How to Fix “TPM Device Not Detected” on Windows

Many Windows computers today come with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip that enhances a PC’s system and data security on the hardware level. For example, the chip uses cryptographic keys and state-of-the-art encryption to keep your sensitive data safe from malicious actors. This protection and more is lost when you get the “TPM device not detected” error. This tutorial shows how to fix it.

Good to know: if you’re getting the “Local security authority protection is off” error on your PC, we show you how to take care of it.

Do You Even Have a TPM Chip?

The reason you’re seeing the “TPM device not detected” error could be that your computer doesn’t have the module installed. Luckily, there are various ways to check whether your computer has a TPM chip. If it doesn’t, you may want to contact your computer’s manufacturer to find out whether you can install it on your particular model.

If your computer does have a TPM chip, continue on to the troubleshooting steps below to fix the error.

Quick Fixes to Try

Before we get to more complex fixes, which include tweaking some settings in BIOS and Windows Security, there are a few simple solutions that could help:

• Power cycle your computer: power issues can sometimes cause TPM to malfunction. To fix this, you’ll have to power cycle your computer by shutting it down normally, unplugging it from the wall outlet (laptop users with removable batteries should remove them), waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on.
• Update the TPM driver: Updating the TPM driver can help get rid of any glitches it has encountered. In Device Manager, expand “Security devices,” right-click “Trusted Platform Module,” and select “Update driver.” Then, select the option for Windows to automatically search for drivers.

1. Try Enabling TPM

Sometimes the simple reason you’re seeing the error message is that you have a disabled TPM chip. To enable it, enter BIOS on your Windows computer, then follow the steps below:

1. Select the “Security” tab, then “TPM State.”

2. Select “Enabled.”

3. Press F10 and select “Yes” to save the changes and exit.

If you have UEFI BIOS instead of the legacy BIOS, the steps to enable TPM will vary depending on your computer’s manufacturer. Generally, you can enable TPM from UEFI using the steps below:

1. In UEFI BIOS, select the “Advanced,” “Security,” or “Trusted Computing” tab. In this example, we select the “Security” tab, then click on “TPM Embedded Security.”

2. Enable either the “TPM State,” “Intel PTT,” “Security Device Support,” “Security Device,” “AMD fTPM switch,” or “AMD PSP fTPM” option. It is “TPM State” in this example.

Tip: if you’re not sure what firmware is and how it operates, check out our guide for clarification.

2. Update the TPM Firmware

Another way to fix the error message is to update the TPM chip’s firmware. The problem with this solution is that different manufacturers have different ways of going about it, so the process is not that straightforward.

Note: make sure you update Windows first before you update the TPM chip’s firmware.

Below, we’ve listed links for the TPM firmware updates (with instructions) from popular PC manufacturers:

• HP / HP Enterprise
• Lenovo
• Panasonic
• Toshiba
• Fujitsu
• Dell

3. Clear the TPM Cache

Clearing the TPM’s cache is a quick and easy way to reset the chip. Doing that can, in turn, fix any software-related issues the module has encountered.

Note: before you reset TPM, make sure you’ve backed up all the important data on your PC.

1. Type “Windows Security” in the Windows Search box, and click on the best match below.

2. Select “Device security” on the left side menu, then click on the “Security processor details” link on the right side.

3. Click on “Security processor troubleshooting.”

4. In the “Clear TPM” section, click the drop-down, and select a reason for clearing TPM.

5. Click “Clear TPM.”

6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Tip: learn how to clear the cache on Windows.

4. Reset BIOS

TPM depends on your BIOS’s configuration, so if it becomes corrupted, it could affect the chip as well. Resetting your computer’s BIOS may help fix the “TPM device not detected” error.

5. Replace Your TPM Module

If you’ve tried all of the above fixes, and you’re still seeing the “TPM device not detected” error message, it could mean that you have a faulty TPM chip on your hands. Luckily, you can remove the chip on your motherboard, and replace it with a functional one.

However, there are many considerations that come with this procedure, so it’s best to speak to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a support technician to help you find the right module for your computer and install it.

FYI: Microsoft is taking security to the next level with the Pluton Security Processor. Learn more here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Windows 11 without TPM?

Yes, you can install Windows 11 without TPM. Microsoft recommends having a TPM chip on your PC for added security before installing Windows 11, but it is not a requirement that will make it impossible to do if your computer doesn’t meet it.

Is BitLocker part of TPM?

Bitlocker’s full-disk encryption powers require a computer with TPM. If you try to enable BitLocker on a PC without TPM, you’ll probably get a message saying your administrator must set a system policy option.

Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Chifundo Kasiya.