Microsoft has reaffirmed that it will not lower the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, solidifying the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and a compatible CPU. This decision leaves many older PCs ineligible for the upgrade. Microsoft emphasizes that these standards are vital for improved security and performance.
As per a recent blog post titled “TPM 2.0 – a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11,” Microsoft reaffirmed its decision not to relax Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements. TPM 2.0 is a hardware-based security feature that protects sensitive data and ensures secure boot processes. Microsoft argues that such measures are nonnegotiable as the company continues to address rising cybersecurity threats. The minimum requirements include a list of approved CPUs, starting from AMD Ryzen 2000 and Intel 8th Gen processors, that offer advanced security features and better performance efficiency.
Since its launch, Windows 11’s strict requirements have sparked significant debate among users. Many argue that their older hardware is still functional and capable of running the OS. Microsoft, however, maintains that adhering to these standards enables it to focus on developing features optimized for newer systems, reducing vulnerabilities, and ensuring smoother performance. Users with unsupported devices have explored unofficial methods to bypass the requirements and install Windows 11. While these workarounds exist, Microsoft discourages their use, stating that such installations may lack proper updates, including security patches, and could lead to an unreliable user experience.
Looking ahead, Microsoft has indicated that similar hardware requirements will apply to future Windows versions, making TPM 2.0 a baseline for upcoming operating systems. This reinforces the company’s vision of a more secure computing environment and raises questions about how many users will be left behind. While Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 until October 2025, users on older hardware face a limited timeline to consider upgrades or new systems. Despite the criticism, Microsoft’s stance underlines its commitment to modernizing Windows to meet evolving technological and security demands.
Although TPM chips are installed and enabled on most desktops and laptops, they are usually disabled on off-the-shelf motherboards. If you built your own PC and have a compatible CPU for Windows 11, read our guide on how to enable TPM.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.