Windows 11 Released: Doesn’t Require TPM, Secure Boot or Even DirectX

Microsoft has released system requirements for the new version of the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 operating system. Compared to the desktop version of the OS, the minimum specifications have been lowered. The operating system will be compatible with even outdated DirectX 10-based graphics cards or without DirectX support, and TPM and Secure Boot support have become optional rather than mandatory.

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is a fully-fledged version of Windows Enterprise, developed for hardware with specialized functions such as ATMs, payment terminals, digital advertising structures, information kiosks, and industrial automation systems.

Microsoft offers two licensing channels for this OS: General Availability Channel (GAC) and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). The LTSC version provides a 10-year update cycle for devices with specialized functions, unlikely to undergo any significant software functionality changes.

The most noticeable difference in the system requirements for Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 is the significant reduction in the minimum RAM— the OS can now operate with just 16 GB RAM. Another important update is that TPM and Secure Boot support are no longer mandatory. These technologies are still recommended to enhance security, but their absence will not prevent OS installation.

For the first time, Qualcomm processors are officially supported alongside chips from AMD, Intel, and NXP. In previous versions of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, only processors from the latter three manufacturers were available. Qualcomm support was announced following Microsoft’s release of Surface laptops based on Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processors.

The requirements for graphics adapters and displays have also become much lower. The operating system can now work with graphics adapters that support only DirectX 10 or none at all. Moreover, devices can utilize non-standard display sizes or may not need one at all. Typically, Windows 11 requires DirectX 12 and a 720p HD display with a diagonal length of at least 9 inches.

According to Tom’s Hardware, this reduction in hardware requirements resulted from the specific application of Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC. Generally, on such devices, no more than five apps are used simultaneously, often only one. Additionally, the LTSC version does not include security programs and features typical for desktop Windows, as they are not required. Devices running Enterprise LTSC are protected by firewalls and often do not have internet connectivity.