Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Microsoft Doubling Down on Windows 11 TPM 2.0 Requirement

With Windows 11, Microsoft has shifted its approach to security to embrace the latest security devices. One of these in particular is the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 device. This hardware security device helps to improve overall system security. While Microsoft has allowed hacky ways of installing Windows 11 on devices without a TPM, a recent blog post on their Windows IT blog has gotten the attention of many who see this as a way they are doubling down on requiring TPM 2.0 devices and even preventing unsupported hardware from upgrading. Let’s take a look at the TPM 2.0 device and why Microsoft is doubling down on it as a requirement. Also, what does this mean for IT administrators?

Why is TPM 2.0 important?

The trusted platform module TPM 2.0 device is hardware-based. It means this isn’t code inside the operating system, but hardware that TPM-aware operating systems and applications can make use of. It is a discrete device that isn’t shared for any other purpose outside of security-related tasks. It can store things like cryptographic keys, passwords, and other sensitive data.

Hardware devices like TPM 2.0 make it much more difficult for attackers to gain access or compromise these ultra-sensitive pieces of data like passwords and cryptographic keys.

Strengthening Endpoint Security

TPM 2.0 unlocks advanced security features such as the following:

  • BitLocker encryption for full disk protection
  • Secure Boot to prevent unauthorized firmware or OS tampering
  • Windows Defender Credential Guard to safeguard credentials that are kept in memory

Secured-Core PCs are built on TPM 2.0

If you have seen in the release notes of recent Windows client and Windows Server versions, Microsoft is heavily touting the Secured-Core technology stack. In the realm of Secured-Core PCs, it emphasizes hardware integrated security and is built on top of the TPM 2.0 device as its foundation. Secured-Core offers protections out of the box against firmware-level attacks and is great for environments that may deal with sensitive data or have high-risk of compromise.

Overview of Microsoft’s Secured-Core architecture based on TPM 2.0

Overview of Microsoft’s Secured-Core architecture based on TPM 2.0

 

Microsoft says its not just important but “non-negotiable” for security

There is no question that Microsoft feels the TPM 2.0 devices is a core part of overall security measures that should be required. It is part of the “Secured Core” Server and PC architecture design and is a requirement for modern Microsoft operating systems.

With the growing stringency of requiring TPM 2.0, Microsoft is betting on the following outcomes:

  • Enhanced Security: TPM 2.0 makes sure of advanced protection against existing and emerging threats. These include the likes of ransomware, credential theft, and firmware attacks. Since TPM 2.0 helps to provide encrypted storage and hardware-level isolation for sensitive information, it provides a basic defense layer against attack
  • Zero Trust Strategies: TPM 2.0 is one of the core components of security technologies like secure boot, BitLocker encryption, and Windows Hello. So, devices that don’t have a TPM 2.0 device will miss out on these more advanced security features.
  • Future-Proofing devices: TPM 2.0 has a modern architecture that lines up with the evolving security landscape. It allows devices to be ready for future innovations in cybersecurity.

Microsoft’s Blog – Takeaways

Many have latched onto the wording that was used in the Windows IT blog as more evidence that Microsoft is going to tighten down the wrenches on hardware running future versions of Windows 11. You can read their official wording about TPM 2.0 and the future here: TPM 2.0 – a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11 – Windows IT Pro Blog.

However, balancing this out with the security landscape of the world we live in, every ounce of security technologies are needed. Microsoft and many other organizations are under increasing scrutiny and pressure to create more secure solutions.

What are the reasons cited by Microsoft that they are doubling down on TPM 2.0 as a required hardware component? Note the following:

  1. Increased cyber threats – We see this on the news every day and week. Cyberattacks are increasing and these often take advantage of system vulnerabilities. TPM 2.0 provides hardware-based protections that software solutions alone cannot achieve.
  2. Critical Windows 11 Features require it – Microsoft cites features like like Windows Defender Credential Guard, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), and Secured-Core PCs as technologies that must have access to a TPM 2.0 device. These features provide new protections for enterprise environments against unauthorized access and data breaches.
  3. A Unified Security Standard – By enforcing TPM 2.0, Microsoft hopes to create a consistent security baseline for all Windows 11 devices. This makes sure hardware supports a uniform security posture for many different types of hardware.
  4. 4. Hybrid Work – Hybrid work requires an even more stringent security model. TPM 2.0 helps remote workers stay better protected from advanced threats. This is needed since they don’t have the protections of the corporate network.

