Microsoft says Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, excluding a significant number of Windows 10 computers from upgrading to the new OS

Even some three year old computers may not be able to run the OS. — Traditionally, we think of Windows as the operating system …

Tom's Hardware 2021-06-27 Avram Piltch

Context & Ripple Effects

Windows 11’s TPM gate extends Microsoft’s earlier practice of tying operating-system support to newer processor generations, seen in its 2016 policy for new CPUs and Windows 10. Related coverage also identifies a separate compatible-CPU list as a constraint alongside the TPM requirement.

The policy’s importance became clearer when Microsoft later allowed installation on many older PCs through ISO files but withheld Windows Update security updates, creating an unofficial installation path without security updates rather than a fully supported upgrade route.

First-order effects

Windows 10 owners whose PCs lack the required TPM cannot receive Windows 11 through the standard supported upgrade path.
Microsoft makes TPM-equipped hardware a prerequisite for Windows 11 eligibility, placing the upgrade boundary under its compatibility policy.

Second-order effects

Older-PC users seeking Windows 11 are pushed toward the ISO-install route described in later coverage, where the absence of Windows Updates makes the workaround materially different from supported deployment.
The accompanying compatible-CPU restrictions, criticized as rendering otherwise capable hardware obsolete, broaden the affected base beyond machines missing TPM hardware alone.

Third-order effects

If Microsoft continues pairing new Windows releases with hardware eligibility rules, OS support policy becomes a recurring lever for shortening the practical upgrade life of installed PCs.
The split between supported Windows Update access and manual installation strengthens Microsoft’s gatekeeper role over which hardware receives the operating system’s ongoing security maintenance.

The trend: Windows is moving toward hardware-qualified release support, with security-update access reinforcing the boundary between supported and unsupported PCs.

