COD MW4 BIOS Firmware Update: Fix the 'Action Required' Error Fast

If you've launched Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 only to be greeted by an "Action Required" or "BIOS Firmware Update Required" message, you're not alone. This error is part of Activision's newer security enforcement, and it blocks online play until your PC meets specific hardware-level requirements. The good news? A COD MW4 BIOS firmware update is usually a straightforward fix once you know where to look. In this guide, we'll walk through exactly what triggers the error, how to check your TPM manufacturer version, and the safest way to complete a COD MW4 BIOS firmware update so you can get back into matches.

Why Modern Warfare 4 Requires a BIOS Firmware Update

Modern Warfare 4 leans heavily on hardware-based anti-cheat. Activision requires both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be active before you can join any online game mode. These features work alongside the RICOCHET Anti-Cheat system to verify your PC's integrity from the moment it boots up. If your system fails this "attestation" check, you'll be restricted from online play entirely.

Here's the catch: even if you've already enabled TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, your motherboard's firmware itself might be outdated. In that case, the game flags a COD MW4 BIOS firmware update as required or recommended. This is especially common on AMD boards running older firmware revisions, but Intel systems aren't immune either.

What the Error Messages Actually Mean

The last row is the one this guide focuses on. According to Activision's official support documentation, this message means your firmware technically meets minimum security requirements but is outdated enough that a COD MW4 BIOS firmware update is recommended and may become mandatory in the future.

How to Check If You Need a BIOS Firmware Update

Before you touch anything in your BIOS, confirm whether a firmware update is actually needed. The quickest way is to check your TPM manufacturer version.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type tpm.msc and hit Enter.
3. Look under TPM Manufacturer Information for the Manufacturer Version field.

Write down that version number — it tells you whether your board needs attention.

AMD Hardware: The 3.x.0.x Problem

Community reports and Activision's own documentation confirm that AMD motherboards with a manufacturer version matching 3..0. (where the asterisks are any number) are incompatible with Modern Warfare 4 and require a firmware update. Here's how to read your version:

The key detail is the third number in the sequence. If it's a 0, you need to update. If it's a 5 (or higher in that position), you're good to go.

Intel Hardware: Watch for These Versions

Intel users aren't off the hook. If your manufacturer version reads INTC 302.12.. or INTC 303.12.., your motherboard may also require a firmware update. Intel platforms typically reference TPM as Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology) in the BIOS.

Step-by-Step: Completing Your COD MW4 BIOS Firmware Update

Now for the part everyone dreads. Updating your BIOS isn't as scary as it sounds, but it does require care. Always follow your motherboard manufacturer's official instructions — Activision explicitly states it isn't responsible for changes made to your UEFI/BIOS settings.

Step 1: Identify Your Motherboard Model

Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and check the BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product fields. You'll need the exact model number to download the correct firmware file.

Step 2: Download the Latest BIOS From Your Manufacturer

Head to your motherboard maker's official support page and search for your model. Download the most recent BIOS release and read the release notes — they often mention TPM or security fixes directly relevant to the COD MW4 BIOS firmware update requirement.

Step 3: Flash the BIOS Safely

Most modern boards support flashing directly from a USB drive using a built-in utility (MSI's M-FLASH, for example). A few universal rules:

• Never interrupt power during a flash. Use a UPS if you have one.
• Flash from a FAT32-formatted USB drive.
• Don't overclock or change unrelated settings immediately before flashing.
• After flashing, your BIOS settings may reset to defaults — you'll likely need to re-enable TPM and Secure Boot.

Step 4: Re-Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

After the update, boot into your BIOS and confirm:

• TPM 2.0 is enabled (AMD CPU fTPM or Intel PTT)
• Secure Boot is set to Enabled
• Boot Mode is UEFI (not Legacy/CSM)

Save and exit (usually F10), then verify in Windows by running msinfo32 — BIOS Mode should read UEFI and Secure Boot State should read On.

Step 5: Run the Secure Attestation Wizard

Activision offers a free Call of Duty Secure Attestation Wizard (version 1.3.0 as of October 21, 2026) that scans your BIOS configuration and tells you exactly what's failing. Download it, extract the ZIP, run CODSecureAttestationWizard.exe, and follow the prompts. If your system is compliant, you'll get a clean bill of health. If not, it'll point to the specific setting that needs adjusting.

Common Roadblocks After the Update

Even after a successful COD MW4 BIOS firmware update, some players hit snags. Here's what player experience and community reports suggest watching for.

The enrollaik.exe Prompt Keeps Appearing

When you first launch the game, Windows may show a User Account Control prompt for enrollaik.exe or CODBrokerInstaller.exe. You must select Yes to validate your TPM settings. If the prompt loops endlessly on an AMD system, that's a strong sign your firmware update didn't take — double-check your TPM manufacturer version again.

Authorization Key Failed

If you see an "Authorization Key Failed" message without a UAC popup, your notification settings may be suppressing it. Search Windows for "change user account control settings" and move the slider to Always notify, then relaunch the game.

TCG Event Log Failed

This one is simple: your Windows installation is out of date. Restart your PC and install the latest Windows updates. Remember, Modern Warfare 4 requires Windows 10 version 22H2 or later, or any version of Windows 11.

Quick Reference: Pre-Flight Checklist

Before you queue for a match, run through this checklist to make sure your COD MW4 BIOS firmware update and security settings are all squared away.

If every row checks out and you're still blocked, the official Call of Duty support hub is your next stop — and if you're on Lenovo hardware specifically, contact them directly, since they can supply the correct firmware for your exact model.

FAQ

Do I really need a COD MW4 BIOS firmware update to play?

Not always. If your TPM manufacturer version is already compatible (for example, AMD 3.92.5.5 or newer), you can play without updating. But if the Secure Attestation Wizard or the in-game message flags your firmware, you'll need to update to access online modes.

Is updating my BIOS risky?

It carries some risk if interrupted, but following your motherboard manufacturer's official instructions makes it routine. Never power off during the flash, use a stable power source, and download firmware only from the manufacturer's official site.

Why does the game say my BIOS firmware update is "recommended" instead of "required"?

According to Activision, this status means your firmware meets current minimum security requirements but is outdated enough that a COD MW4 BIOS firmware update may become mandatory in a future update. Updating now avoids surprises later.

Will a BIOS update erase my game or Windows install?

No. A BIOS firmware update only affects motherboard-level settings. Your drives, Windows installation, and game files remain untouched — though your BIOS settings (including TPM and Secure Boot) may reset to defaults, so re-check them afterward.