- 1 Introduction
- 2 What Are TPM and Secure Boot?
- 3 Additional Tip: What If You Can’t Enter BIOS?
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 5 Summary Table
Introduction
With Windows 11 24H2 being rolled out worldwide, many PC users are excited to upgrade.
However, quite a few people are suddenly facing confusing error messages that stop the process completely:
“This PC can’t run Windows 11”
TPM is not enabled
Secure Boot is not enabled
If you are seeing these warnings, you’re not alone. Many users — especially those upgrading older or custom-built PCs — run into this issue.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what TPM and Secure Boot mean, how to check your system, how to fix these problems, and even cover possible workarounds if your hardware doesn’t officially meet requirements.
What Are TPM and Secure Boot?
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand what these two technologies do:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| TPM (Trusted Platform Module) | A security chip that safely stores encryption keys, passwords, and certificates, protecting sensitive data. |
| Secure Boot | A BIOS-level feature that prevents unauthorized or malicious software from loading during system boot-up. |
Windows 11 requires both TPM and Secure Boot to be enabled to meet Microsoft’s security standards.
Step 1 — Check Your Current Settings
How to Check TPM Status
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type tpm.msc and press Enter.
- The TPM Management window will open.
- If it says “The TPM is ready for use”, your TPM is enabled.
- If you see “Compatible TPM cannot be found”, TPM is disabled or not present.
How to Check Secure Boot Status
- Search for “System Information” in the Start menu.
- Open System Information.
- Look for the field Secure Boot State on the right.
- Enabled = Secure Boot is active.
- Disabled or Not Supported = Secure Boot is inactive.
Step 2 — Enable TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS (UEFI)
In many cases, TPM and Secure Boot are simply turned off in your BIOS settings. This is often the easiest fix.
How to Access BIOS (UEFI)
- Restart your PC.
- As soon as your system powers on, repeatedly press your BIOS key (commonly F2, DEL, ESC, or others depending on your manufacturer).
- The BIOS (UEFI Firmware Settings) will open.
BIOS Settings to Look For
| Feature | Possible BIOS Label |
|---|---|
| TPM | TPM / PTT / fTPM |
| Secure Boot | Secure Boot |
- Set these options to Enabled.
- Save your changes and restart.
⚠️Caution: Be careful when modifying BIOS settings. If you’re unsure, consult your manufacturer’s support resources or ask an expert.
Step 3 — What If You Can’t Enable TPM or Secure Boot?
Some older systems don’t support TPM or Secure Boot, or they might be permanently disabled due to hardware limitations. In these cases, it may still be possible to install Windows 11 using workaround (bypass) methods. However, these are unofficial solutions and carry some risk.
Common Bypass Methods
| Method | Overview |
|---|---|
| Registry Edit | Modify registry keys during setup to disable hardware checks. |
| Rufus Tool | Create installation USB with bypass options enabled using Rufus software. |
| Third-Party Tools | Use unofficial tools (e.g., Win11Builder). Use extreme caution with third-party solutions. |
These bypass methods are widely used but are not officially supported by Microsoft. Especially for business, enterprise, or critical systems, proceed very carefully and fully understand the potential risks before using any bypass.
Step 4 — Special Considerations for Windows 11 24H2
With version 24H2, Microsoft has tightened hardware enforcement even further. Some older bypass tricks that worked for 22H2 may no longer be effective.
For example:
- Media Creation Tool checks hardware requirements more strictly.
- Certain ISO modification methods have been blocked.
If you’re planning to use a bypass for 24H2, it’s essential to:
- Double-check that the method is still effective for 24H2.
- Always download tools from trusted sources.
- Keep updated on the latest reports from Windows user communities.
This stricter enforcement in 24H2 has already caused frustration for many advanced users. Careful preparation is key.
Additional Tip: What If You Can’t Enter BIOS?
Sometimes, users face challenges even accessing BIOS settings:
- USB keyboards may not work during early boot.
- Modern PCs boot too quickly to register key presses.
- Pressing the wrong key accidentally boots directly into Windows.
Alternative Way to Enter BIOS (UEFI) via Windows
- Go to Start → Settings → System → Recovery.
- Select Restart Now under Advanced Startup.
- Once the blue options screen appears, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → UEFI Firmware Settings.
This method allows you to enter BIOS safely even if you can’t access it during startup.
Disable Fast Startup If Necessary
If you still have difficulty entering BIOS, try disabling Windows Fast Startup:
- Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q．Can I add TPM to a PC that doesn’t have it?
A．In some desktop PCs, you can install a discrete TPM module if your motherboard supports it. On laptops, adding TPM is usually impossible.
Q． I’m afraid to modify BIOS — what should I do?
A．If you’re uncomfortable changing BIOS settings, seek assistance from knowledgeable friends, technicians, or your manufacturer’s support service.
Q．Is it dangerous to bypass these requirements?
A．Many users successfully bypass Windows 11 requirements without issues. However, you must understand that doing so could expose you to security risks, potential software incompatibilities, or unsupported configurations down the road.
TPM and Secure Boot questions are extremely common during the Windows 11 upgrade process. Understanding the basics will help you approach these adjustments calmly and safely. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult manufacturer documentation or qualified experts.
Summary Table
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Disabled in BIOS | Enable TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS (UEFI) |
| No TPM Chip Present | Consider bypass methods (at your own risk) |
| Secure Boot Not Supported | Bypass or explore alternative install methods |
As Windows 11 24H2 becomes the new standard, more users are determined to upgrade — even on older, unsupported hardware.
TPM and Secure Boot are the first major obstacles in this journey.
By understanding these requirements and taking careful steps, you may still successfully install Windows 11 even if your PC doesn’t meet every official requirement.
However, always weigh the benefits vs. risks carefully, especially when considering bypass techniques. Stay informed, proceed cautiously, and you’ll improve your chances of a smooth upgrade.
✔️You might also find these helpful:
▶︎How to Use Windows System Restore Points
▶︎How to Fix Sleep Mode Battery Drain on Windows 11
▶︎Why Is My Surface Battery Draining During Sleep? Real Causes and Fixes
