What Is a TPM, and Why Do I Need One for Windows 11?

pcmag.com:

Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system requires a heretofore little-known PC security feature, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). It could be cause for concern if you're looking to build your own Windows 11 PC, or upgrade one running an earlier version of Windows.

“Do I have a TPM that works with Windows 11?” is a question you probably never thought you’d need to ask. But the good news for people who have a PC bought in the last few years is that the answer is almost certainly “Yes.” For everyone else looking to upgrade to Windows 11, especially people who built or upgraded their own Windows desktop, the answer could be more complicated. 

Let’s take a look at what TPMs do and how they work in the latest version of Windows.

At its most basic, the TPM is a tiny chip on your computer’s motherboard, sometimes separate from the main CPU and memory. The chip is akin to the keypad you use to disable your home security alarm every time you walk in the door, or the authenticator app you use on your phone to log in to your bank account. In this scenario, turning on your computer is analogous to opening the front door of your home or entering your username and password into the login page. If you don’t key in a code within a short period of time, alarms will sound or you won’t be able to access your money.

Likewise, after you press the power button on a newer PC that uses full-disk encryption and a TPM, the tiny chip will supply a unique code called a cryptographic key. If everything is normal, the drive encryption is unlocked and your computer starts up. If there’s a problem with the key—perhaps a hacker stole your laptop and tried to tamper with the encrypted drive inside—your PC won’t boot up. 

While that’s how modern TPM