Highguard, a new free-to-play hero shooter from ex-Apex Legends devs, launched recently and requires Secure Boot to be enabled due to its Easy Anti-Cheat system—sparking massive forum debates as players hit "machine integrity failed" errors like 0xE0760402 when it's disabled.

This setup blocks Linux users, older PCs without TPM 2.0, and tinkerers who prefer custom kernels, echoing Battlefield 2042's backlash where kernel-level access raised privacy alarms.

Why Secure Boot Matters Here

Secure Boot verifies your boot loader and OS against tampering, but Highguard mandates it for anti-cheat integrity—no enabling, no play. Critics argue it locks out non-Windows setups and grants deep system access, while devs say it's essential against cheaters.

  • Forums like Reddit's r/HighGuardgame and r/linux_gaming exploded 5 days ago (Jan 23, 2026) with complaints: "Why force Secure Boot?" and Linux woes.
  • Steam discussions pre-launch warned of a "Secure Boot bug," fearing PC bricking—turns out it's a hard req, not a glitch.
  • PC Gamer noted it sidelines "kernel-conscious gamers," especially post-trailer hype at the Game Awards.

"Highguard requires Secure Boot and Easy Anti-Cheat to run, leaving Linux and kernel-conscious gamers out in the cold."

Trending Forum Buzz (Jan 2026)

As of Jan 28, Reddit and Steam threads are bloodbaths —players stuck on loading screens, begging for workarounds. Linux folks feel iced out; Windows 10 holdouts gripe about forced upgrades. NeonLightsMedia called it a "Secure Boot Nightmare," with fixes trending.

Multiple Views:

  • Pro-Security Camp: "Cheaters ruin shooters—deal with it," say Apex vets.
  • Anti-Lockdown Side: "My PC, my rules—go back to user-space anti-cheat!" Linux threads rage.
  • Casual Players: Just want BIOS guides, not philosophy.

Quick Fix Guide

If Secure Boot is disabled , here's the standard path (varies by mobo—backup first).

  1. Restart to BIOS (F2/Del/F10—Google your model).
  2. Switch to UEFI mode: Disable CSM under Boot tab.
  3. Security tab > Enable Secure Boot + TPM 2.0.
  4. Save/exit—reboot.

Stuck? Windows Recovery: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > UEFI Firmware. Older hardware? Might need BIOS flash or sadge—no play.

Issue| Cause| Fix Time
---|---|---
Error 0xE0760402| Secure Boot Off| 5-10 mins BIOS tweak 9
Linux/Steam Deck| Incompatible| No fix—wait patches? 1
Old PC No TPM| Hardware Limit| Upgrade or skip 5

Broader Implications & Speculation

This trend (Highguard joins Battlefield 6) hints at anti-cheat arms race pushing Secure Boot mainstream by 2026—good for fair play, bad for freedom. Safe bet: Patches might loosen it later if backlash grows, like past EAC games. Meanwhile, dual-booters scramble.

TL;DR Bottom: Secure Boot must be on for Highguard or face launch fails—BIOS tweak fixes most, but Linux/old rigs S.O.L. Forums lit with fixes and fury.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.