Windows 11 caused quite a stir when it was officially revealed last June 24, though not entirely in the way Microsoft planned it.
When the official system requirements were revealed for their upcoming OS, Microsoft indicated that all systems that want to run Windows 11 should have TPM 2.0. This caused a wave of confusion among PC builders. Now, Microsoft is explaining as why that certain TPM is needed.
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UKRAINE – 2021/06/24: In this photo illustration a Windows 11 logo is seen on a smartphone screen with a Microsoft logo in the background. Microsoft has presented Windows 11, new generation of Windows operating system (OS), during an event on June 24, 2021.
According to WindowsCentral, Microsoft considers TPM 2.0 an important part of Windows 11’s security features. They explain that the chip ensures hardware security and serves as a “critical building block” for the programs Windows Hello and BitLocker.
It can be remembered that during their live stream, the company claimed that Windows 11 is “the most secure yet.” They say that the OS is built to be secure from hardware to software, which could mean that users will see far fewer cybersecurity issues during usage. But of course, this is still up in the air until Microsoft releases their product later this year.
In simpler terms, it’s all about security. And maybe Windows 11 is up to something in that area. If they wanted to improve on Windows 10, which has had numerous security flaws in the past, they need to tighten things up with the next iteration of their OS.
Read also: Windows 11: Free Update for Windows 10 Users, New Features Users Can Expect
Windows 11 And TPM: The Basics
First off, let’s explain what in the world TPM 2.0 is by starting with TPM itself.
The acronym means “Trusted Platform Module.” As reported in The Verge, Microsoft’s David Weston explains that the TPM is a certain chip installed into a computer motherboard by default or is available as a separate purchase. Its main goal is to protect things like user credentials, encryption keys, and other sensitive data behind a hardware-based barrier that hackers can’t get into without physical contact.
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TPM modules have been integrated into both consumer and data center motherboards since at least 2011. This means that if you have a relatively modern system, you don’t have to worry if it can run Windows 11. However, the problem with TPM in these systems is that they’re almost always turned off by default.
That is why a lot of users got the “this PC can’t run Windows 11” error message using the app PCHealthCheck, because their TPM modules aren’t turned on. Fortunately, it’s easy to turn it on for current-generation AMD Ryzen and Intel Core-supporting motherboards, as indicated by a guide by Tom’s Hardware.
But beware, however, of opportunists trying to ride the anticipation for Windows 11’s release. It has been reported that scalpers are now hoarding TPM 2.0 modules, jacking up their prices on sites like eBay. Owners of systems older than 2011 are the ones most vulnerable to this new scam, so if you have one, steer clear of those scalper prices.
Related: Windows 11 Compatibility | Supported Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm CPUs
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Written by RJ Pierce
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