware-rooted trust and cryptographic services
- IOMMU prevents unauthorized hardware access to memory
Defense in Depth
This approach follows the “defense in depth” security principle:
- Multiple layers of protection
- No single point of failure
- Compromise of one layer doesn’t defeat entire system
Real-World Effectiveness
Early data from other games shows:
- Significant reduction in DMA cheat usage
- Improved detection of sophisticated cheats
- Better overall competitive integrity
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need these features for casual Fortnite play?
No, these requirements only apply to official tournaments and competitive events. You can still play casual matches, creative mode, and non-competitive playlists without enabling these features.
Will this affect my game performance?
Generally, no. These security features have minimal impact on game performance. In some cases, they may even improve stability by preventing malicious software interference.
What if my PC doesn’t support these features?
If your PC doesn’t support these features, you won’t be able to participate in official tournaments. Your options include:
- Upgrading your motherboard/CPU
- Adding a TPM 2.0 module (if supported)
- Using a different PC for tournaments
Can I disable these features after tournaments?
Yes, you can disable these features when not participating in tournaments, but keeping them enabled provides better overall system security.
Will this affect other games or applications?
These features are Windows-level security settings that shouldn’t negatively affect other games or applications. In fact, they may improve overall system security.
What about console players?
These requirements only apply to PC players. Console players (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) are not affected by these changes.
How often will I need to verify these settings?
You should verify these settings before each tournament participation, especially after any system updates or BIOS changes.
What if I encounter issues during a tournament?
Document the issue immediately, contact Epic Games support, and have screenshots of your BIOS settings ready. Tournament organizers may have specific procedures for technical issues.
Conclusion
The implementation of Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and IOMMU requirements for Fortnite tournaments represents a significant step forward in competitive gaming security. While these changes may require some initial setup, they ultimately create a fairer playing environment for all competitive players.
For the vast majority of players, especially those with modern gaming PCs, enabling these features will be a straightforward process. The benefits of reduced cheating and improved competitive integrity far outweigh the minor inconvenience of BIOS configuration.
As we move forward in 2026, expect to see more games adopting similar hardware-level security measures. Staying informed and prepared for these changes will ensure you can continue competing at the highest level.