If you were still hoping that TPM 2.0 would not be required for Windows 11, it’s time to let go of that hope. With just a month left until the release, Microsoft has reinforced through its social media channels that the TPM module will indeed be necessary to install the operating system. In a recent post, the company provided a brief tutorial on verifying the presence and activation of the encryption chip.
The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a dedicated component that stores encryption keys and securely protects user and system data. Many modern computers, especially newer ones, already have this feature on their motherboards, physically or through software implementation.
However, it’s important to note that TPM 2.0 is often disabled by default, which confused me when Windows 11 was initially announced. Enabling the TPM requires users to navigate to their computer’s BIOS settings, which can be challenging for those less familiar with computer configuration. To address this confusion, Microsoft has provided a tutorial on their official website explaining how to check the chip’s activation in the Settings menu.
However, the tutorial doesn’t delve into further details. If the TPM is disabled, users may need to refer to articles provided by motherboard manufacturers, often available only in English, posing a barrier for those with limited language proficiency.
There will be no escaping TPM 2.0
The recent publication suggests that Microsoft has no plans to waive this requirement, at least not shortly. While there may be workarounds to bypass the need for the TPM module, certain programs, such as the shooter game Valorant from Riot, may still demand its presence or activation.
With the official launch of Windows 11 scheduled for October 5th, only testers enrolled in the Windows Insider program have had the opportunity to try it out so far. The operating system comes with various promises and improvements, but the question remains: will these changes outweigh the controversies surrounding its requirements?
