Introduction

Are you confused by Windows 11 system requirements? You’re not the only one! Here, we break down the key items to quickly guide you on the latest on processor requirements, learn what a TPM 2.0 is and why you need one!

When system requirements were released for Windows 11, it was announced that an 8th Gen Intel I series processor or equivalent would be required as well as TPM 2.0 security technology. The latest requirements can be found here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-11-specifications#primaryR2.

Compatible CPU’s for all versions of Windows here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-hardware/design/minimum/windows-processor-requirements

Aug 2021 –  updates to requirements

According to this Tom’s hardware article from the 27th Aug 2021: https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/news/windows-11-system-requirements-updated-pc-health-check the compatibility list has been updated to include some 7th Gen Intel processors. On the other hand, AMD Ryzen generation 1 processors have been removed from the list.

What is TPM 2.0?

TPM stands for trusted platform module. Simply put it’s a hardware chip which ensures only trusted code can run on the computer and stops malicious code running as your computer boots up. Version 2.0 is the latest version of the TPM chip.

Microsoft have added this requirement, which should already be enabled on most modern computers to provide a solid security foundation for their Operating System. As per this documentation by Microsoft, implementing and enabling TPM 2.0 has been a requirement for device makers since 2016. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-tpm so it’s likely that you will have one enabled.

How can I check if I have TPM 2.0 on my computer?

On windows 10,

  • Right click the Windows button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
  • Click Device manager
  • Find security Devices and expand it
  • Look for Trusted Platform Module 2.0 as per the screenshot below:

 

TPM2 in Device manager

TPM2 in Device manager

What if I don’t have TPM 2.0 on my computer?

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to install Windows 11 on a computer that doesn’t have a TPM 2.0 chip.

If you really don’t want to upgrade your computer, you could look at Microsoft’s Windows 365, explained here by the excellent Kevin Stratvert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dmUggAKzEI.

Windows 11 will be an option to stream when it becomes generally available in “Late 2021” which seems likely to be around Oct according to this ZDNet article: https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-faq-heres-everything-you-need-to-know

Windows 365, however could be a pricey option for regular use, with monthly costs likely to range from around £20 per month for a low specification “device” to £134 for a device with 8vCPUs, 32GB Ram and 512GB storage. https://www.itpro.co.uk/operating-systems/microsoft-windows/360457/how-to-get-started-windows-365

Conclusion

As Microsoft continues to test Windows 11, the list of CPU requirements have changed slightly. But we’re not expecting it to change much from its current version: a 7th Generation Intel I series or equivalent is required and TPM 2.0 seems here to stay. In our opinion this is a good thing and will help to protect your computer from the ever-growing cyber security threats we all face daily.

Read more by IlluminoIT on Windows 11 here: What Is Windows 11?

 

Looking for tips on how to keep yourself safe online and increase your productivity at the same time?! Download our 8-step guide here! https://academy.illuminoit.co.uk/f/8-easy-steps-to-improve-your-online-security-and-productivity