Microsoft's latest push to drive Windows 11 upgrades goes over benefits of TPM security (again)

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Microsoft is once again banging the drum to encourage folks to upgrade to Windows 11, and has outlined the security benefits of doing so in a new blog post.

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Upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft tells us - the problem is some people fall short of the system requirements, and TPM in particular can be a hurdle (Image Credit: Microsoft)

Neowin noticed the recently published article in the Windows Learning Center, which has seen a fair few additions of late in terms of cajoling Windows 10 users to make the leap to Windows 11.

It's entitled 'What is Trusted Platform Module in Windows 11?' and as you'd expect, the post explains not just that, but the benefits of TPM 2.0, which is part of the compulsory system requirements for Windows 11.

The key points laid out by Microsoft for TPM 2.0 are as follows:

• Protects your data: TPM can encrypt your data, making it difficult for hackers to access sensitive information. This is especially critical for things like personal details, financial data, and confidential files.
• Ensures trusted software: TPM verifies the integrity of your system's software and firmware. This feature, called secure boot, helps stop malicious software from launching during startup.
• Guards against physical tampering: If someone tries to physically tamper with your device's hardware, TPM can detect changes and prevent your system from booting, keeping your device secure from physical attacks.
• Supports advanced security features: Many of Windows 11's most powerful security features rely on TPM. These tools help keep your data safe, even if your device is lost or stolen.

Microsoft does have some fair points here, and the defenses against physical tampering with a Windows 11 device (should it be stolen), and secure boot feature are definite strong suits on the security front.

Should Windows 11 really demand that TPM 2.0 be present, though? Microsoft feels like it needs to draw a line underneath this stipulation, certainly, and reinforced that this requirement is a "non-negotiable standard for the future of Windows" at the end of 2024.

The trouble is it leaves some folks out in the cold for an upgrade to an otherwise solid enough PC, unless they install a TPM module (which may be beyond the tech knowhow of some people, certainly). The upshot being a bunch of Windows 10 computers potentially headed for the scrapheap, and environmental concerns therein as we've seen multiple stories about before.

It doesn't seem like Microsoft is going to relent with its PC specifications for Windows 11, in short, despite these worries.