The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 requirement for Windows 11 remains a contentious issue as Microsoft doubles down on its necessity. Introduced as a security measure, TPM 2.0 initially posed a significant barrier for users upgrading from Windows 10, and Microsoft’s recent blog post suggests that this stance isn’t changing.
Stephen Hosking, a product manager at Microsoft, reiterated that TPM 2.0 is a “non-negotiable standard for the future of Windows,” as reported by The Verge. This declaration confirms that older PCs without TPM 2.0 will remain unsupported, leaving users with limited options as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life in 2025. They can either invest in new hardware, continue using an unsupported OS, or transition to alternatives like Linux.
Microsoft justifies the TPM requirement as essential for modern security. These modules are critical for enabling features such as encrypted storage, secure boot, and hardware-level authentication. TPM 2.0 ensures that each component of a system is verified, bolstering defenses against cyber threats. The good news is that TPM 2.0 is now standard in nearly all modern PCs, including devices powered by Intel, AMD, and even Arm-based processors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series.
However, this move has drawn criticism from users and analysts alike. Upgrading to Windows 11 has been a fraught process for those with older systems, many of whom remain skeptical about Microsoft’s motives. Critics argue that the company, alongside its hardware partners, benefits from driving PC sales as the market slowly recovers from a decline in demand post-pandemic.
While enhancing security is undeniably important given the rise of cryptocurrency-related attacks and evolving malware threats, Microsoft’s approach feels more forceful than supportive. Instead of offering compelling incentives for users to embrace Windows 11, the company’s insistence on rigid hardware requirements risks alienating those who lack the means—or the willingness—to upgrade their devices. For many, this reinforces the perception that Microsoft is prioritizing market dynamics over user flexibility.