Microsoft has updated the system requirements for Windows 11 and documentation around the minimum Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The company says that nows PCs will need a TPM 2.0 chip to run the new operating system. The new OS update will also require a 1GHz processor and at least 4GB RAM.

“Devices that do not meet the hardware requirements cannot be upgraded to Windows 11,” Microsoft says.

What is Trusted Platform Module?

TPM, most simply, is a tiny chip on a computer’s motherboard and works in security features on the PCs like a secure cryptoprocessor. TPM supplies a unique code called a cryptographic key and ensures a secured boot environment.

“The Thunderbird and Outlook email clients use TPM to handle encrypted or key-signed messages. The Firefox and Chrome web browsers also employ the TPM for certain advanced functions, such as maintaining SSL certificates for websites,” Microsoft says.

Also Read | All about Microsoft’s newly-launched Windows 11

It allows for features like BitLocker Drive Encryption, Windows Hello PINs and biometrics, and PC hardware tamper protection, the Indian Express reports.

Now, Microsoft says that a PC must have a TPM 2.0 version to run Windows 11. TPM 2.0 came in 2015 and most new computers come with this feature enabled.

How to check the TPM version on your PC?

To check TPM specifications on your computer, open the Run dialogue box and type ‘tpm.msc’ without the inverted commas and enter. If TPM is enabled, the TPM management screen will pop up and other details will be shown in the box. If TPM is not present or enabled, the same message will pop up.

If your machine supports TPM but the feature is not enabled, you can do the same through BIOS settings. The same depends on different companies, but the BIOS settings can be found under the ‘Advanced’ settings of a PC.