One of the prominent characteristics of Windows 11 – the latest Microsoft operating system – is its enhanced hardware security. This becomes evident once you examine the hardware prerequisites for Windows 11. MiniTool Solution offers this article to present the Windows 11 hardware security and its new security features.

Windows 11 Possesses Advanced Hardware Security

Following the announcement of Windows 11 after six years of preparation, Microsoft disclosed the system's hardware requirements. By reviewing the specific criteria on Microsoft’s official site, you'll quickly grasp why Windows 11 is considered the most security-focused OS ever.

Note: Before installing Windows 11 on your PC, it's advisable to back up your files. This is because the installation of the new system or any errors during the process might result in data loss. If some files cannot be located prior to the backup, a robust data recovery tool should be employed to retrieve them.

Windows 11 Requirements

For example, Microsoft specifies that the processor requirements for Windows 11 are: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). This indicates that Windows 11 will officially support only 8th generation or newer Intel CPUs and Ryzen 2000 or newer AMD CPUs.

How To Verify If Your CPU Supports Windows 11?

Additionally, Windows 11 demands 4 GB of RAM, at least 64GB of storage, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) support, UEFI & Secure Boot capable firmware, a graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver, a high definition (720p) display, and internet connectivity along with a Microsoft account.

Microsoft aims to compel Windows 11 users to adopt TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and similar measures. However, the advanced hardware requirements will exclude millions of PCs that fail to meet the criteria: these machines were released during the launch of Windows 10 or an earlier version.

Notable Windows 11 Security Features

Microsoft has introduced several new security features in Windows 11 to boost the security baseline. These are crucial for protecting both consumer and business workloads.

One: TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 and Secure Boot

According to Wikimedia, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is an international standard for a secure cryptoprocessor; it's a chip designed to secure confidential and sensitive data and acts as a dedicated microcontroller aiming to protect related hardware through integrated cryptographic keys.

Microsoft mandates TPM 2.0 as the minimum requirement to operate Windows 11, thereby shielding users from malware, ransomware, and other cyberattacks such as zero-day exploits. TPM 2.0 stands as one of the most significant security features in Windows 11.

How to check if you have TPM 2.0 on Windows 10?

1. Right-click on the Start button at the bottom left or press Windows X.
2. Choose Device Manager from the menu.
3. Find the Security devices option and expand it.
4. If you see Trusted Platform Module 2.0, it supports Windows 11.

TPMs are utilized with smart cards and VPNs; however, their primary role is supporting the Secure Boot process on your PC.

Two: Azure-based Microsoft Azure Attestation

The Azure-based Microsoft Azure Attestation (MAA) will confirm the reliability of platforms before granting access. A remarkable aspect of Windows 11 is its native support for MAA. Each time users attempt to access sensitive content in the cloud, MAA enables Zero Trust policies to assess whether the platform is secure. Furthermore, Azure Attestation-backed policies verify identity and platform to assist organizations in safeguarding organizational resources easily.

Three: Secured-core PCs

Secured-core PCs integrate multiple elements: identity, operating system, virtualization-based security, and hardware & firmware protection. This ultimately adds an additional security layer beneath the operating system, tripling resistance to malware infection and firmware attacks.

Four: Strong Authentication Methods

Windows 11 adopts various strong authentication methods, including face lock, fingerprint lock, iris lock, and more through Windows Hello, eliminating traditional password protection. This enhances the security of Windows 11. Additionally, the login process is simplified as users no longer need to enter passwords.

Five: Hardware-enforced Stack Protection & Microsoft Pluton Security Processor

Numerous new security innovations like hardware-enforced stack protection and the Microsoft Pluton security processor will be incorporated into Windows 11 to shield users from zero-day exploits. These also aid in reinforcing Zero Trust security.

Note: Many individuals are expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of standard hardware security support in Windows 10 & Windows 11.

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