Seeing as games are coming out that require kernel anti cheat. (tpm and secure boot)

Understanding the Impact of Enabling TPM and Secure Boot on System Performance and Compatibility

In recent times, many new gaming titles and software applications are beginning to require hardware-based security features such as TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot. While these technologies enhance security, enabling them can sometimes lead to unforeseen compatibility issues and system instability, especially on certain hardware configurations. This article explores these challenges, drawing from real-world user experiences, and offers insights into potential solutions.

The Context: Why Enable TPM and Secure Boot?

TPM is a hardware-based security feature designed to provide secure cryptographic functions and enhance platform integrity. Secure Boot, part of the UEFI specification, ensures that only trusted software loads during the boot process. Together, they’re increasingly mandated by modern operating systems and games to improve security.

Challenges Encountered After Enabling TPM and Secure Boot

Many users who have recently activated TPM and Secure Boot report a range of system issues, including:

Compatibility With Software Applications:
Applications such as Java and paint.net may cease to function correctly, displaying blank screens or failing to launch entirely.
System Stability and File Management:
System processes like explorer.exe begin crashing more frequently, and file operations such as renaming or folder refreshes become unreliable. These issues can require system restarts or manual folder refreshes to resolve.
Performance Deterioration:
Browsers like Firefox experience significant slowdowns and instability, accompanied by increased hard faults when TPM is enabled.
Interruption of Network and Gaming Features:
Certain multiplayer games or platform features—such as crossplay in multiplayer titles—may require adjustments to game settings (e.g., enabling crossplay) to restore functionality.
Other System Anomalies:
PowerShell operations occasionally fail, and system tools may behave unpredictably, indicating broader stability concerns.

Hardware Specifications

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Motherboard: B450 Aorus Elite
RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR4 LPX CL18 (2x16GB)

Is This Behavior Expected?

While enabling TPM and Secure Boot is generally supported on modern systems, it can sometimes result in compatibility issues, particularly on older or less compatible hardware configurations such as B450 motherboards. The symptoms described—application crashes, system slowdowns, driver conflicts—are not unusual in these scenarios.

Potential Solutions and Recommendations