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Virtualization Settings

If you receive an error prompting you to enable Intel VT-x or AMD SVM when launching the Anti-cheat, you will need to activate CPU virtualization in your BIOS.

Warning: Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings carries risk. If you are unsure about the process, consult a professional before making changes.

1) Check Your CPU and Motherboard

1. Press the Windows key, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
2. Verify the following:

• Processor – determines Intel or AMD CPU
• BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product – identifies your motherboard

2) Overview of BIOS Settings

BIOS menus vary widely by manufacturer. For exact steps, search for: "How to enable virtualization on [your motherboard model]" or check the official manual.

3) Enabling CPU Virtualization on Popular Motherboards

ASUS

1. Press DEL or F2 during boot to enter BIOS.
2. If in EZ Mode, press F7 to access Advanced Mode.
3. Navigate to Advanced → CPU Configuration.
4. Set the following:

• Intel CPUs: Intel (VMX) Virtualization Technology → Enabled
• AMD CPUs: SVM Mode → Enabled

1. Save changes and exit (F10).

Gigabyte

1. Press DEL to enter BIOS.
2. Navigation:

• Intel CPUs: BIOS Features or Chipset tab
• AMD CPUs: M.I.T. → Advanced Frequency Settings → Advanced CPU Core Settings

1. Enable:

• Intel CPUs: Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel VT, or VT-d
• AMD CPUs: SVM Mode

1. Save & Exit (F10).

MSI

1. Press DEL at startup to enter BIOS.
2. Navigate to OC or Advanced → CPU Features / CPU Configuration.
3. Set:

• Intel CPUs: Intel Virtualization Tech or Intel VT-d → Enabled
• AMD CPUs: SVM Mode → Enabled

1. Save & Exit (F10).
2. Note: Some MSI laptops may have AMD Virtualization enabled by default and not adjustable.

ASRock

1. Press DEL or F2 during startup to access BIOS.
2. Go to Advanced → CPU Configuration.
3. Enable:

• Intel CPUs: Intel Virtualization Technology
• AMD CPUs: SVM Mode or AMD-V

1. Save changes and exit (F10).

4) Troubleshooting

• If you cannot see the virtualization option, ensure your BIOS is up-to-date and CPU virtualization is supported and enabled.
• If the Anti-cheat still reports an error, check your motherboard manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

What is IOMMU?

IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit) is a hardware-level security feature that safeguards your system against malicious software and helps maintain the integrity of competitive matches. Akros is introducing IOMMU as a required feature gradually. If your system requires IOMMU and it’s not enabled, the Akros Anti-cheat may display an error when starting.

⚠️ Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings carries risk. If you are unfamiliar with firmware configuration, seek assistance from a professional. Incorrect settings can affect system stability.

1) Identify Your CPU and Motherboard

1. Press the Windows key, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
2. In the System Information window, note the following:

• Processor – identifies whether your CPU is AMD or Intel
• BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product – identifies your motherboard brand and model

2) Activating IOMMU on Popular Motherboards

ASRock Motherboards

1. Press DEL during startup to enter BIOS.
2. If in Easy Mode, press F6 to switch to Advanced Mode.
3. Go to Advanced.
4. AMD CPUs:

• Navigate to AMD CBS → NBIO Common Options
• Set IOMMU → Enabled
• If available, set DMA Protection and DMAr Support → Enabled
• If available, enable Pre-boot DMA Protection and Kernel DMA Protection Indicator

1. Intel CPUs:

• Go to Chipset Configuration
• Enable VT-d
• If available, set Control IOMMU Pre-boot Behavior → Enable IOMMU during boot
• If unavailable, set Enable IOMMU → Enabled
• If available, enable Pre-boot DMA Protection

ASUS Motherboards

1. Press DEL during system startup to enter BIOS.
2. Navigate to Advanced.
3. AMD CPUs:

• Open AMD CBS
• Set IOMMU → Enabled
• If available, enable DMA Protection and DMAr Support
• If available, enable Pre-boot DMA Protection and Kernel DMA Protection Indicator
• You may need to open NBIO Common Options to find additional settings

1. Intel CPUs:

• Open System Agent (SA) Configuration
• Enable VT-d
• Set Control IOMMU Pre-boot Behavior → Enable IOMMU during boot
• If unavailable, set Enable IOMMU → Enabled
• Enable Pre-boot DMA Protection if present

MSI Motherboards

1. Press DEL at startup to enter BIOS.
2. Go to OC (Overclocking) section.
3. AMD CPUs:

• Go to Advanced CPU Configuration → AMD CBS
• Set IOMMU → Enabled
• If present, enable DMA Protection and DMAr Support
• If available, enable Pre-boot DMA Protection and Kernel DMA Protection Indicator

1. Intel CPUs:

• Go to CPU Features
• Enable VT-d
• Set Control IOMMU Pre-boot Behavior → Enable IOMMU during boot
• If unavailable, set Enable IOMMU → Enabled
• Enable Pre-boot DMA Protection
• Enable DMA Control Guarantee if present

3) Troubleshooting

• If the IOMMU option is missing, confirm your BIOS is up to date and that CPU virtualization is enabled.
• If problems persist, consult your motherboard manufacturer's support resources for model-specific instructions on enabling IOMMU.

