Microsoft makes its stringent TPM 2.0 Windows 11 upgrade requirement "non-negotiable" — potentially leading to the single biggest jump in junked and unsupported Windows 10 PCs

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According to Microsoft, TPM 2.0 is "a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11," making it harder for users with unsupported hardware to upgrade.

Enabling the TPM in the BIOS on a laptop.
Enabling the TPM in the BIOS on a laptop (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft recently published a new blog post indicating that its stringent TPM 2.0 system requirement for upgrading to Windows 11 is non-negotiable.
  • The company says the security feature is "a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11."
  • In August, Microsoft blocked a loophole that allowed users to circumvent the hardware requirement verification process when activating Windows 11 on unsupported devices.

Microsoft released Windows 11 over three years ago. However, the operating system isn't as popular as its predecessor, Windows 10. This can be attributed to several reasons, including Microsoft's stringent system requirements, flawed design elements, and arguably the company's big AI push across the OS.

Whatever the case, Microsoft is moving forward with its plans to pull support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. However, users can continue using Windows 10 for an additional year of support through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program for $30. It's worth noting that users can only pay for one year of extended support and security updates.

Beyond the additional year of support and security updates, you'll have to upgrade to Windows 11 or continue using Windows 10 without support. The latter option leaves you susceptible to attacks.

As you may know, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is one of Microsoft's stringent requirements for running Windows 11. However, avid tech enthusiasts devised ingenious techniques to bypass this requirement and run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.

For context, TPM is a dedicated chip designed to provide "hardware-level security services for your device," keeping your private information and credentials safe from unauthorized users. As Windows 10's imminent death approaches, Microsoft says the TPM 2.0 system requirement for upgrading to Windows 11 is now non-negotiable.

TPM 2.0 plays a crucial role in enhancing identity and data protection on Windows devices, as well as maintaining the integrity of your system. TPM 2.0 also helps future-proof Windows 11. One way it does so is by helping to protect sensitive information as more AI capabilities come to physical, cloud, and server architecture.

Steven Hosking, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft

Microsoft touts the stringent TPM 2.0 requirement as "a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11," featuring sophisticated security elements, including Windows Hello for Business, BitLocker disk encryption, and Credential Guard. The stringent requirement complements Secure Boot, ensuring your device only boots up using trusted and secure software.

This move isn't entirely surprising. In August, Microsoft patched the TPM 2.0 trick that allowed users to circumvent the hardware requirement verification process when activating Windows 11 on unsupported devices. Several users on social media indicated that the trick still works on Windows 11, version 24H2. However, this could be subject to change via future updates.

Microsoft is seemingly ramping up its campaign to get Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 by making TPM 2.0 a non-negotiable requirement beyond its blatant attempt to get users to upgrade using full-screen multipage pop-up ads.

To this end, as Windows 10's death fast approaches, users can upgrade to Windows 11 if their PC is supported, buy a new Windows 11 PC, pay for Windows 10 security updates, or transition to Mac or Linux. That said, Windows 10's end of support could lead to "the single biggest jump in junked computers ever," according to a public interest research group that filed a petition asking Microsoft to reconsider its decision to end support for the popular OS.

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Kevin Okemwa
Kevin Okemwa
Contributor

Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You'll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • sonic
    My Dell Workstation, purchased only a few months before Win11 launched, has TPM2, almost all the other requirements and higher specs than the requirements but the high-end CPU is not on MS's list. I am not able to replace it with a new one as Dell no longer produces a box which can take the multiple disc burners I need for me video editing work. I'll use the holiday break to try an unofficial server-style upgrade. If that fails, I'll keep with Win 10 and, if absolutely necessary, simply detach it from the internet and feed it data from my Mac.

    For MS to threaten to b;ock updates places Win 10 and 11 in the same position - you're no worse off with an unsupported Win 11 than you are with an unsupported Win 10!
    Reply