What does this mean for administrators?

For IT admins, the TPM 2.0 mandate presents may be a double-edged sword. It will create both challenges and opportunities for better security. You will need to think about the following with the Microsoft mandate.

Legacy Systems

Older devices may not have a TPM 2.0 device installed or are incompatible with them. This will mean these devices will not be able to run Windows 11 in a supported or secure way. IT admins and operations teams must:

  • Inventory all devices – Identify which systems meet the TPM 2.0 requirement and those that don’t
  • Budget for new hardware: Organizations will need to plan for phased hardware upgrades to make sure these are in compliance with Windows 11 hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0.
  • TPM Upgrade Options: There is the possibility with some systems to allow TPM 2.0 through BIOS updates or module installation.

Managing Device Compatibility

Microsoft has provided tools that can help with Windows 11 readiness checks like the PC Health Check or Endpoint Manager. These can help to monitor compliance with Windows 11 readiness and help to automate updates and identify devices requiring manual intervention.

Microsoft PC health check

Microsoft PC health check

What About Non-Compatible Devices?

For non-compatible devices lacking TPM 2.0 that can’t run Windows 11, organizations can still run Windows 10 through October 14, 2025 with current support. However, after that, companies can opt for the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program which will allow customers to have access to receive security updates for PCs enrolled in the program past the end of general support.

Cost Considerations

For most companies today, cost is always a consideration. Replacing all outdated end-user PCs and workstations with all new hardware may not be feasible for companies to ensure they are compatible with Windows 11. Most may want to take a phased approach to replacing aging hardware with hardware equipped with TPM 2.0 devices and phase out legacy Windows 10 endpoints before October 2025.

Budget constraints are a valid concern for many IT teams. There are a few other things that can be considered:

  • Use trade-in programs for older devices
  • Bulk purchasing agreements with hardware vendors can often lead to discounts
  • Cloud PCs may also be an option for some organizations to consider for remote workers, contractors, and others

Is TPM 2.0 enough?

Is Microsoft saying that TPM 2.0 the end all be all for cybersecurity challenges of the future? As we all know, security is much more challenging than just implementing a simple fix or solution that solves all the challenges. While TPM 2.0 is a foundational hardware layer that other security technologies can be built upon, it is not the only security solution you need.

Arguably, the best analogy with security is it needs to be implemented like “layers of an onion.” With all of the layers working together you can have a strong defensive posture. However, no one layer in itself is effective against all threats.

IT admins must layer additional defenses, such as:

  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools
  • Regular software updates and patching
  • Identity verification such as multi-factor authentication and zero-trust architectures

Wrapping up

Overall, the reaction to the Microsoft blog post has not been positive. Many may see Microsoft forcing TPM 2.0 as unnecessary and leading to undue costs and budget concerns as Windows 10 end of life is approaching quickly in 2025.

However, when we look at the landscape of security edging into 2025, cyberattacks are continuing to grow in complexity and are getting more and more sophisticated. Having the hardware protection of the TPM 2.0 module helps to make sure you can take advantage of the latest and greatest security technologies like Virtualization Based Security (VBS), BitLocker, Secure Boot, Credential Guard and others.

It will mean IT admins have the opportunity to overhaul legacy endpoints with newer hardware that will allow a much more secure platform for end users. It will require planning however to make sure new hardware and Windows 11 can be phased in before the end of life of Windows 10 coming at the end of 2025.

While the mandate may not be pleasant, overall it will be a positive development on the side of security and provide new hardware that is better equipped to protect against cyberattacks



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