Don’t Let Your Perfectly Good Computer Become E-Waste

When Windows Update Says No TPM 2.0 — Your Computer Probably Supports It — Here’s How to Enable

Don’t Let Your Perfectly Good Computer Become E-Waste

Let’s keep more than 100 million perfectly good computers out of the landfills.

With support for Windows 10 ending in October 2025, millions of users are facing the same dilemma. TPM 2.0 is required to run Windows 11, but Windows Update indicates that their computer cannot upgrade to Windows 11 because it doesn’t support TPM 2.0.

** 09/30/2025 Update ***

Microsoft has announced several options to continue receive security updates on personal Windows 10 computers through October 13, 2026 via its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10.

You can enroll in ESU in one of the following three ways:

• At no additional cost if you are syncing your PC Settings.
• Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• One-time purchase of $30 USD or local currency equivalent plus applicable tax.

Visit the Microsoft blog to determine if you qualify and explore your options: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/extended-security-updates.

Before buying a new machine, read this:

If your computer is less than 7 years old, it probably does support TPM 2.0 — it’s just disabled.

Although many have been told their computers are incompatible with Windows 11, the reality is quite different. Most computers produced in the last five years come equipped with TPM 2.0 modules. (For Dell it is nearly 10 years. All Dell computers shipped since 2015 support TPM 2.0.) The problem is that manufacturers left the TPM module turned off.

I discovered this firsthand when my Dell G3 3779 gaming laptop, equipped with an Intel i7–8750H processor and 32GB of RAM, failed Microsoft’s compatibility check. I was frustrated. My computer is definitely powerful enough to run Windows 11. The issue? A disabled TPM module, not missing hardware.

The same was true for one of my client’s desktop computers at home. He was receiving the same “No TPM 2.0 module” message. It was there, but disabled. We were thrilled to discover that a simple change to a BIOS setting enabled both of his computers to receive the free Windows 11 upgrade. This saved him at least $1,200 that he would have spent on new computers, while also avoiding the inconveniences and frustrations associated with replacing them.

Minimum CPU Requirements

Microsoft requires that computers with an Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or i9 processor need at least an 8th-generation chip to run Windows 11.

The fastest way to check your CPU generation:

1. Press the Windows Key and type “About”, then hit Enter.

2. Look for the Processor entry under Device Specifications.

3. The Key: Look at the first one or two digits following the hyphen.

Example: Intel Core i5–12600K → 12th Generation.

Example: Intel Core i7–8700 → 8th Generation.

The Hidden Truth About TPM 2.0 Support

According to Microsoft support documentation, most PCs that have shipped in the last 5 years are capable of running Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 (TPM 2.0). Dell takes this further, stating that virtually all Dell PCs and laptops shipped since 2015 include TPM 2.0 capability.

The disconnect occurs because manufacturers historically shipped these security modules in a disabled state. This practice may have made sense before Windows 11 but now creates unnecessary confusion.

Why Were TPM Modules Disabled?

Before Windows 11 made TPM 2.0 mandatory, manufacturers disabled these modules for several practical reasons:

• Compatibility concerns with legacy software and applications
• Simplified user experience for consumers unfamiliar with security hardware
• Flexibility for enterprise environments with custom security protocols
• Reduced support costs from potential configuration issues

This widespread industry practice explains why millions of capable computers now falsely appear incompatible with Windows 11.

How to Enable Your Computer’s TPM Module

Step 1: Use PC Health Check to Verify Windows 11 Compatibility

Microsoft provides a free app called PC Health Check that evaluates all the system requirements for Windows 11 compatibility including Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, CPU (generation and at least 2 cores), RAM (minimum 4GB), and available storage capacity.

1. Download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app

2. Check Windows 11 compatibility status. If lack of TPM 2.0 is the only issue then your computer almost certainly DOES support TPM 2.0, proceed to Step 2. If there are other issues, see “When All Else Fails” near the bottom of this article.

Step 2: Verify Your Computer’s TPM 2.0 Capability

As stated above, if the only issue holding your computer back from the Windows 11 upgrade is the lack of TPM 2.0, then your computer almost certainly supports TPM 2.0.

If you want to double-check TMP 2.0 support before diving into BIOS settings, here are a couple options:

1. Quick AI-Assisted Research Method

Use the following prompt with any AI assistant to research your specific model for TPM 2.0 support:

“Investigate whether the [insert your computer manufacturer and model] includes a TPM 2.0 chip by confirming TPM version support based on official documentation, cross-referencing support forums, and verifying BIOS availability.”

