FACEIT Anti-Cheat refusing to start with "IOMMU is disabled, please enable it"? IOMMU (AMD) — or VT-d (Intel) — is a virtualization feature FACEIT requires from higher-ELO accounts. It is turned off in BIOS by default, so the fix is a quick BIOS toggle. Here is what it is and exactly how to enable it.
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Why FACEIT asks to enable IOMMU
IOMMU is a hardware feature that controls how devices access memory; FACEIT uses it as an extra anti-cheat layer. It is usually required from accounts at roughly 2000 ELO and up, which is why the error often appears only once you climb. AMD calls it IOMMU; Intel calls it VT-d — same idea, different name in your BIOS.
How to enable IOMMU / VT-d
- Update your BIOS firstWithout recent firmware the option may not exist. Grab the latest BIOS from your motherboard maker.
- AMD — enable IOMMUBoot into BIOS →
Advanced → AMD CBS → NBIO Common Options → IOMMU → Enabled. - Intel — enable VT-dBoot into BIOS and turn on
VT-d(under Advanced → System Agent / PCI subsystem / CPU config). - Enable Kernel DMA Protection if askedSome boards also need
Kernel DMA Protectionon. Then Save & Exit and reboot.
IOMMU / VT-d by motherboard
| Board | Path |
|---|---|
| AMD (MSI) | Advanced → AMD CBS → NBIO Common Options → IOMMU (or OC → CPU Common Options) |
| AMD (ASUS / Gigabyte) | AMD CBS → NBIO, or System Agent (SA) Configuration |
| Intel (ASUS / MSI / Gigabyte) | Advanced → System Agent (SA) Configuration / PCI Subsystem / CPU Config → VT-d → Enabled |
If it still does not work
- No IOMMU/VT-d option even after a BIOS update — some old or budget boards simply do not have it.
- Error "Hypervisor launch type is off" → open an admin Command Prompt and run
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto, then reboot. - Make sure Secure Boot and TPM are also on — FACEIT often needs all three together.
FAQ
What is IOMMU on FACEIT?
IOMMU (AMD) / VT-d (Intel) is a CPU virtualization feature that controls device memory access. FACEIT uses it as an anti-cheat requirement, usually from around 2000 ELO and up.
How do I enable IOMMU for FACEIT?
In BIOS: AMD → Advanced → AMD CBS → NBIO Common Options → IOMMU → Enabled; Intel → enable VT-d. Update the BIOS first if the option is missing, then save and reboot.
Where is IOMMU on AMD vs Intel?
AMD calls it IOMMU (under AMD CBS → NBIO Common Options). Intel calls it VT-d (under System Agent / PCI subsystem / CPU config). They do the same job.
I enabled IOMMU but FACEIT still errors — why?
Make sure Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are also on, your BIOS is updated, and if you see "Hypervisor launch type is off" run bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto as admin, then reboot.
