- Microsoft has reaffirmed is specifications for a device to run Windows 11.
- From a hardware perspective, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is described as a “non-negotiable standard”.
- It serves as a heads up for those running a Windows 10 device, with end of support in October 2025.
October 2025 is an important month for Microsoft, or more aptly, an important month for those who are still running Windows 10 as it is when end of support for the operating system is set.
As such, many will need to migrate over to Windows 11, and on this front, Microsoft has outlined a particular standard that users will need to take note of.
More specifically Microsoft has highlighted the importance of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. For those unfamiliar with it, it is best described as a, “dedicated chip or firmware that offers hardware-level security services for your device.”
“It securely houses encryption keys, certificates, passwords, and sensitive data, shielding them from unauthorized access. Additionally, TPM is tasked with cryptographic operations such as producing random numbers, encrypting and decrypting data, and confirming digital signatures. TPMs are available from many different manufacturers, including Microsoft on supported CPUs with Pluton,” adds Microsoft in a blog post.
Those hoping to avoid Windows 11 are out of luck too, with the company nothing that it is a, “as a non-negotiable standard for the future of Windows.”
Strictly speaking you can still get away with running Windows 10 when October 2025 rolls around, as end of support is not the same as end of life. That said, should you do so, you do run the risk of not having an up-to-date operating system, which could prove an issue for those in a business or work environment.
To check whether your device is indeed meeting the TPM 2.0 standard for Windows 11, Microsoft says there are two ways to do so – via Microsoft Intune or Microsoft Configuration Manager.
For Microsoft Intune, the steps are:
- “Open the Intune Portal.
- Navigate to Devices > All devices.
- Select a device from the list.
- In the device Properties, navigate to Hardware.
- Locate the Security section to find TPM information, including the version and status.”
With Microsoft Configuration Manager, the steps are:
- “Open the Configuration Manager console.
- Navigate to Assets and Compliance > Overview > Device Collections.
- Select the desired device collection.
- Select a device and select Start > Resource Explorer.
- In the Resource Explorer, expand Hardware > Security > TPM.
- Check the version information and status from the TPM resource.”
“TPM 2.0 is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity for maintaining a secure and future-proof IT environment with Windows 11,” Microsoft concluded.