2. Check Manufacturer Resources

• Dell users: Visit Dell’s official Windows 11 compatibility list
• Other manufacturers: Check your brand’s support website for Windows 11 compatibility information

Step 3: Enable TPM 2.0 in Your BIOS/UEFI

Once you’ve confirmed TPM 2.0 capability, follow these steps to activate it:

Universal BIOS Activation Steps

1. Restart your computer
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing the appropriate key during startup:

• Dell: F2 or F12
• HP: F10 or Esc
• Asus: Delete or F2
• Lenovo: F1 or F2

1. Navigate to Security settings

• Look for “Security,” “Trusted Computing,” or “Advanced Settings”

1. Locate TPM settings

• May be labeled as “TPM,” “Security Chip,” or “Trusted Platform Module”

1. Enable the TPM module
2. Save changes and exit (usually F10)

Manufacturer-Specific Instructions

• Dell: Official TPM enablement guide
• HP: Check HP Support for your specific model
• Asus, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface: Refer to manufacturer support documentation

⚠️ Important: Always save your work before making BIOS changes. While enabling TPM is generally safe, any BIOS modifications should be done carefully.

Step 4: Verify Windows 11 Compatibility

After enabling TPM 2.0:

1. If you have not already done so, download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app
2. Check Windows 11 compatibility status — if the lack of TMP 2.0 support was the only issue, you should now pass all requirements.

Step 5: Run Windows Update to receive the free Windows 11 upgrade

Now run Windows Update to check for available updates. It should offer the Windows 11 upgrade to you.

⚠️Tech Note: Although the upgrade should not disturb the files you have created, it is wise to back up your files before proceeding with the installation.

What If Windows Update Still Doesn’t Offer Windows 11?

Even with TPM 2.0 enabled and compatibility confirmed, you might not immediately see Windows 11 in Windows Update. Here’s why and what to do:

Common Reasons for Delayed Updates

• Staged rollout: Microsoft deploys updates in phases.
• Previously dismissed notifications: Windows Update may remember if you declined before
• Update service issues: The Windows Update service occasionally needs troubleshooting

Solutions:

1. Restart your system: Restarting your computer refreshes the Windows Update service.
2. Wait a few days. It may take several days for Microsoft to offer the upgrade to Windows 11. If the offer does not pop up, run Windows Update to check for the upgrade.
3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: The Windows Update Troubleshooter automatically fixes common update issues.
4. Use Windows 11 Installation Assistant: Download Windows 11 directly from Microsoft using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
5. Download Windows 11 ISO: Manual installation gives you complete control. You can download the Windows 11 ISO from this page on the Microsoft website.

⚠️Tech Note: It is a good idea to use your computer vendor’s support page to update all critical drivers before attempting upgrade. If your computer is a Dell, the Dell SupportAssist app safely automates this process.

When All Else Fails — Upgrade to Linux or ChromeOS

If there are additional issues, such as an unsupported CPU, you may need to replace your computer. If you are open to moving away from Microsoft Windows, you can upgrade your computer to a different operating system such as Linux or ChromeOS Flex.

The Linux Option

Linux has much lower system requirements than Windows and has been tested on a huge variety of desktop and laptop computer models. Popular Linux options for Windows refugees include Linux Mint and Ubuntu.

The ChromeOS Flex Option

Another alternative to junking the old computer is to transform it into a Chromebook by installing Chrome OS Flex. It is a free operating system from Google that allows you to run ChromeOS on non-Chromebook hardware. One advantage of ChromeOS is that computers running ChromeOS are simpler to keep secure because ChromeOS automatically updates itself each time you start up the computer.

A couple of YouTube videos that step you through the installation process are “Revive Your Old Laptop with ChromeOS Flex” (14 minutes) and a more in-depth “How to Install ChromeOS Flex From Start to Finish + OS Tour [2025]” (29 minutes).

You will need to access Google’s ChromeOS Flex installation guide. It includes written instructions and the necessary links for the installation.

Take Action Before October 2025

Don’t let Windows 10’s end-of-support deadline catch you unprepared. Most likely, your current computer already has everything needed to run Windows 11 — it just needs a simple BIOS setting change.

Your next steps:

1. Run the PC Health Check app.
2. Research your computer model’s TPM 2.0 capability.
3. Enable TPM in your BIOS settings.
4. Run the PC Health Check app to verify the success of the BIOS setting change.
5. Upgrade to Windows 11.

With these simple steps, you can avoid unnecessary hardware purchases and keep your perfectly capable computer running the latest Windows version for years to come.

If this article saved you hundreds on a new PC, consider buying me a coffee! ☕ Your voluntary contribution is a non-refundable gift that encourages me to continue creating helpful guides like this one.