Discussion

@shen Shen Ye on x
Thanks to Windows 11, people are scalping TPM2.0 modules as well now. $24.90 ➡ $99.90 in just 12 hours https://twitter.com/...
@dwizzzlemsft Dwizzzle on x
@tomwarren Almost every CPU in the last 5-7 years has a TPM. For Intel its called the “Intel PTT” which you set to enabled. For AMD it would be “AMD PSP fTPM”. TPMs have been required for OEM certification since at least 2015 and was announced in 2013: https://www.zdnet.com/...
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
if Microsoft's Windows 11 upgrade checker is telling you that your PC isn't supported, check your BIOS. You'll need a TPM 2.0 chip and to have Secure Boot enabled in the BIOS https://twitter.com/...
@dispensa Steve Dispensa on x
@bdsams @zacbowden @TheMartinScott Yep, these lists (Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm) are the currently supported CPUs. The lists will evolve over time, of course, but these are the supported CPUs. https://docs.microsoft.com/...
@bingocat1994 Bingocat on x
Windows 11 isn't even out yet and it's already shaping up to be the next Windows Vista 💀 https://twitter.com/...
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
it's wild that macOS Monterey will support Mac Pro models from 2013 and Mac mini models from fall 2014, but Windows 11 is killing support for plenty of devices that were launched less than 4 years ago
@robokick Mohammed Taher on x
I'm gonna reiterate what @siracusa always said in his podcasts: buy new hardware (TV, laptop, etc) for what it can do now, not what its future horizon looks like. I became a less frustrated customer when I adopted his philosophy. https://twitter.com/...
@xssfox @xssfox on x
fyi, you likely don't need to buy a TPM. If you don't have an option for Intel PTT or fTPM then update your bios and check again. Both of these options will work for Windows 11. https://twitter.com/...
@dangrabham Dan Grabham on x
Microsoft confirming that #Windows11 compatability is officially with Intel 8th gen and up 🤔 https://twitter.com/...
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 will only support 8th Gen and up CPUs. According to Microsoft, Windows 11 will not install on earlier CPUs. This means Microsoft's own Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro (2017), and Surface Studio 2 ($3,499) will not be upgradeable to Windows 11 🤯 https://tw…
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
Windows 11 is deleting Internet Explorer. This is the first version of Windows without IE for more than 20 years https://www.theverge.com/... https://twitter.com/...
@djsnm Scott Manley on x
If I'm reading this right my i7-6700K won't be supported by Windows 11... It's not like it's slow or anything. https://docs.microsoft.com/...
@bdsams Brad Sams on x
Microsoft will happily sell you a $3500 (or $4800) Surface Studio 2 that cannot run Windows 11. https://twitter.com/...
@suka_hiroaki Andreas Proschofsky on x
This is quickly turning into a veritable shitshow. https://twitter.com/...
@dylanmcd8 @dylanmcd8 on x
Welp Apple now wins support longevity in both mobile AND desktop... this is really disappointing from Microsoft. And for what reason? https://twitter.com/...
@artemr Artem Russakovskii on x
My 6th-gen late 2015 Skylake i7-6700 CPU is perfectly capable of running Windows 11, yet Microsoft arbitrarily won't let it. Absolute rubbish. https://ark.intel.com/... https://twitter.com/...
@snazzyq Quinn Nelson on x
macOS Monterey runs on a 2013 Mac Pro. Funny how Apple continues to prove that while slightly more expensive, their devices sold have significantly more longevity than their competitors on pretty much all counts. Except AirPods. https://twitter.com/...
@maxwinebach Max Weinbach on x
This is kinda stupid but at the same time, Microsoft is supporting Windows 10 for the next 4 or 5 years and it will still work after that. Just no new updates or features with Windows 11. It's stupid, don't get me wrong, but it's not like anyone needs to rush to get a new PC. htt…
@ronamadeo Ron Amadeo on x
Wow this is almost as bad as Android. https://twitter.com/...
@ohpoorpup Christa Lee on x
As a lifelong Windows partisan: This is a great advertisement for a Mac! https://twitter.com/...
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
Microsoft has updated its Windows 11 hardware requirements page. The new requirements don't mention a TPM 1.2 minimum or CPU soft floors. We're checking with Microsoft on what these changes mean for upgrades https://www.theverge.com/... https://twitter.com/...
@bdsams Brad Sams on x
Microsoft lists 2 diff min reqs for Windows 11, no idea how people will not be confused by this. The Windows 11 landing page is the first image but it's not fully accurate The second image is msft docs that says nah, 1.2 is really the min and dont worry about generations https://…
@dcseifert Dan Seifert on x
this surface studio 2 i spent $4500 on three years ago was expensive, but it was an investment in my future and should be supported for a long time now let me just take a big sip of coffee and use this little windows 11 upgrade checker tool Microsoft came out with this week
@parkerortolani Parker Ortolani on x
My 2017 Surface Pro 5 won't get Windows 11... But a 2014 Mac mini can get macOS Monterey...
@nick_craver Nick Craver on x
Lots of people asking - the documented hardware requirements for Windows 11 are here: https://docs.microsoft.com/... Note: it looks like Intel 8th+ gen (https://docs.microsoft.com/ ...) and AMD Ryzen 3+ (https://docs.microsoft.com/ ...) are going to be supported. That's only goin…
@gossithedog Kevin Beaumont on x
This is the Xbox E3 2013 launch all over again, awkward turtle. https://twitter.com/...
@richgel999 Richard Geldreich on x
I'm confused - does Win11 require TPM or not? I don't have it enabled on my most powerful workstation (and I'm not in the mood to mess with its BIOS settings because the machine works fine). This is dumb. https://twitter.com/... https://twitter.com/...
@getwired Wesley Miller on x
The soft floors have been removed. Pray the terms are not altered again. https://twitter.com/...
@suka_hiroaki Andreas Proschofsky on x
It's mind-boggling how a company like Microsoft can so completely blow such an important announcement as the one for the Windows 11 hardware requirements. Different pages with different infos. Semi-working tools. People scalpinf TPM modules on ebay. https://www.theverge.com/...
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
I flipped the switch in my BIOS to enable TPM and the Windows 11 upgrade checker says my PC is now compatible. Check your BIOS for the setting, as practically every modern CPU has TPM support. Look for Intel PTT or AMD PSP fTPM in the BIOS https://twitter.com/... https://twitter.…
@dwizzzlemsft Dwizzzle on x
The VAST majority of folks saying “omg TPM” actually have an incompatible processor, so you want to make sure your processors is on the list first https://www.theverge.com/...
@backlon Dieter Bohn on x
This is a very bad start to the upgrade story for Windows 11. As the steward of a huge, varied, and complex ecosystem of hardware, it's incumbent on Microsoft to do MUCH BETTER at communicating with its users. https://www.theverge.com/...
@kimilers @kimilers on x
Soon we're gonna live in a world where “I built my own PC” just means “I run Linux” https://twitter.com/...
@marypcbuk Mary Branscombe on x
the PC Health Check App now explains more clearly why your PC might not get Windows 11; those TPM stockpilers won't be cashing in! https://twitter.com/...
@dwizzzlemsft Dwizzzle on x
My New Blog: Security Improvements in Windows 11 https://www.microsoft.com/...
@msftsecurity @msftsecurity on x
Windows 11 gives you #ZeroTrust protection right from the start. Find out how our updated hardware and built-in biometrics help keep you safe from new and emerging threats: https://www.microsoft.com/...
@shen Shen Ye on x
Microsoft, can you not impose a TPM requirement during a silicon shortage? Especially considering most desktop motherboards support TPM only as a purchasable accessory.
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
this is why Windows 11 is forcing everyone to use TPM chips. Microsoft has dropped the ball on explaining this, but don't worry your PC should still run Windows 11 either way https://t.co/FcSfKaUL5d
@migueldeicaza Miguel de Icaza on x
@ajonoguy Yes!
@grynn @grynn on x
This is bound to suck, because (many) modern Windows laptops have terribly weak CPU/GPUs compared to phones at similar price points. Also touch vs keyboard/mouse UX is wildly different, which is why I am not even excited about iOS apps on M1 macOS boxen. https://www.techmeme.com/…
@echenze E. Chenze on x
“The power of defaults, and the weakness of Amazon's position in Android apps, make Microsoft's Windows 11 Android app plan into a curiosity rather than a major selling point.” - @saschasegan Microsoft's Android App Plan For Windows 11 Is Doomed https://www.pcmag.com/... @PCMag
@epro Emil Protalinski on x
Being able to sideload Android apps on Windows sidesteps (hehe) the problem of apps missing from Amazon's Appstore but it doesn't address the larger issue of all the apps that won't work without Google Play services. It's going to be a frustrating experience for most either way. …
@yabhishekhd Abhishek Yadav on x
😍😍😍 We can also install APKs as well in Windows 11. Windows + Android ❣️❣️ ❣️ #Windows11 #Android https://twitter.com/...
@nilsahrde Nils Ahrensmeier on x
A Microsoft Employee is saying sideloading APKs to Windows 11 will be possible. (So no need for Amazon Store) https://twitter.com/...
@windowscentral @windowscentral on x
Don't worry if you can't find your favorite Android app on the Amazon store for Windows 11 (what a weird thing to say!) But yes, you can sideload Android APKs too. So, have fun! https://www.windowscentral.com/ ...

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