If you’re trying to launch FACEIT Anti-Cheat (FACEIT AC) and encounter the error message “IOMMU is disabled”, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many PC gamers see this issue while trying to play competitive games like CS2 (Counter-Strike 2), Valorant, or Apex Legends on FACEIT.
The IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit) is a hardware virtualization feature that FACEIT uses to ensure your system’s memory and devices haven’t been tampered with. When it’s disabled, FACEIT AC won’t start properly because it needs IOMMU enabled to guarantee fair play and system security.
In this guide, we’ll explain what causes the “IOMMU is disabled” error and provide step-by-step fixes to resolve it quickly—so you can get back to gaming without interruptions.
Common Causes of the “IOMMU Is Disabled” Error
Before applying any fix, it’s important to understand why FACEIT AC throws this error. Common causes include:
- IOMMU (AMD) or VT-d (Intel) is disabled in BIOS/UEFI.
- Virtualization settings turned off.
- Outdated BIOS firmware not supporting IOMMU properly.
- Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 not configured correctly.
- Corrupted FACEIT Anti-Cheat installation or conflicting third-party software.
Fix 1: Enable IOMMU (AMD) or VT-d (Intel) in BIOS
The main reason for this error is disabled virtualization in BIOS.
Steps:
- Restart your PC.
- While it’s booting, press the BIOS key (usually DEL, F2, F10, or ESC).
- Once inside BIOS/UEFI:
- For AMD systems, look for IOMMU under Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Northbridge settings.
- For Intel systems, find VT-d (Intel Virtualization for Directed I/O) under Advanced → System Agent Configuration.
- Set IOMMU or VT-d to Enabled.
- Save changes (F10) and restart your PC.
✅ After rebooting, launch FACEIT AC again. The error should disappear.
Fix 2: Enable Virtualization (SVM or VT-x)
FACEIT AC sometimes also checks general virtualization settings along with IOMMU.
Steps:
- Reboot into BIOS.
- Go to Advanced → CPU Configuration.
- Enable the following options (depending on your processor):
- AMD: SVM Mode (Secure Virtual Machine).
- Intel: Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x).
- Save settings and exit BIOS.
💡 Make sure both SVM/VT-x and IOMMU/VT-d are enabled for complete compatibility.
Fix 3: Turn On Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
FACEIT Anti-Cheat relies on Secure Boot and TPM to verify system integrity.
- Open BIOS → Boot or Security tab.
- Enable Secure Boot.
- Under Security or Advanced Settings, enable TPM (Intel PTT or AMD fTPM).
- Save and reboot.
Then try launching FACEIT AC again—it should now detect a secure system.
Fix 4: Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware
An outdated BIOS can fail to recognize IOMMU features properly, causing the FACEIT AC error.
Steps:
- Go to your motherboard manufacturer’s website.
- Find your exact motherboard model and download the latest BIOS update.
- Follow official instructions carefully to update (using USB or EZ Flash Utility).
- After updating, recheck that IOMMU and Virtualization are enabled.
⚠️ Caution: Do not turn off your PC during BIOS update.
Fix 5: Check Windows Virtualization Settings
Even after enabling IOMMU in BIOS, Windows virtualization services might be turned off.
- Press Windows + R, type
optionalfeatures.exe, and press Enter. - In the Windows Features window, enable the following:
- Virtual Machine Platform
- Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Hyper-V (if available)
- Click OK, let Windows install required components, and restart your PC.
✅ Now, FACEIT AC should detect active virtualization and start correctly.
Fix 6: Reinstall FACEIT Anti-Cheat
If BIOS and virtualization are configured correctly but the error persists, reinstall FACEIT AC.
- Press Windows + R, type:
appwiz.cpl - Locate FACEIT Anti-Cheat → Uninstall it.
- Reboot your PC.
- Download the latest version from the official site:
👉 https://www.faceit.com/en/anti-cheat - Install FACEIT AC and run it as Administrator.
Fix 7: Disable Legacy/CSM Boot Mode
FACEIT AC works best in UEFI mode, not Legacy (CSM) mode.
- Boot into BIOS → Boot tab.
- Find Boot Mode or CSM Support.
- Disable CSM and switch to UEFI.
- Save changes and restart.
💡 If Windows fails to boot after changing this, convert your disk from MBR to GPT using the command:
mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullos
Then reboot and enable Secure Boot again.
Fix 8: Reset BIOS to Default Settings
Misconfigured BIOS options can interfere with virtualization.
- Enter BIOS → select Load Optimized Defaults or Restore Defaults.
- After reset, re-enable Secure Boot, TPM, IOMMU, and SVM/VT-x.
- Save and exit BIOS.
Fix 9: Disable Hyper-V Conflicts (Optional)
If you use other virtualization tools like VMware or VirtualBox, they may conflict with FACEIT AC.
- Press Windows + X → Terminal (Admin).
- Run:
dism.exe /Online /Disable-Feature:Microsoft-Hyper-V - Reboot your PC and relaunch FACEIT AC.
Fix 10: Clean Install Windows (Last Resort)
If nothing works, your OS might have corrupted system or virtualization drivers.
- Backup your files.
- Create a Windows 11 bootable USB.
- Perform a clean installation.
- Before installing FACEIT AC, make sure to enable IOMMU, TPM, and Secure Boot in BIOS.
Additional Tips
- Always keep Windows and BIOS updated.
- Avoid registry tweaks or third-party performance boosters.
- Run FACEIT AC with Administrator privileges.
- Don’t use virtual machines while playing FACEIT-protected games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is IOMMU?
A1: IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit) is a hardware feature that protects memory from unauthorized access and supports virtualization. FACEIT AC uses it to prevent cheating or system tampering.
Q2: Is IOMMU available on Intel CPUs?
A2: Yes, but it’s called VT-d (Intel Virtualization for Directed I/O).
Q3: Does enabling IOMMU or VT-d affect performance?
A3: No, it doesn’t reduce gaming performance—it only enhances system-level security.
Q4: Why does FACEIT require IOMMU?
A4: It ensures that no unauthorized drivers or memory modifications interfere with your system, helping maintain fair gameplay.
Q5: Can I play FACEIT without enabling IOMMU?
A5: No. FACEIT Anti-Cheat will refuse to launch until IOMMU (or VT-d) is enabled.
Conclusion
The “IOMMU Is Disabled” FACEIT Anti-Cheat error may seem complex, but fixing it is straightforward once you know where to look.
By enabling IOMMU/VT-d, turning on Virtualization and Secure Boot, and ensuring your BIOS is updated, you can easily resolve this issue.
If the problem persists, reinstall FACEIT AC or reset BIOS to defaults for a clean setup. Once fixed, your system will meet FACEIT’s integrity requirements—allowing you to jump back into ranked matches without anti-cheat interruptions.
🎮 Game fair. Game secure.
