What is TPM 2.0 and does my PC have it?

TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 is a security chip required by Windows 11. Most PCs from 2016 onward have it, but it may be disabled in BIOS settings. The PC Health Check app will tell you if TPM is the blocking issue. Enabling it in BIOS often resolves the compatibility check failure without any hardware change.

What should I do if my PC fails the Windows 11 check?

If your PC fails: first check whether TPM 2.0 just needs to be enabled in BIOS settings. If the CPU is the blocking issue, the options are: continue on Windows 10 (with known security risks after support ended), purchase a new PC, or upgrade the processor or motherboard if the machine is worth it. A technician can advise on what makes sense for your specific PC age and condition.

Is it safe to stay on Windows 10 now that support has ended?

Staying on Windows 10 after support ended (October 2025) means no more security updates. This increases the risk of malware exploiting known vulnerabilities. For a home PC, the risk is manageable if you are careful about what you click and download. For a business PC, staying on an unsupported OS is a more significant risk.

Can My PC Run Windows 11? Compatibility Check Guide

Windows 11 requirements

64-bit processor: 8th-gen Intel Core (i3/i5/i7/i9) or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer (rough guide — check the full list).
4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended for comfortable use).
64GB storage minimum.
TPM 2.0 (may need to be enabled in BIOS).
UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capable.
DirectX 12 compatible graphics.

If your PC fails the check

Check if the reason is TPM 2.0 — it may just be disabled in BIOS settings.
Check if the reason is the CPU model — this cannot be fixed with settings.
If it is a desktop, CPU/motherboard upgrade may be possible — call for advice.
If it is a laptop with a blocked CPU, replacement is usually the only option.
Consider whether the PC is worth upgrading vs. budgeting for replacement.

How to check if your PC can run Windows 11

Download PC Health Check. Go to microsoft.com and search for "PC Health Check app." Download and install it — it is free and takes about two minutes.
Run the check. Open the app and click "Check Now." It will scan your PC against all Windows 11 requirements and report whether it passes or fails, with a specific reason if it fails.
If it passes: Your PC can be upgraded to Windows 11. You can do this via Settings → Windows Update, or have it done professionally with a data backup first.
If it fails with "TPM 2.0 not enabled": This is often fixable in BIOS. See the TPM section below.
If it fails with the CPU: The processor in your PC does not meet Microsoft's requirements. This typically affects PCs with 6th or 7th gen Intel Core processors (2015–2017) — the hardware needs to be upgraded or replaced.

TPM 2.0 — the most common fixable failure reason

TPM 2.0 is a security chip that Windows 11 requires. Most PCs from 2016 onward have the chip, but it may be disabled in BIOS/UEFI settings. When TPM is disabled, the PC Health Check reports "TPM 2.0 is required to install Windows 11" — even though the hardware is actually present.

To check and enable TPM: restart the PC and enter BIOS (usually by pressing Del, F2 or F10 during startup — it varies by manufacturer). Look for a setting labelled TPM, PTT (Intel Platform Trust Technology) or fTPM (AMD firmware TPM). Enable it, save and exit. Then run PC Health Check again.

If you are not comfortable in BIOS settings, a technician can enable this quickly without any hardware changes. Call Geeks On Call and we can confirm the process for your specific model.

What to do if your PC cannot run Windows 11

Situation	Options
TPM disabled, hardware present	Enable in BIOS — no cost, no hardware change
7th gen Intel Core processor (2017)	CPU incompatible — desktop CPU/motherboard upgrade or new PC
6th gen Intel or older	New PC likely the most practical option
AMD Ryzen 1000 series (2017)	Not compatible — upgrade or replacement
Laptop with incompatible CPU	CPU cannot be upgraded — new laptop or continue on Win 10 with risks understood

Windows 11 upgrade help in Auckland

Geeks On Call handles Windows 11 upgrades for Auckland homes and businesses — including compatibility checks, TPM BIOS enabling, data backup before upgrading, in-place upgrade or clean install, and post-upgrade driver and software verification.

For PCs that do not qualify, we give honest advice on whether hardware upgrade or replacement makes more sense given the age and condition of the machine.

Call 020 419 54214 Windows 11 Upgrade Auckland

Windows 11 compatibility FAQ

Can my PC run Windows 11?

Use the free Microsoft PC Health Check app to get a definitive answer for your specific PC. Requirements include TPM 2.0, a compatible 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage.

My PC fails the Windows 11 check — can it be fixed?

Often yes. The most common fixable failure is TPM 2.0 being disabled in BIOS settings. If the CPU is the blocking factor, hardware upgrade or replacement is the realistic option.

Should I upgrade to Windows 11 or buy a new PC?

If the PC passes the compatibility check and is otherwise working well, upgrading is usually worth it. If the CPU is incompatible and the machine is already slow or showing other issues, replacement may be the more practical decision. Call for honest advice on your specific situation.

Is it safe to stay on Windows 10?

Windows 10 support ended October 2025 — it no longer receives security updates. The risk increases over time as known vulnerabilities remain unpatched. For home users, the practical risk depends on how carefully you use the PC. For business use, unsupported OS is a more significant concern.