That’s correct. Specifically a TPM module must be present. The thing I disagree with is gatekeeping Windows 11 to only machines with TPMs. There are other perfectly good security models that could work for Win 11 just like they do on 10. So I think it’s just a good excuse to trigger a hardware upgrade cycle, and sell a bunch of new licenses.
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Thanks for the ideas, Chris. I have a $2 Chromebook from the thrift store that works fine. Without a Google account, which I have resisted all these years, it’s pretty limited, though. I did run Linux for a while on an old laptop, and that was okay, but I’m not anxious to force my wife into the Linux world. Maybe a combination will work, but this time of year is too busy for recreational computing 
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Thanks again for the suggestions, we’ll make something work.
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I thought I read somewhere that Linux does not work on Chromebook. Maybe I’m wrong, but it would be the first time.
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Kent if you move to something like Linux Mint it has a similar layout to classic Windows XP or 7. I use Linux Mint Cinnamon on my old Lenovo Thinkpad that ran 10. It also has an updater for apps so you don’t have to learn the command line, but it’s still handy to use that.
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Chromebooks can run Linux two ways, as a compatibility layer (basically a virtual machine) on top, which is OK and works but somewhat slow on low-powered hardware.
Or, if you’re really advanced you can reflash the firmware and install Linux natively replacing ChromeOS entirely. Here’s an overview of that process: Linux on a Chromebook – Full Firmware & Install Guide
I’d probably just get a cheap Windows laptop to be honest, and put Linux on it. Modern Linux is way more user friendly than it used to be, and even the wife can use it if you set it up for her.
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I set up a laptop with Linux after MS decided to drop support for Windows 10 and force everyone to 11. It works but it doesn’t necessarily have the best hardware drivers that Windows does. Maybe if enough people get Linux that might change. I still can’t drive an external monitor without frequent momentary blank screens. The monitor worked fine with the laptop under Windows. And then there is the issue of a dozen important Windows programs I need to use that won’t run under Linux. I can install a Windows virtual machine, but I fear that will just slow the programs down. Thank you Bill Gates for this (and your war on humanity with your damn injections and fake meat)!
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