One of the requirements of Windows 11 operating system is that your computer has TPM 2.0 and it is enabled. TPM is acronym for Trusted Platform Module. It is a chip that is built into the motherboard itself, attached as a removable add-on to the motherboard or built inside the CPU/SoC.
The main functions of TPM include protection of the encryption keys, safeguarding user credentials, and providing hardware level security. TPM has been in use for over a decade in the server computers where they want high level of security. It has been also seen in some of the newer desktop computers for home or office use, but now Microsoft wants everyone to have hardware level security features of TPM.
You won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11 unless your system has TPM 2.0 enabled. It is going to be used for hardware level encryption. Here is how you can enable it from your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings:
- Power on your PC and keep pressing F2 repeatedly until you enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Depending on the manufacturer of the BIOS/UEFI chip for your PC, you will see a different user interface. But in all cases TPM related settings are found under the Security section which you should select.
- Find the option for enabling TPM and set it to “Enabled” or “Activated”.
- If there is an option to choose the version of TPM, then choose TPM 2.0 or dTPM 2.0 from there.
- Press F10 to save the settings. Go back to the main menu and choose the option to save the settings and reboot. Your PC might take a longer to start this time because of new TPM settings.
Of course, these steps are applicable only of your PC has TPM chip and it could be enabled from the BIOS/UEFI. If your PC does not have any TPM chip then you may have to invest in a new motherboard that is compatible with Windows 11.