Microsoft seals a TPM 2.0 loophole, once again preventing users from installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices

Microsoft seals a TPM 2.0 loophole, once again preventing users from installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices

What you need to know

  • Microsoft recently patched the TPM 2.0 trick that allowed users to circumvent the hardware requirement verification process when activating Windows 11 on unsupported devices. 
  • The trick reportedly still works on the Windows 11 24H2 release, but the change will likely be implemented in future releases.
  • This happened after Microsoft announced its plans to pump the brakes on aggressive ads in Windows 10, urging users to upgrade to Windows 11.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Microsoft’s latest moves regarding Windows 11 have left me scratching my head more often than not. The company’s persistent push to upgrade users to Windows 11, even while patching loopholes like the TPM 2.0 trick, feels a bit too aggressive for my taste.


In simpler terms, the hardware needs for running Windows 11 are quite demanding relative to Windows 10. This is a key factor contributing to the ongoing popularity of Windows 10 in the market.

With Windows 10’s end-of-support approaching on October 14, 2025, users will soon be compelled to transition to Windows 11. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has initiated a petition urging Microsoft to prolong the support for Windows 10, arguing that such an extension would prevent “the largest wave of discarded computers in history.”

The company has recently decided to slow down its push for users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, but they have found a way around the hardware requirements for some devices. This was done by fixing a method known as the TPM 2.0 trick, which allowed users to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices using a command line called ‘/product server’ during installation. (Source: Neowin)

As a researcher, I’ve noticed that Microsoft has discreetly addressed this issue through a recent Canary Build (version 27686). Although tech enthusiast Bob Pony has verified that Windows 11, version 24H2 is still functional with the trick, it appears that the modification could become widespread soon. This would make the TPM 2.0 protocol obligatory, potentially affecting all systems.

What is TPM?

A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a small hardware component placed on motherboards that enhances security by encoding confidential data and creating a secure boot environment, essential for services like BitLocker and Windows Hello which store biometric details. The TPM 2.0 version is the most widespread, with most current computers offering both physical and virtual chips within processors. However, some systems might have TPM deactivated initially, so users need to enable it through their BIOS settings.

Upgrading to Windows 11 has never been harder

Microsoft seals a TPM 2.0 loophole, once again preventing users from installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft introduced Windows 11. However, due to everyone’s attention being centered on the deadly virus and the challenging economic conditions, the world showed less interest in a new software that demanded advanced hardware.

It’s worth noting that there was a 3% increase in global PC shipments during the second quarter of 2024. This notable rise is largely credited to increased excitement about AI-focused PCs and a less exciting commercial update cycle, as stated by experts and market analysts. However, it’s important to mention that the Chinese market is still facing challenges.

Beyond the challenging economic climate and demanding system specifications, Windows 11 users have pointed out design flaws and performance problems. Interestingly, as the end approaches for Windows 10, Windows 11’s user base reached a record high of over 30%, while the share of Windows 10 dropped to about 65%.

Experts and analysts believe that the substantial increase in the market share of Windows 11 can be attributed to Microsoft’s intense advertising campaign, the impending demise of Windows 10, and the growing excitement surrounding Copilot+ PCs.

It’s worth noting that Microsoft recently introduced some remarkable AI capabilities in its 24H2 release, such as Live Captions and Windows Studio Effects, among others. However, due to their higher system requirements, these features are primarily available on Copilot+ PCs. Essentially, they operate using a neural processing unit (NPU).

Users might find themselves with limited options such as transitioning to a different operating system or opting for the less stringent hardware requirements of Microsoft’s Windows 11 LTSC Enterprise edition.

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2024-08-20 13:40