So Windows 10 is now end of life, and my desktop PC I use for gaming, Fusion, and Cricut software is not compatible with Windows 11. I found the reason was my motherboard does not have a TPM module required for Windows 11. TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, and is a hardware based security feature. It allows for keys to be stored in a dedicated chip, allowing for the hardware to be verified at boot time, and for features like BitLocker disk encryption to be used.

I found my motherboard, the Gigabyte Z590 does not have a TPM chip, but it does have a header for one. I purchased this TPM 2.0 module for $20. It was easy to install, just plugged it into the TPM header on the motherboard. After installing it, I had to enable it in the BIOS.

Windows Update⌗

So Windows update still said my system was not compatible. Even though I had enabled TPM 2.0 in the BIOS. The script WhyNotWin11 showed that my computer was in fact compatible.

And the built in PC Health Check app said my computer was compatible.

So … what the heck.

Turns out you have to use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to upgrade, even if Windows Update says it is not compatible. I downloaded the assistant from here: Windows 11 Installation Assistant

Alright after about an hour I was able to get Windows 11 installed. Now I have to deal with removing all the bloatware :(.

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