Microsoft's TMP confusion: Users caught between updates
Microsoft caused quite a stir by publishing two articles related to Windows updates. Within just a few days, information about the necessity of the TPM 2.0 module in computers was released online, followed shortly by an official suggestion on how to manage without it. However, this publication was a mistake.
Windows 10 users who are keeping up with system updates might have found themselves quite confused recently. First, Microsoft explained why the TPM 2.0 module is essential for computer encryption and security, then published a headline suggesting that Windows 11 could be installed on computers without this component.
Eventually, they retracted everything, explaining that the publication had an unfortunate title and that the text was from 2021, when the nuances were explained just after the release of Windows 11—details Forbes. While Windows 11 can technically be installed on a computer without TPM 2.0, this is not in line with the recommendations, and support and flawless system performance might be difficult to expect.
The newer Windows 11 has been on the market for a few years. The popularity trend is not particularly pronounced, and it seems that many users, for various reasons, do not want to part with their computers running Windows 10. It is hard to predict how most will behave in October next year, when the Ten will lose further support. Therefore, it will no longer be updated in terms of security (although, realistically, Microsoft will probably make exceptions in critical cases).
However, there are at least several solutions. The unadvised one is to ignore this fact and continue using Windows 10. Although the system will most likely regularly remind users that it does not receive security patches, the situation won't differ until the first cyberattack, compared to how it was previously used. However, this opens the way for criminals to exploit any vulnerabilities that may be discovered later, of which there are dozens month to month.
Another – and practically recommended by Microsoft – solution is to purchase a new, compliant computer with Windows 11 (we assume that upgrading to Windows 11, which is free, is not an option due to the lack of the TPM 2.0 module). The last option is to pay for extended support and updates, but this is still a temporary solution and is unlikely to be popular at home. It is rather a version for businesses, where additional time for migration is needed.
Windows 11 on non-compliant hardware
But what about users who, one way or another, have installed Windows 11 despite the theoretical lack of compliance with minimum requirements? Microsoft suggests possibly withdrawing the update quickly and returning to the older Windows 10. Non-compliance with the requirements may, in practice, result in a block on installing further updates, even as a precaution against unforeseen consequences in such situations. In other words, the user may unknowingly block themselves from receiving security patches in this way, which would still be installed in Windows 10 at this time.
There is still some time to make a final decision. Windows 10 loses support in October 2025. Ideally, by then, all undecided users should be tempted to install Windows 11 if they can, and the rest should either buy new computers compatible with the new system or purchase additional support. Experience suggests that such a scenario is practically impossible. Most likely a large portion, if not most, Windows 10 users will still decide to continue using their computers despite the lack of further support for at least a few more months.
