With less than a year until Windows 10’s end date, those still using the operating system should start preparing to enter the Windows 11 era. And Microsoft imposes hardware requirements on current OSes, which can be a problem for people with older machines.
Windows 11 requires your computer to have TPM 2.0. Also known as the Trusted Platform Module, it is a specialized chip or firmware used for device security, and the 2.0 version offers some useful features to improve encryption and cryptography. Microsoft’s blog post outlines all the benefits and why it should be a core part of your Windows 11 installation. In particular, a modern TPM can help future-proof a three-year-old operating system, as it “helps protect sensitive information as physical, cloud, and server architectures incorporate AI capabilities.”
That’s all well and good, but many older machines don’t have TPM 2.0. This version became the hardware standard for Windows computers in 2016. Smart users could have used Windows 11 on incompatible computers with workarounds, but Microsoft’s statement that “TPM 2.0 is not just a recommendation, but a requirement.” The company has indicated that it will continue to use Windows 11. Preventing such bypasses is likely to become even more stringent. Ahead of Windows 10’s end of support date on October 14, 2025, you can check your computer’s TPM status using Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.
