What exactly is a TPM? Here's why you'll need it in Windows 11
For Windows 11, a trusted platform module, or TPM, is necessary.
Microsoft did not reveal system requirements for its software upgrade until after it had completed its Windows 11 unveiling earlier this year. TPM was a strange term hidden beneath RAM requirements and recommended gigahertz (GHz).
TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module and is a secure cryptoprocessor with an embedded cryptographic key that secures a computer. In simpler terms, it acts as a security alert for your computer, preventing hackers or viruses from gaining access to data. It will also be required for Windows 11.
Unfortunately, it appears that the Windows 11 upgrade will not be available for some older devices. While the scenario "sucks," Microsoft acknowledged it, claiming it's to provide a more secure Windows experience in the future.
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What is a Transaction Processing Module (TPM) and how does it work?
There are two types of security: software and hardware. When done correctly, software security is an effective way to keep hackers out of a system. However, because software is more flexible by nature — its code can be updated — there's always the possibility that a clever hacker or an exploit may be discovered, allowing attackers access to sensitive data.
Hardware security is hardcoded, as the term indicates. It's difficult to change the cryptographic keys unless the hacker knows exactly what they are ahead of time.
In a blog post, David Weston, director of the enterprise and OS security at Microsoft, stated, "PCs of the future need this contemporary hardware root-of-trust to help guard from both common and complex assaults like ransomware and more sophisticated attacks from nation-states." "By mandating that built-in root-of-trust, the TPM 2.0 raises the bar for hardware security."
The TPM chip connects with the PC's other security components. To provide users access, all devices must communicate with the TPM, whether it's a fingerprint reader or Windows Hello face recognition.
Not only will your security systems need a TPM, but so will apps like Outlook, Firefox, and Chrome.
Is TPM installed on my computer?
There are a few methods for determining whether or not your present machine has a TPM. The simplest method is to open the Start menu, type Windows Security into the search box, and then select Device Security from the left-hand column. A new window will open, indicating if your device has a TPM installed. With a small green checkmark next to the symbol, it should indicate the Security processor. If you don't see the Security Processor symbol, you don't have a TPM installed.
To view all of the steps, scroll through the slideshow below.
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| Image source - Google (Image credit: Future) |
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Image source - Google
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Image source - Google
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If you don't see anything, another fast approach to test if you have a TPM is to put Run into the Start search box, then type tpm.msc and click Enter.
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| Image source - Google (Image credit: Future) |
The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management on the Local Computer window should appear as a result. If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be detected," your machine either doesn't have a TPM or has TPM 1.2 but the BIOS isn't set to activate it.
Unfortunately, even if TPM 1.2 is enabled in the BIOS, Windows 11 still requires TPM 2.0.
Finally, you may use Microsoft's PC Health Check software to do a check. The software will inform you if your machine is ready for Windows 11 after it has been installed.
If you don't have TPM 2.0, what should you do?
If your motherboard does not support TPM 2.0, you can add the capability by purchasing a suitable module for your motherboard. This will require you to look up your motherboard model and check whether a suitable TPM was ever supplied by the manufacturer.
In addition, it appears that TPM prices have risen since the release of Windows 11. As of this writing, an Asus TPM that sold for $14 on Amazon has sold out and is selling for more than $40 on the secondhand market. Some manufacturers have also halted TPM manufacturing, but given the current spike in demand, it's probable that production will resume.
If you can find a suitable module, all you have to do now is plug it into the TPM pins on your motherboard. It's also a good idea to enable it in the BIOS menu.
Now, if you have a more recent CPU, one made after 2014, TPM may already be installed. TPM is built into modern CPUs through firmware. Platform Trust Technology (PTT) is used by Intel, whereas TPM is used by AMD Ryzen processors.
Depending on the manufacturer, the steps to activate this in BIOS will differ. However, most people will need to restart their computer and repeatedly hit the Delete key until the BIOS menu displays. Users may need to go into more sophisticated menus to locate the TPM option from there. The firmware TPM can then be activated.
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