I just want remind everyone that Windows 11 requires your computer to ship with TPM2.0 enabled. This will complete the circuit meaning remote streaming websites can ensure you don’t have DRM on your machine.
TPM is a security token loaded into the firmware of the BIOS put in by the manufacturer to ensure you haven’t tampered with the operating system as shipped and controlled by them.
If you don’t have a valid token generated by the hardware device on your machine, the website can just refuse to serve you.
A hacked copy of windows wouldnt boot with TPM switched on.
The TPM module only generates valid tokens it if your boot sequence isn’t tampered. That boot sequence can force your machine to validate itself with windows servers to ensure it isn’t hacked.
A hacked copy of Windows may be prevented from working when you go online.
Conspiratorial but has a string of possibility. Note that Microsoft itself has a solution to workaround the TPM 2.0 needs on their forums, so Windows definitely is not going DRM kiosk mode on internet browsing this early.
Microsoft and Motherboard manufacturers: Putting DRM chips on the motherboard.
User: Why?
Microsoft: No reason.
User: Most businesses would switch to a cheaper toilet paper to save $5, why are you shipping chips and developing software and technology to use these chips.
Microsoft: Oh we're not going to force anyone to do anything, we just want the ability to. Look at this workaround that we expect 0.015 of our billions of Windows users to use.
It's easy to tell people how to bypass enabling the feature, you play the slow game. They're waiting for Windows 10 to fade out too. "Oh look you've beaten TPM.. so clever" but when 90% of machines have it enabled, they will switch on DRM for Netflix and leave you unable to play things. They say you chose to tamper with DRM security and that's why you can't watch things.
In terms of conspiracy, motherboards components cost money. TPM adds risk to the operating system. They features are being shipped because they plan to use them. It's not just for the giggles.
Probably a sinking ship, but it can be plugged. An airgapped Windows 10 machine, or with heavily secured with anti executables after August 2025 EOL can be used for the next 10-15 years easily. Scan anything you put on it using Kaspersky's Virus Removal Tool and Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
Use Linux for daily life, honestly, with Windows XP in VirtualBox. You will not believe how well a Linux machine can be used with ease today. I am dailying Debian 12 and have Windows 10 Ameliorated on a SSD that I force boot if I need to use it.
For your "streaming" needs, have either a Chromebook with HDMI and USB-C/Thunderbolt port, or pirate the streaming DRM content.