What is a TPM chip, the requirement to upgrade to Windows 11, and how to check if it is on my computer

requirements for Windows 11 Come with a surprise, in The official list published by Microsoft It is said that to install a new operating system You need to have a TPM 2.0 chip. TPM is an abbreviation for trusted point unit, which is a microcontroller designed to store system encryption keys.

It’s a physical chip found on the motherboard of some computers, and we say “some” because it’s usually built into laptops and business-focused teams. In the latter it is necessary to revolve around Secure encryption processor Which saves all user passwords and even biometric data.

How do I know if my computer has a TPM chip

In theory, it should be integrated into most equipment for a few years, but there are still models (mainly assembled) that do not have it. And of course, there is a simple way to find out if our computer has it or not:

• Just go to the Windows search drawer and type tpm.msc. One result with the same name and a slide icon with a key will be displayed. We click on it.

• Then a window will be displayed From the TPM Manager. Information about the chip and its status is provided there. But first of all, we will be notified if we have a compatible TPM. If the legend “Cannot find supported TPM” This means that We do not have such a microcontroller.

A window stating that we do not have a compatible TPM and therefore will not be able to install Windows 11.

• On the other hand, if the window displays detailed information about the TPM, such as the status, available options, and even the name of the chip manufacturer, we are on the other side. Our computer has this chip and should be fully compatible with Windows 11.

Information window on a computer that has a TPM and is fully compatible with Windows 11.

In fact, when we run a compatibility check on a computer that has a TPM, the tool computer health check It returns a message that we can install Windows 11 without any problem.

What should I do if my computer does not have a TPM chip

If your computer doesn’t have a TPM chip, you have a few alternatives. Some manufacturers seem to leave room for this chip on motherboards so that the user can buy it separately and connect it, although each model of the board will have to be checked and with which chip model it is compatible.

The other alternative is Check BIOS if TPM is not disabled. It depends on each BIOS but as shown in PCGamer, usually hidden in the config, inside the security section.

This will be the section where the TPM can be activated from the BIOS. via PCGamer

If neither option works, we can still upgrade to Windows 11, but Not something Microsoft recommends. Where her official page The company says that computers without this chip will receive a notification that installing this new version of its operating system is not recommended.

Fortunately, it has been confirmed that manufacturers are working so that all models sold in these months that have Windows 10 are ready to be updated to Windows 11 by the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022.

Remember that Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will be completely freeIf your computer is compatible.