Microsoft announced that Windows 11 will require a TPM chip to run on existing and new devices. It’s a significant hardware change that has been years in the making. However, Microsoft’s lack of explaining this has left many confused about whether their hardware is compatible. So in this article, we will talk about the TPM chip and why do you need one for Windows 11.
TPM Chip
The Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) is a chip that is integrated into your PC’s motherboard or added separately into the CPU. Its purpose is to protect encryption keys, user credentials, and other sensitive data behind a hardware barrier so that malware and attackers can’t access or tamper with that data. TPMs work by offering hardware-level protection instead of software only.
It can be used to encrypt disks using Windows features to prevent dictionary attacks against passwords. TPM 1.2 chips were available since 2011, but they’ve typically only been used widely in IT-managed business laptops and desktops. Now, Microsoft wants to bring that high level of security to every Windows 11 PC Microsoft has been warning for months that firmware attacks are on the rise. Microsoft’s Security Signals report found that 83 percent of businesses experienced a firmware attack, and that is a huge number. So, in short, Microsoft wants to make windows safe & more reliable for use.
Why is Microsoft forcing to use TPM Chips?
This particular change hasn’t been explained well. While Microsoft has required OEMs to ship devices with support for TPM chips since Windows 10, the company hasn’t forced users or its many device partners to turn these on for Windows to work. That’s what’s really changing with Windows 11, and combined with Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade checker, it has resulted in a lot of understandable confusion. Microsoft wants to compete with Apple in terms of security and software experience so the only way to get people to use the TPMs was to force them into doing so. But Microsoft’s PC checker app has made many confusions.
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Windows 11 health app
The health checking app was introduced so that people can know if their systems are capable of running the new windows but it is not working as intended. Microsoft’s Windows 11 website lists the minimum system requirements, with a link to compatible CPUs and a clear mention that a TPM 2.0 is required at a minimum. The app will flag systems that do not have Secure Boot or TPM support enabled. As well as the devices that have CPUs that aren’t officially supported. For processors, anything older than 8th Gen Intel chips is not supported which is bizarre.
That’s left many trying to figure out if their device supports TPM or not. People are confused with BIOS settings, and even people rushing to buy separate TPM modules they don’t need. Some are even scalping TPM 2.0 modules on eBay!
Windows 11 Requirements: Final Verdict
It’s as simple that Microsoft wants the security of Windows 11 to be on par with macOS and that more people use and trust their security. That is why they are forcing people to use the TPM chips. However, their way of communication is just not doing any favors. So, what do you guys think of Windows 11 forcing us to use TPM Chips? Will you get a TPM chip? Will you even upgrade to Windows 11? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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FAQs
The TPM is a cryptographic module that enhances computer security and privacy. Protecting data through encryption and decryption, protecting authentication credentials, and proving which software is running on a system are basic functionalities associated with computer security.
Why is TPM needed in Windows 11? ›
TPMs are efficient alternatives to older methods of securing Windows PCs. In fact, since July 2016 Microsoft has actually required TPM 2.0 support on all new PCs that run any version of Windows 10 for desktop (Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education). Likewise, Windows 11 will only run on PCs that have TPM capabilities.
What does the TPM chip do? ›
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a specialized chip on a laptop or desktop computer that is designed to secure hardware with integrated cryptographic keys. A TPM helps prove a user's identity and authenticates their device. A TPM also helps provide security against threats like firmware and ransomware attacks.
What happens if I disable TPM on Windows 11? ›
Clearing the TPM can result in data loss.
Does TPM 2.0 affect performance? ›
Resetting the TPM should not have a direct impact on game compatibility. One option to optimize gaming performance in Windows 11 is to turn off these features while gaming and turn them back on when finished playing. However, this may make your device more vulnerable to threats, so you should do this at your own risk.
Can I get Windows 11 if I don't have TPM? ›
Replies (1)
If your computer doesn't have TPM, I am afraid you won't be able to install Windows 11 in this case.
Can we use Windows 11 without TPM? ›
Create a Modified Installer: Use WinBootMate to tweak a Windows 11 ISO. It'll work its magic to remove the TPM and Secure Boot checks from the installation process. Boot and Install: Once you've got your modified Windows 11 ISO, you'll need to create a bootable USB with it.
Is TPM actually useful? ›
Trusted computing platforms use the TPM to support privacy and security scenarios that software alone can't achieve. For example, software alone can't reliably report whether malware is present during the system startup process.
What happens if TPM chip fails? ›
So in short, if the TPM 'breaks': Any data you encrypted with a key that only exists in the TPM, which isn't backed up, is lost (i.e. your encrypted hard disk) Any cryptographic identity based on the TPM (i.e. Identity Keys) is now lost. Any trust in the platform (i.e. during remote attestation) is now lost.
Is it good to enable TPM? ›
TPM secures the PIN, helps encrypt passwords, and builds on our overall Windows experience story for security as a critical pillar. Using Windows on a system with a TPM enables a deeper and broader level of security coverage.
Some of the advantages of using TPM technology are: Generate, store, and limit the use of cryptographic keys. Use it for device authentication by using the TPM's unique RSA key, which is burned into the chip. Help ensure platform integrity by taking and storing security measurements of the boot process.
Should we enable TPM? ›
As a hardware device, the TPM is immune to malware and forgery. Remember, Trusted Computing technology protects sensitive data, but it also requires specific hardware components. And hardware can fail. Enable TPMs only where most appropriate, manage passwords vigilantly and be sure to test TPM behaviors thoroughly.
Does my PC need TPM? ›
The overwhelming majority of PCs built during the past 15 years include TPM technology, and most PCs designed in 2015 or later include the TPM 2.0 version that is required by Windows 11.
Do I need to turn on TPM? ›
Practically, the TPM is used for multiple features that increase the security of your device: BitLocker Drive Encryption: Automatically encrypts the system drive to keep your data safe. Data Execution Prevention: Prevents unauthorized applications like malware from running in memory.