Memory Integrity (HVCI) Setup Guide

Memory Integrity (also called HVCI) uses virtualization-based security (VBS) to protect the Windows kernel from tampering. Enabling it provides stronger protection against cheats, rootkits, and kernel-level injections.

Warning: Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings carries risk. If you are unfamiliar with firmware configuration, seek assistance from a professional. Incorrect settings can affect system stability.

Important: Enabling Memory Integrity may require driver updates, virtualization support, and a compatible CPU (SLAT). Unsupported drivers will prevent activation.

1. Confirm that your system supports memory integrity

• Your CPU must support SLAT (Intel EPT / AMD RVI).
• Your BIOS must have virtualization enabled (Intel VT-x / AMD SVM).
• Device must be running UEFI firmware (not Legacy BIOS).
• VBS must be allowed on your edition of Windows (Home, Pro, Enterprise all support it).

To check virtualization status:

• Open Task Manager.
• Go to the Performance tab.
• Look for Virtualization: Enabled.

If it shows Disabled, enable virtualization in BIOS.

2. Enable virtualization in BIOS (If Needed)

BIOS menus vary by manufacturer, but the setting names are consistent.

• For Intel CPUs: Enable Intel VT-x or Intel Virtualization Technology.
• For AMD CPUs: Enable SVM Mode.

Save and exit the BIOS after enabling.

3. Enable memory integrity in Windows

1. Open Windows Security from the Start Menu.
2. Select Device Security.
3. Click Core Isolation Details.
4. Turn on Memory Integrity.
5. Restart your PC.

If the toggle is greyed out or won’t enable: scroll to the troubleshooting section below.

4. Fix “Incompatible Drivers” Blocking Memory Integrity

When Memory Integrity cannot be enabled, Windows will list drivers that do not support HVCI. You must remove or update all listed drivers:

• Update the driver through Windows Update.
• Download the latest driver from the hardware vendor.
• Uninstall outdated software (RGB apps, old motherboard utilities, legacy audio drivers, old VPN drivers, etc.).

If the driver is no longer needed, delete it from C:\Windows\System32\drivers (only if you know exactly what it is).

5. Verify Memory Integrity Is Enabled

After reboot, open System Information (msinfo32) and look for:

• Virtualization-based security: Running
• Memory Integrity: On

If both are present, HVCI is successfully active.

6. Troubleshooting

Memory Integrity toggle is greyed out

• Virtualization is disabled → enable VT-x/SVM in BIOS.
• PC is in Legacy BIOS mode → convert to UEFI if possible.

System crashes after enabling HVCI

• Outdated GPU or storage drivers → update them.
• Old anti-cheat drivers from other games → uninstall related software.

Windows reports incompatible drivers but shows none

• Run Windows Update → Optional Updates.
• Use Autoruns (Sysinternals) to identify legacy kernel drivers.

Performance drops after enabling HVCI

• This is normal on older CPUs without modern virtualization extensions.
• On modern systems (Intel 8th gen+ / Ryzen 2000+), the performance impact is minimal.

Understanding Secure Boot

Secure Boot is a UEFI firmware feature designed to prevent unverified or unsigned boot-level software, such as rootkits and cheat loaders, from running before Windows starts. This ensures that startup-level cheats cannot bypass detection. Akros requires Secure Boot for all Windows 10 and 11 users.

If Secure Boot is disabled, the client will display an error until it is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI.

⚠️ Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings can result in boot issues if done incorrectly. Always back up your system drive before making changes or converting partitions.

1) Verify Current Settings

1. Press the Windows key, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
2. Confirm the following:

• BIOS Mode should read UEFI
• Secure Boot State should be On

1. If BIOS Mode shows Legacy or Secure Boot State shows Off, Disabled, or Unsupported, continue with the steps below.

2) Preparation Before Making Changes

• Back up your system drive completely.
• Open Disk Management → right-click your OS drive → Properties → Volumes.
• If the Partition Style is MBR, it must be converted to GPT before Secure Boot will work.
• Ensure you can access the BIOS/UEFI on your motherboard or OEM system.
• Update your BIOS/UEFI to the latest version provided by the manufacturer.

3) Converting MBR to GPT

Use Microsoft’s MBR2GPT.EXE tool from an elevated Command Prompt.

