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If Windows Update says can’t run Windows 11 on your PC, don’t panic.
That’s exactly what happened to me.
I opened Windows Update and saw the dreaded message:
“This PC can’t run Windows 11.”
So I assumed it was correct.
Windows 10 support is ending in October 2025, and I figured my system just wasn’t compatible. I even signed up for the Extended Security Updates program (which was free) because I thought I had no other choice.
But something didn’t feel right.
So, I dug deeper.
Why Windows Update Says Can’t Run Windows 11 Even When Your PC Is Compatible
My Computer Should Have Been Compatible
On paper, my motherboard supported Windows 11.
My processor was supported.
I had enough RAM.
My storage was fine.
So why was Windows Update telling me my system couldn’t run Windows 11?
The issue wasn’t the hardware.
It was a setting.
The Real Problem: TPM (But Not Named TPM)
Windows 11 requires something called TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module).
Here’s where people get confused…
In many BIOS systems, it’s NOT labeled “TPM.”
On Intel systems, it may appear as:
-
PTT (Platform Trust Technology)
On AMD systems, it may appear as:
-
fTPM
-
Firmware TPM
So if you go into your BIOS looking specifically for “TPM,” you might think your system doesn’t support it.
That’s exactly what almost happened to me. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 as part of its security baseline, according to Microsoft’s official hardware requirements.
What I Actually Had to Enable
I went into my BIOS and couldn’t find anything called TPM.
Instead, I found:
Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT)
It was disabled.
I enabled it.
Saved changes.
Rebooted.
That was it.
After restarting, Windows Update no longer blocked the upgrade.
No new motherboard.
No new processor.
No new computer.
Just one setting.
Why Windows Update Gets This Wrong
Many manufacturers shipped systems with TPM capability turned off by default.
Windows Update only checks whether TPM is enabled.
If it’s disabled, Windows assumes your PC is incompatible.
It doesn’t say:
“Go enable this in BIOS.”
It just says:
“Your PC can’t run Windows 11.”
That message causes unnecessary panic.
Before You Assume Your PC Is Too Old
If you’re seeing the compatibility warning, check your BIOS for:
Intel Systems
-
PTT
-
Platform Trust Technology
AMD Systems
-
fTPM
-
Firmware TPM
Enable it.
Reboot.
Check Windows Update again.
You might be surprised.
When a PC Truly Cannot Run Windows 11
To be fair, some systems genuinely cannot upgrade.
Common reasons include:
-
7th-generation Intel processors or older
-
Very old AMD processors
-
No UEFI support
-
Secure Boot not supported
But I’ve seen many perfectly capable systems blocked simply because a setting was turned off.
If Windows Update says your PC can’t run Windows 11, check BIOS for PTT (Intel) or fTPM (AMD) before assuming your computer is too old.
Need Help Checking Safely?
If you’re not comfortable going into your BIOS settings, I can safely check compatibility and guide you step-by-step.
No upsells.
No unnecessary hardware.
No pressure.
If your PC truly can’t run Windows 11, I’ll tell you honestly.
If it can, we’ll enable the right setting and move forward.
Why does Windows Update say my PC can’t run Windows 11?
Often it’s because TPM is disabled in BIOS. Windows only checks if TPM is enabled — not whether your motherboard supports it.
What is TPM?
TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. It’s a security feature required by Windows 11.
What is PTT in BIOS?
PTT (Platform Trust Technology) is Intel’s firmware-based TPM. Enabling it satisfies the Windows 11 TPM requirement.
What is fTPM?
fTPM is AMD’s firmware-based TPM solution. It performs the same function as TPM 2.0.
Is Extended Security Updates required if my PC supports Windows 11?
No. If your PC supports Windows 11 after enabling TPM/PTT/fTPM, you can upgrade instead of relying on extended updates.
