Microsoft sticks to system requirements for Windows 11

Microsoft is not relaxing the system requirements for Windows 11. Processors that support TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) are still required for the operating system. The security technology is essential for the security and future viability of the operating system, writes Microsoft product manager Steven Hosking in a blog post. It is a non-negotiable standard for the future of Windows that covers the need for data security.

However, this standard does not apply to all versions of Windows. While Windows 11 requires processors with TPM 2.0, Windows Server 2025 does not. The server version of the operating system released in November can also be installed without the security chip. It is only mandatory if individual functions require it, such as BitLocker encryption.

TPM 2.0 has been standard in processors for years

The Trusted Platform Module is a security chip that is attached to the mainboard or integrated into the processor. Virtually all current computers on the market have a TPM 2.0-capable processor. Intel CPUs from the Coffee Lake series onwards, AMD from Zen+ onwards. Windows 11 uses TPM to encrypt drives and devices, to protect login data or as a virtual alternative for smart cards. TPM is also used for Secure Boot.

Old devices with the previous version TPM 1.2 are excluded from an upgrade. Microsoft recommends purchasing a new device, preferably with a Copilot-enabled AI accelerator. Users can initially continue to use Windows 10 without restrictions, but will no longer receive security updates from October next year. Companies can purchase update support for three years, private customers for one year. According to figures from Statcounter, Windows 10 recently accounted for around two thirds of Windows installations on German desktop computers.

The entire post by Steven Hosking can be found on the Windows IT Pro blog.

(sfe)