Anti-cheat
While a cheat is open, you don't get in.
Our anti-cheat keeps cheaters out instead of banning them. Here is exactly what it checks, and what it never does.
What it checks
Windows security features
Secure Boot, HVCI and IOMMU on (required on mix, recommended elsewhere). Driver test mode and debugging off. No virtual machines.
Multi-layer security
A multi-layer security system with automatic process-integrity checks, VAC-compatible and with no loss of performance or frame rate.
What it never does
- It never injects into, reads or changes the memory of cs2.exe.
- It never changes game files, so your Steam account is never at risk.
- It never sends screenshots, program lists, files, browser history or your keystrokes.
- It never sends the names of programs it finds or closes anywhere; only a short code like cheat_tool_open goes out.
- It bans nobody.
Only the result is sent
Every check runs on your own PC. The server is only told "clean" or "not clean" with a reason code. Your hardware ID is kept only as a one-way hash that can't be turned back into a real serial number. Anti-cheat data is kept separately with restricted access.
Privacy policy →It won't let you in?
To turn Windows' locks on step by step, with pictures: Guide with pictures ←
- Secure Boot is off Only stops you joining mix
- Enter BIOS/UEFI while the PC starts and turn Secure Boot on.
- Memory integrity is off Only stops you joining mix
- In Windows Security → Device security → Core isolation, turn Memory integrity on and restart.
- DMA protection is off Only stops you joining mix
- In BIOS turn on VT-d (Intel) or IOMMU (AMD).
- Windows is in driver test mode Stops you joining any server
- Open Command Prompt as administrator, run this and restart: bcdedit /set testsigning off
- A debugger is attached to Windows Stops you joining any server
- Close the debugger and restart Windows.
- You're playing inside a virtual machine Stops you joining any server
- Run the game on Windows itself, not inside a virtual machine.
- A cheat or injector tool was open Stops you joining any server
- The anti-cheat closed that program. Don't open it again and you can join a server in a few seconds. Don't keep tools like a debugger or Cheat Engine open while you play.
- A program reached into the game's memory Stops you joining any server
- The program connected to CS2 was closed. Close anything that reads the game's memory (a cheat, a memory editor, a loader) and try again.
- An unsigned see-through window is over the game Stops you joining any server
- An overlay without a valid signature was closed. Discord, Steam and NVIDIA overlays are fine; close the other overlays.
- An unsigned DLL is loaded inside the game Stops you joining any server
- Close CS2 completely, close any program that adds files to the game, and start the game again from the launcher.
- Mouse or keyboard input is coming from a program Stops you joining any server
- Close programs that press keys or move the mouse for you (macros, AutoHotkey, remappers) while you play. A real mouse and keyboard are fine.
- A vulnerable driver that cheats abuse is active in Windows Stops you joining any server
- One of the known vulnerable drivers is loaded on your PC, such as RTCore64 (older MSI Afterburner), gdrv (Gigabyte software), SpeedFan, the driver of some RGB tools or old Dell/Intel BIOS updaters. Update that program to its latest version or remove it (Settings → Apps), then restart Windows. If you don't recognise any of them, look at the Drivers tab of Autoruns or tell support.
- Code that comes from no file on disk is running inside the game Stops you joining any server
- Close CS2 completely, close any unsigned loader, injector or helper program, and start the game again from the launcher. If the message comes back, restart Windows so that whatever is left in memory is cleared. Overlays and signed programs are fine.
- A program can pause or redirect the running game Stops you joining any server
- The program that had gained access to the running parts of CS2 was closed. Don't keep debuggers, loaders or injection tools (without a valid signature) open while you play, then join again from the launcher.
- A macro / fake-input driver (Interception) is installed on your mouse or keyboard Stops you joining any server
- The Interception driver, used for low-level macros and remapping, is installed on your PC. Uninstall the macro program that installed it; if you are not sure, open Command Prompt with Run as administrator, run install-interception.exe /uninstall and restart. A normal mouse and keyboard need no change.
- An unsigned program keeps suspicious executable memory (the shape of a cheat loader) Stops you joining any server
- The anti-cheat closed that program. Don't run unsigned programs from Downloads, Desktop or Temp while you play. If it was an ordinary program and you are sure it is not a cheat, install its official, signed version or open a support ticket on the site.
- This computer is banned from the game Stops you joining any server
- Admins banned this computer for proven cheating. If you think that's a mistake, open an "appeal a ban" ticket on the site.
- A core game file isn't Valve's any more Stops you joining any server
- A core file of the game no longer carries Valve's signature. In Steam, right-click CS2 → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files, and wait for it to finish.
Still stuck? Ask support →