Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will require TPM 2.0 and Windows Secure Boot on PC

Activision has announced that users will need to have Windows Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 enabled to play Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on PC. These requirements are related to an update to the Ricochet anti-cheat system, which is aimed at combating cheaters in multiplayer matches.

Testing of these hardware protections will begin in the fifth season of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone, but for now there will be no mandatory sanctions for players who do not meet the requirements. Active implementation of mandatory checks is expected closer to the release of Black Ops 7 in late 2025.

Ricochet is a deeply integrated anti-cheat system that runs at the Windows kernel-level. It has access to low-level operating system processes, allowing it to effectively detect and block cheating tools that attempt to bypass standard protections.

The implementation of TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enables Ricochet to verify system integrity at boot time. TPM performs cryptographic hardware verification, while Secure Boot ensures that only signed and authorized software is run when the computer starts.

Activision confirms that the system performs two main checks - one when Windows boots and the second on its own servers - to ensure that there have been no unauthorized changes or interference to the system. The company also assures that it does not access the user's personal files or monitor the contents of the computer.

The company also recommends that users enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional account security, although it is not currently required. Additionally, PC Game Pass users will not be able to participate in ranked matches.

The implementation of Secure Boot and TPM effectively limits the ability to run the game only on Windows, which may cause dissatisfaction among Linux players and Steam Deck owners who are looking for ways to bypass these requirements.