Windows 10 users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, but only if your system passes a test.
Microsoft has released a new system checkup tool to determine if your PC is ready for the free Windows 11 upgrade. The test isn't straightforward and many users are perplexed when their newer PCs don't pass the test. The common culprit seems to be a TPM, a chip designed to secure your PC.
Popular Now: Tests show Ryzen 7 9800X3D gains only 2% more performance in games jumping from DDR5-4800 to DDR5-8000Windows 11 requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 in order to run. TPMs are usually integrated right into your motherboard, but AMD has a firmware-based TPM in Ryzen CPUs that can be enabled. To see what version TPM your system has, simply:
- Open Command Prompt
- Type "tpm"
- Under TPM Manufacturer Information, check and see what Specification Version is listed (2.0 is required)
If you have TPM 2.0 and still can't pass the test with an AMD build, you'll want to check your BIOS settings and enable fTPM.
This is typically in the CPU tab, and be sure to use your BIOS' search setting if it has one.
Save & Exit, restart, and try the test again. You should pass it.
I originally failed the test, but was able to pass it after I took these steps.
My CPU and motherboard config is:
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- ROG Crosshair VIII Formula motherboard
More info on TPMs:
"The TPM is a cryptographic module that enhances computer security and privacy. Protecting data through encryption and decryption, protecting authentication credentials, and proving which software is running on a system are basic functionalities associated with computer security. The TPM helps with all these scenarios and more."
