No U-Turn on Windows 11 TPM Requirement Despite Looming End of Support for Windows 10
Microsoft reaffirms strict hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, for Windows 11.
Published: Dec 06, 2024
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft remains steadfast on Windows 11’s minimum hardware requirements, including the mandatory Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0.
- Windows 11 devices without TPM 2.0 are deemed unsupported, will display warning watermarks, and may not receive updates.
- Microsoft advises IT admins to assess device compatibility using tools like Microsoft Intune.
Microsoft has reiterated that it will not relax Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements to entice Windows 10 users to upgrade. The company detailed that a TPM 2.0 module is a non-negotiable requirement for boosting Windows 11’s security baseline.
What is TPM?
Microsoft introduced TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module version 2.0) as a requirement with the launch of Windows 11 back in October 2021. It’s designed to secure data on a device at the hardware level. It refers to a specially designed chip, either integrated into a PC’s motherboard or added to the CPU, along with firmware that enables the storage of security certificates, encryption keys, and passwords. TPM 2.0 is a requirement for Windows 11, as it supports features such as Windows Hello authentication and BitLocker data encryption.
In a recent blog post, Microsoft emphasized that it will not lower the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. The company warned that any PC that doesn’t meet these requirements will display a watermark on the screen indicating that the operating system is not supported. Microsoft will also add a notification to the Windows 11 Settings app to inform users that the requirements aren’t being met.
Additionally, Microsoft mentioned that these unsupported PCs might not receive the latest Windows 11 updates. Customers who are running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware are recommended to downgrade to Windows 10.
“TPM 2.0 plays a crucial role in enhancing identity and data protection on Windows devices, as well as maintaining the integrity of your system,” explained Steven Hosking, a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft. “TPM 2.0 also helps future-proof Windows 11. One way it does so is by helping to protect sensitive information as more AI capabilities come to physical, cloud, and server architecture.”
Windows 10 support ends in 2025: Time to upgrade to TPM 2.0-compatible devices
It’s important to note that many older devices running Windows 10 might not have TPM 2.0. Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Last year, Microsoft announced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program that will allow organizations that aren’t ready yet to upgrade to Windows 11 continue to receive security updates for the OS.
Microsoft urges administrators to use tools like Microsoft Intune to check if their existing hardware is compatible with TPM 2.0. It’s recommended that IT admins plan and allocate a budget for upgrading non-compliant devices within their organization. They should also review security policies and procedures to incorporate the use of TPM 2.0.