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Description
Setting up Windows 11 should be exciting, right? Clean look, smoother feel, and faster everything. But then bam! you're hit with this error: “This PC can’t run Windows 11.” And you're sitting there thinking, “What do you mean unsupported? TPM 2.0 is already enabled!”
You’re not alone. This exact issue has been one of the most talked about topics ever since Microsoft announced the system requirements for Windows 11. And honestly, it makes you feel like your PC is playing a prank on you.
Let’s go step-by-step and talk through real fixes, real causes, and what not to do. This guide is your go-to if you’ve seen that TPM 2.0 enabled but still getting unsupported device error on Windows 11 setup message pop up, and you’re wondering what’s going wrong.
Why Windows 11 Demands TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
Alright, before we unpack the fixes, it helps to understand why TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are required. Microsoft didn’t make these system rules for fun. These features help keep your data safe. Think of them as bodyguards for your system.
TPM 2.0, or Trusted Platform Module version 2.0, is a small chip usually built right into your motherboard. It's designed to protect your passwords, encryption keys, and sensitive info.
Secure Boot, on the other hand, makes sure your computer only starts with software trusted by your system's maker. This helps stop unwanted programs (like rootkits) from taking over your PC.
Now, even when TPM 2.0 is enabled, users around the world from the US to India get that “unsupported device” error. So what’s the real story? Let’s untangle this mess.
TPM 2.0 Is Enabled but Still Unsupported? Here’s What Might Be Happening
Let’s picture this. You’ve enabled TPM 2.0 in the BIOS. You double-checked it. Maybe even triple-checked. But Windows 11 setup still barks that error at you.
Here’s the thing: just because TPM is enabled, it doesn’t always mean it’s detected or available in the right way for Windows to use. Sounds strange, but it’s true.
Let’s walk through common causes:
1. Outdated BIOS Firmware
In a lot of motherboards especially older ones the TPM version might be 1.2 by default, or it doesn’t show up at all until a BIOS update.
Real-world example: A user in Bangalore updated their mid-2018 ASUS board and suddenly Windows 11 setup passed the check. No TPM chip change just a BIOS update.
Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS firmware. Brands like Gigabyte, MSI, and ASUS update TPM support often.
2. TPM Installed But Set To 1.2 Instead of 2.0
Sometimes your CPU supports fTPM (firmware TPM), but it’s still stuck on version 1.2. You'll need to change it manually in BIOS:
Go into BIOS settings.
Look under Security, Advanced, or Trusted Computing tabs.
Change TPM version from 1.2 to 2.0.
Don’t forget to save changes before rebooting.
3. Secure Boot Is Off
Even with proper TPM, having Secure Boot off can confuse the Windows 11 setup and make it throw the unsupported device error.
Enable it like this:
Go to BIOS.
Switch Boot Mode to UEFI.
Turn Secure Boot to Enabled.
Make sure your disk is in GPT format, not MBR. Windows 11 doesn't like MBR with Secure Boot.
4. Windows Installer Doesn’t Read TPM Properly
This is rare but happens. When using unofficial ISOs or modified install tools, sometimes the TPM status isn’t pulled in the right way.
Using the official ISO download from Microsoft or tools like the Windows Media Creation Tool keeps this from happening.
How to Check TPM 2.0 Status Correctly in Windows 10 or Existing System
Before digging deeper, here’s how to check TPM the right way:
Press Windows + R
Type tpm.msc and press Enter.
Look at the Status: It should say "The TPM is ready for use".
Check Specification Version on the bottom: It should say 2.0
Still seeing 1.2 or nothing at all? It’s time to update BIOS or change settings—as we talked about earlier.
Tip from SoftwareKey4U users: Some boards label TPM weirdly like "PTT" on Intel boards or “fTPM” on AMD. You might need to explore a bit inside BIOS.
Bypassing TPM 2.0 Check (Only When You Absolutely Need To)
Okay this part is not recommended unless you're stuck and really need Windows 11. If your PC is safe and you understand the risks, many users around the world (especially with old-but-still-good Intel i5 PCs) have used this trick.
Yes, Microsoft lets you bypass TPM under certain conditions. (They might not promote it, but it’s true.)
Here’s a safe way:
Registry Method:
Boot from the Windows 11 USB.
When setup starts, press Shift + F10 to open CMD.
Type regedit and open Registry Editor.
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Create a new key: LabConfig
Inside it, create new DWORD entries:
BypassTPMCheck = 1
BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
Close regedit and go back to setup.
Again, this is only for testing, or low-risk personal devices. Not meant for sensitive work systems or business use.
What Users Say About This Error (Collected Insights from Real Cases)
At SoftwareKey4U, many customers from places like Delhi, Mumbai, San Jose, and Berlin shared their experience dealing with this error. One retired teacher in Lucknow, running an old Lenovo, had this issue. BIOS was confusing, TPM was in a hidden tab, and Secure Boot was disabled. With a little BIOS tweaking, she finally got it installed with a key from softwarekey4u.com, of course.
Another gamer from Texas upgraded his ASUS B450 board’s firmware and changed AMD’s fTPM version and boom! It worked.
These stories show it’s usually a minor fix hiding somewhere deep in BIOS.
FAQs: TPM 2.0 Enabled but Still Getting Unsupported Device Error on Windows 11 Setup
1. Why does Windows 11 say my device is unsupported even when TPM 2.0 is enabled?
This usually happens when either Secure Boot is off, the TPM version is set to 1.2, or BIOS needs an update. Make sure you're using the latest BIOS and that both TPM and Secure Boot are properly enabled.
2. How do I check if my TPM is truly version 2.0?
Use the tpm.msc command in Windows. In the TPM Management window, look at the specification version it should read 2.0.
3. Can I install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0?
Technically yes, using a registry tweak during install. Microsoft offers a partial workaround for those upgrading from Windows 10, but this is best suited for personal use and not work or school devices.
4. I enabled both TPM and Secure Boot, but setup still fails. Why?
That may point to a missing BIOS update or the disk being in MBR format instead of GPT. Convert the disk to GPT or reformat during installation.
5. Where can I get a legit Windows 11 product key?
You can get a genuine, affordable Windows 11 key from SoftwareKey4U, trusted by users worldwide.
Final Thoughts: Patience + Double Checks = Success
This whole TPM 2.0 enabled but still unsupported thing? It’s annoying, frustrating even confusing. It’s like your PC is speaking a different language. But the fixes are often rooted in straightforward things BIOS updates, version settings, and format checks.
Take a deep breath, check one step at a time, and keep tools like Rufus, Microsoft’s official media tool, and BIOS manuals at your side. And when you finally see that Windows 11 logo flashing across the screen priceless moment.
For those looking for genuine Windows 11 keys, SoftwareKey4U remains a reliable place serving everyone from college students to small business owners.