Do I need to replace my motherboard for Windows 11?

Do I need to replace my motherboard for Windows 11?

Q I’ve become aware that my PC is not up to the specifications required to host the new Windows 11 operating system. I’m surprised that my PC, which is only 14 months old, already needs updating! The problem is that Windows 11 requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which is a chip embedded on the motherboard. So, in order to run Windows 11, I’m going to have to change my motherboard. My computer has an AMD Ryzen 7 3800X processor, 32MB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM and an AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT graphics card, all attached to a ROG Crosshair VIII Hero motherboard. Can you recommend a replacement motherboard that has TPM 2.0 that will also be compatible with my other components?

Trevor Edwards

A We have some very good news: you won’t be needing a new motherboard!

It’s true that your motherboard lacks a TPM 2.0 module but that won’t prevent you running Windows 11, as your computer’s processor has what’s known as ‘firmware TPM’ (or fTPM). It just needs to be enabled.

To do this you’ll need to access the motherboard’s UEFI (modern BIOS) by tapping F2 or Delete (Del) shortly after switching on the PC. Next, you need to switch the UEFI interface to what Asus calls Advanced mode.

Do this by tapping F7 once. Then, using the cursor (arrow) keys for direction and Enter to make selections, select the Advanced tab and, there, choose the ‘AMD fTPM configuration’ option (see screenshot above). Next, change this option to the Firmware TPM setting. Finally, choose Exit or press Escape (Esc), being sure to choose Yes to save your changes. Your PC should now be all set for Windows 11.