Microsoft has firmly maintained its position regarding Windows 11’s hardware requirements, emphasizing the non-negotiable necessity of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. Despite prior hopes for reduced hardware limitations, the company has stated that it will not relax these standards, especially as the end of Windows 10 support approaches in October 2025.
Microsoft enforces TPM 2.0 requirement for Windows 11
In a blog post titled “TPM 2.0 – a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11,” Microsoft clarified its stance. According to Steven Hosking, a senior product manager, TPM 2.0 enhances identity and data protection and plays an essential role in securing systems as AI features evolve. Microsoft’s insistence on this requirement stems from a desire to prioritize security and future-proof Windows 11.
The requirements mean that only CPUs released from 2018 onward, capable of virtualization-based security and hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), can officially support Windows 11. Although virtually all modern PCs come with TPM 2.0, the lack of this component has created frustration among users with otherwise capable hardware.
Workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware have emerged, exploiting methods to bypass the strict compatibility checks. These attempts include tools like Flyby11, which leverages a Windows Server variant for installation. However, Microsoft is gradually tightening these loopholes, particularly with recent updates. The company is now proactively encouraging Windows 10 users to transition to supported hardware by utilizing full-screen prompts designed to push for upgrades.
In addition to its stringent hardware requirements, Microsoft is taking further steps to discourage the use of Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. Reports indicate that the company plans to introduce a watermark on the desktop of such installations. This watermark serves as a visible reminder of the unsupported status while enforcing the notion that users should upgrade their hardware.
The addition of the watermark is not the only consequence for running Windows 11 on incompatible devices. Microsoft has warned that updates could be withheld for unsupported installations, leaving users vulnerable to security threats. If significant updates are missed, devices could be exposed to various risks, undermining the stability and security of the operating system.
Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the strict enforcement of TPM 2.0 regulations. Their protests are fueled by the performance capabilities of their devices, which are often more than sufficient for running Windows 11, despite lacking the required hardware security module. This scenario creates a tension between user needs and Microsoft’s security framework.
Featured image credit: Windows/Unsplash
