- Installations on unsupported devices will encounter visible markers—a watermark on the desktop and alerts in the settings menu—signifying the limitations of their system.
Microsoft has clarified the critical role of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2 in the installation and functionality of Windows 11.
The announcement underscored that TPM 2.0 is not merely recommended but is an essential hardware requirement for the new operating system. Users operating devices that lack this module may face significant compatibility issues, and notably, they will be ineligible to receive future updates.
Such a decision reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, wherein the reliability and security of systems are prioritised over merely accommodating a wider range of hardware.
Compatibility challenges
The ramifications for users whose devices do not meet these stringent specifications are profound. Microsoft has explicitly warned that installations of Windows 11 on incompatible hardware could result in operational difficulties.
Users can ascertain their device’s compatibility with the new OS by utilising the PC Health Check application, developed by Microsoft for this very purpose.
Furthermore, those who proceed with installations on unsupported devices will encounter visible markers—a watermark on the desktop and alerts in the settings menu—signifying the limitations of their system.
Despite the low minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11—such as a 1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage—the pivotal obstacle remains the absence of a TPM 2.0 chip in many older PCs.
 This has notable implications, especially as Microsoft plans to terminate support for Windows 10 in a matter of months, leaving a significant portion of users in a precarious position.
As of recent statistics, around 62 per cent of individuals still operate on the older version, highlighting hesitancy to transition amidst potential compatibility challenges.