Esports fans, get ready for some big changes on the competitive scene. FACEIT, a leading tournament platform, is taking another leap forward in its efforts to maintain fair play and enhance security. With a series of new requirements, the platform aims to tighten its anti-cheat measures and ensure a level playing field for all participants.
Windows 11 Becomes Mandatory
FACEIT has officially announced that from October 14th, 2026, all players will need to transition to Windows 11 to continue participating in their matches. This date coincides with the conclusion of Microsoft’s extended security update schedule for the operating system. This move marks the final phase of FACEIT’s anti-cheat initiative, which aims to eliminate cheaters from both matchmaking and official matches.
Additional Security Measures
In tandem with the Windows 11 requirement, FACEIT is also introducing two other critical security prerequisites. Starting November 25th, players must have TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled. Reports suggest that over 95% of users have already activated these features. Furthermore, players will soon be required to enable IOMMU and VBS, a mandate that has been in effect for players with an ELO rating above 3,000 since August and will expand further in November.
“We understand that enabling these requirements can be a real hassle for our players,” FACEIT commented. “However, we believe the universal implementation of these security measures is an important step for the greater good of the whole competitive ecosystem.”
FACEIT’s Continued Commitment
Throughout 2025, FACEIT has been relentless in its campaign against cheaters, striving to uphold the integrity of its platform. In a recent development, the platform invited emerging talent ‘nocries’ to compete in its FPL circuit after clearing him of any integrity issues. With these latest measures, FACEIT continues to reinforce its commitment to fair play and security across all tiers of its competitive environment. As the gaming world gears up for these changes, players and fans alike can look forward to a more secure and equitable battlefield.