1. Validate your disk first:

mbr2gpt /validate /disk:0

1. Convert the disk (running in WinPE is recommended):

mbr2gpt /convert /disk:0

If running from full Windows, add the flag: /allowFullOS

• Make sure you are converting the correct disk.
• If validation fails, do not continue. Fix the layout or back up and reinstall.
• Once converted, Windows will support UEFI boot mode.

4) Configuring BIOS/UEFI

• Enter the BIOS/UEFI (common keys: DEL, F2, F10, F12, Esc depending on the motherboard).
• In BIOS:
• Set Boot Mode to UEFI
• Disable Legacy, Legacy+UEFI, or CSM (Secure Boot may remain hidden until CSM is off)
• Navigate to Security, Boot, or Authentication menus:
• Set Secure Boot Mode to Standard, Windows UEFI Mode, or similar
• Enable Secure Boot
• Save and reboot.
• Check msinfo32 in Windows:
• BIOS Mode should now be UEFI
• Secure Boot State should be On

5) Notes by Vendor

• ASUS:
• Secure Boot located under Boot → Secure Boot
• Set OS Type to Windows UEFI Mode
• Disable CSM
• Gigabyte:
• Disable CSM first to reveal Secure Boot menu
• Set Secure Boot Mode to Standard and enable Secure Boot
• MSI:
• Disable CSM/Legacy settings
• If prompted for key enrollment, select Install Factory Defaults or Load Default Keys
• Dell / HP / Lenovo (OEM systems):
• Secure Boot is usually under Security or Boot
• Enable Secure Boot and ensure boot mode is set to UEFI only
• Some systems require Restore Factory Keys before activation

6) Troubleshooting

• Secure Boot enabled but msinfo32 shows Off:
• Windows is still booting in Legacy/CSM mode
• Disk may still be MBR or UEFI boot entries are missing
• Use MBR2GPT to convert disk and disable CSM
• Secure Boot shows “Unsupported”:
• Firmware

Requirements and Safety

To improve system security and maintain fair play, Akros requires all Windows 10 and 11 users to have TPM 2.0 activated.

⚠️ Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings or converting your system disk can be risky. Always back up important data before proceeding.

1) Understanding TPM 2.0

TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 is a dedicated security chip on your motherboard that manages cryptographic keys, device attestation, and secure storage. Many Windows security features depend on TPM 2.0 for proper operation.

2) Verify Your Current TPM Status

1. Press the Windows key, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter.
2. In the TPM Management window:

• Status should say "The TPM is ready for use."
• Specification Version should read 2.0.

1. Confirm security processor functionality:

• Open Windows Security → Device Security → Security processor details.
• Both Attestation and Storage should display "Ready."

3) Check UEFI Mode and Prepare for Disk Conversion

TPM 2.0 requires UEFI boot on certain systems. If your system disk is MBR and BIOS is in Legacy mode, you must convert the disk to GPT before enabling UEFI and TPM.

1. Press the Windows key, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
2. Check BIOS Mode. If it shows Legacy, switch to UEFI.
3. Confirm your disk partition style:

• Open Disk Management → right-click OS disk → Properties → Volumes → Partition style.
• If it’s MBR, conversion is necessary.

4) Converting MBR to GPT (if needed)

Use Microsoft’s MBR2GPT.EXE utility:

mbr2gpt /validate /disk:0
mbr2gpt /convert /disk:0
mbr2gpt /convert /disk:0 /allowFullOS (if converting from full Windows)

• Double-check you are using the correct disk number.
• Stop if validation fails; back up data or fix the disk first.
• After conversion, Windows can boot in UEFI mode.

5) Activating TPM 2.0 in BIOS/UEFI

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI setup (common keys: Del, F2, F10, F12, Esc).
2. Locate the TPM setting (may be labeled fTPM, PTT, or Security Device) and set it to Enabled.
3. Save changes and reboot your system.
4. Check in Windows via tpm.msc to ensure TPM 2.0 is active and functional.

6) Manufacturer-Specific Guidance

• ASUS: Advanced → PCH-FW Configuration → fTPM.
• Gigabyte: Advanced → Trusted Computing → Security Device Support → Enabled.
• MSI: Security → Trusted Computing → TPM Device Selection → Enabled.
• Dell/HP/Lenovo: Security → TPM Device → Enable; some systems require "Activate" or "Clear" first.

7) Troubleshooting

• TPM not showing ready: Verify BIOS settings and update firmware if needed.
• System still in Legacy/MBR mode: Ensure disk is GPT and BIOS is set to UEFI after conversion.
• TPM version outdated: Confirm motherboard supports TPM 2.0 and update BIOS if necessary.
• Ongoing issues: Contact your motherboard manufacturer for assistance enabling TPM 2.0.