Overview

• Microsoft has reiterated that TPM 2.0, a hardware-based security feature, is a mandatory requirement for Windows 11, calling it a 'non-negotiable standard.'
• Windows 10 support will officially end on October 14, 2025, leaving millions of devices without security updates unless users pay for a $30 Extended Security Update (ESU) for one additional year.
• The strict hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and newer CPUs, exclude many older PCs, potentially forcing users to upgrade their systems or purchase new devices.
• TPM 2.0 enables advanced security capabilities such as Secure Boot, BitLocker encryption, and support for AI-driven features, which Microsoft argues are essential for countering modern cyber threats.
• Critics warn that Microsoft's stance could lead to significant hardware waste, with millions of PCs potentially headed for disposal due to incompatibility with Windows 11.