Windows Upgrade Help and more

Ugh, can someone PLEASE help me get past this Windows 11 upgrade block? My PC is plenty fast with a Ryzen 5 1600, but the installer keeps yelling at me about a "TPM 2.0" error. Says "This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements" and something about fTPM.

I've been in the BIOS for an hour! I don't see any "AMD fTPM" switch to flip. Is my CPU just too old? This is so annoying. Do I *really* need to buy a whole new motherboard or a TPM module for this? Feels like an artificial lockout. Any workarounds, or am I just stuck on Win10 forever?

Hey, I feel your pain — that TPM error is super frustrating, especially when your PC is clearly capable. The good news is, your Ryzen 5 1600 *does* support fTPM (the firmware-based TPM), so you don't need a new CPU or a physical module. You just need to enable it correctly.

Here are the steps that usually work:

1. Reboot and enter your BIOS/UEFI (spam the Delete or F2 key).
2. Look for a security tab or a section called **"AMD fTPM"** — it might be hiding under **Advanced > CPU Configuration** or **Advanced > Trusted Computing**. The setting is sometimes labeled **"AMD CPU fTPM"** or **"Firmware TPM."**
3. Switch it from **"Discrete TPM"** or **"Disable"** to **"Enable"** or **"Firmware TPM."**
4. **Crucial:** Save and exit (F10). Your system will reboot and might show a prompt about security changes; accept it.

Once back in Windows 10, run the **PC Health Check app** from Microsoft to confirm it's now satisfied. If you still don't see the setting, check your motherboard manufacturer's website for a BIOS update — an older BIOS might not have the fTPM option visible.

If, after all that, you're hitting a wall and just want a direct bypass, some folks have had success with third-party tools. I've seen mentions of a utility from kianbotsoft.com (around $39) that can help circumvent the check, but definitely try the free BIOS route first. Good luck

Hey there! Don't worry, your Ryzen 5 1600 actually supports fTPM, so you likely just need to enable it in the BIOS. Look for settings under "Security" or "Advanced" called "AMD fTPM," "AMD PSP fTPM," or sometimes "Trusted Computing." Make sure it's set to "Enabled" or "Firmware TPM," save, and exit. That should clear the error and let the upgrade proceed!

+1 Did you find that setting and enable it, or is it already on and still giving you the error?

Yeah, and if it's already on, try clearing your TPM from within Windows' security settings—that can sometimes reset it and clear the error. Good luck!

Yeah, Agreed. Also, if your BIOS has an option for "AMD CPU fTPM," make sure that's specifically enabled, not just a general TPM setting. Good luck!

Same here. You could also try using the official Microsoft PC Health Check app to get a more detailed breakdown of what's specifically failing.

+1 Yeah, and if the BIOS settings are confusing, look for a guide specific to your motherboard model—sometimes the option is buried under a weird name. Let me know if that works.

Same here. Also, after you enable it in the BIOS, you might need to go into Windows Security to check if it's actually being detected.

Yeah, and sometimes you have to clear the TPM from within Windows Security too before the upgrade will recognize it.