Microsoft’s new security chip will not lock devices to Windows 11 as feared
Microsoft Pluton can be enabled or disabled by both PC makers and end users
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NewPCsreleased this year that ship withMicrosoft’sPluton security chipwill still be able to run other operating systems besidesWindows 11.
While it was initially feared by the open-source community and others that Pluton would serve as a means to lock equipment to the latest version of Windows, that isn’t the case at all. Instead, in addition to being able to installLinuxandBSD, PC makers and even users themselves will be able to turn off the feature entirely.
The firstWindows 11PCs with Pluton built-in were shown off atCES 2022and Intel, AMD and Qualcomm are all planning to embed Microsoft’s security chip in their latest or upcoming microprocessors.
Pluton itself can act as a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or as a non-TPM security coprocessor according to anew reportbyThe Register. Essentially the new security chip will serve as a way for Microsoft to show chipmakers how it wants TPM to be present in microprocessors going forward.
Enabled or disabled
PC makers have the option to ship their new Windows 11 PCs with Pluton either enabled or disabled though end users will also be able to reverse this decision if they want to.
Microsoft’s Pluton design was integrated intoAMD’s latestRyzen 6000chips but users will be able to disable the security chip on machines that follow the chipmaker’s reference firmware. This can be done in the company’s reference BIOS.
The Registeralso learned from aLenovospokesperson that Pluton will be disabled by default on the company’s new Z13, Z16, T14, T16, T14s, P16s and X13ThinkPadsthat feature Ryzen 6000-series processors. However, users will be able to enable Pluton themselves.
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Meanwhile,Intel’s latest Alder Lake processors will include a Pluton-equivalent calledIntel Platform Trust Technologywhich is a TPM 2.0 compatible component.
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ViaThe Register
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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