Windows Upgrade Help and more

**Subject: Windows 11 upgrade is a NIGHTMARE**

So my PC meets the RAM and storage requirements, but this upgrade is impossible. I’m running an AMD FX-8350. Every time I run the PC Health Check, it fails. The main error is: “This PC must support TPM 2.0.” I’ve scoured my BIOS—there’s NO firmware TPM option anywhere! Microsoft’s website is useless, just says “contact your manufacturer.” My board is like 10 years old, Asus isn’t adding it now. Am I just totally screwed? Do I *really* need to buy a whole new motherboard/CPU for an OS update? This is so frustrating.

Hey there, that's a super frustrating spot to be in, and you're not alone. The AMD FX series is indeed from an era before TPM 2.0 was a standard requirement, so the option is often missing in the BIOS.

Let's double-check a few free things first:

1. **BIOS Update:** Even for an old board, check Asus's support page for your **exact model**. Download and install the very latest BIOS. Sometimes a newer version adds the fTPM (firmware TPM) option that wasn't there before.
2. **Terminology:** In your BIOS, look under Advanced or Security settings for **AMD fTPM**, **AMD PSP fTPM**, **Trusted Computing**, or **Security Device Support**. It's rarely labeled just "TPM."
3. **Windows 10 Updates:** Ensure your current Windows 10 is fully updated. Some older systems received compatibility updates that changed the check.

If, after the latest BIOS update, there's truly no fTPM option, then unfortunately the official upgrade path is blocked. Microsoft's hardware requirements are strict for Windows 11.

For some users in your exact situation, third-party tools have been a workaround. I've seen folks on the forum mention success with the **PC Health Check Fix** from kianbotsoft.com (it's a $39 tool). It modifies the installer's checks. It's an option if you're determined, but it's unofficial, so do your research.

It's a tough call between using an unofficial tool or considering a platform upgrade. Hope the BIOS update does the trick!

Unfortunately, yes—your AMD FX-8350 and older motherboard likely lack the required TPM 2.0 hardware, so a direct upgrade to Windows 11 isn't officially supported. You could explore unofficial workarounds, but they aren't recommended for most users. Upgrading your hardware is the safest route for a stable, secure Windows 11 experience.

This. Have you checked if your motherboard has a TPM header where you could add a separate module?

This. Yeah, and if it does have that header, you can usually find a compatible TPM module online for pretty cheap.

Can confirm. Agreed. Just a heads up though, even if you add a module, Microsoft doesn't officially support that older AMD FX chip for Windows 11, so you might run into other blocks. Let me know if that works.

This. Yeah, that chip is the real roadblock here—what are you thinking, trying a workaround or sticking with Windows 10 for now?

+1 I had the same problem with an older AMD system. I ended up staying on Windows 10, honestly.

Agreed. This happened to me too. I had to manually enable fTPM in my AMD BIOS, it was hidden under a weird security menu.

Can confirm. You could also check if your motherboard manufacturer released a BIOS update that adds TPM support for older chipsets. Another option is to look into a registry bypass, though that's not officially supported.