How to Enable TPM 2.0 [All Methods]

The addition of TPM 2.0 has been one of the most polarizing aspects of Windows 11’s system requirements. While the minimum system requirements of Windows 11 are more or less the same as Windows 10, Microsoft decided to discontinue supporting certain CPUs. This essentially means that the only way to get the latest Windows version to run on your PC properly is to enable TPM 2.0, aka Trusted Platform Module V2.

The good news is that TPM 2.0 is compatible with most hardware items that were released post-2015, and enabling it is relatively straightforward.

Key Takeaways

• TPM 2.0 is vital for running Windows 11 and is primarily used for identity and data protection.
• You can check whether your PC has TPM 2.O through the PC Health Check app. More often than not, the app is already there through Windows updates.
• The 2.0 technology is compatible with most PCs released after 2015 but may not be enabled. It’s important to check your system before claiming it doesn’t have TPM 2.0. 
• Different CPU manufacturers use different names for the TPM technology.

A Close Look At What TPM Is

At its core, the Trusted Platform Module is a tiny chip present on the motherboard or CPU. While it may not be the most extravagant piece of hardware, its role in safeguarding your computer is vital. TPMs are essentially crypto processors using cryptographic keys for shielding data. The added layer of hardware-heavy security increases your computer’s safety tenfold.

TPM was almost like an afterthought before the requirements for Windows 11 were announced. Surprisingly, this technology has been around since 2011, when TPM 1.2 was made specifically for computers owned by businesses. However, Microsoft decided to take things up a notch now by providing the same degree of security to anyone who uses Windows.

In the latest version of Windows, Windows Hello utilizes TPM to protect the user’s identity, while Bit Locker uses it to secure data. If you want to check whether Windows 11 will run on your PC, all you need to do is access the PC Health Check application. Since this app is already included in Microsoft Windows updates, your PC may already have it.

Remember, if your PC is not compatible with Windows 11’s requirements, you don’t need to rush. This is because Windows 10 will still remain active till 2025. That said, Windows 11 has some brand-new exclusive features and functions that you may want to try.

How To Enable TPM 2.0

First off, it is worth keeping in mind that your PC must have TPM 2.0 for installing Windows 11. In case you aren’t able to find your motherboard or PC guide, you will need to go elsewhere. Microsoft supplies an effective and easy-to-use tool named PC Health Check to help you determine whether your personal computer contains TMP 2.0.

Once you download the app, choose the “Check Now” button, which you will find in the Windows 11 introduction section of PC Health Check. This software will perform an in-depth test to gauge whether your computer can run Windows 11. If everything goes well, the software will inform you that your device has passed the test.

If you want to learn more about your PC’s performance, click on the “See all results” option for an in-depth evaluation. Exploring the result will also help you check whether TPM 2.0 is enabled on your PC. TPM 2.0 can often be confusing, considering the fact that it may not be active despite your PC having the functionality to run it. Mentioned below are some steps offered by Microsoft to help people determine whether TPM 2.0 is enabled:

• Choose the settings option in Windows.
• Select the Update and Security option.
• Choose Windows Security.

Make sure that the Specification 2.0 Version is chosen in the Security Processor portion. If the number is different, your computer may not be compatible with the latest windows. That said, if this function is not enabled, there is a good chance that it is only a matter of activating it. You can determine whether TPM 2.0 is available by checking the Microsoft Management Console. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Press the Windows and R keys simultaneously to enable the Run window.
• Once the Window is open, enter the “tpm.msc” command.

Remember, if the TPM Manufacturer Information has a Specification Version lower than 2.0, the TPM may not work properly. It is also worth keeping in mind that a TPM could be inactive on your computer if it displays a “Compatible TPM cannot be detected” warning.

Activating TPM 2.0 on popular motherboard options like Intel and AMD is fairly simple. Here are the steps you need to follow:

For AMD Motherboards

• Repeatedly press the Delete key when your PC is booting.
• Go to UEFI and look for the “Advanced” option.
• Look up the AMD FTMP section.
• Choose firmware TPM, which you will find in the TPM Device selection menu.
• Press F10 and save the modifications by restarting your computer.

For Intel Motherboards

• Continue pressing the Delete button while the computer is booting up.
• Choose the PCH-FW setting in the “Advanced” options.
• Look for PTT and select the “Enable” option.
• Click on ”OK” when a warning Window appears.
• Restart the computer.

How To Activate Through BIOS

Those who are fortunate enough to have the right Trusted Platform Module installed must check whether it is activated. If it isn’t, make sure you enable it immediately. Mentioned below are the steps you need to follow to enable TPM version 2 in BIOS. Before we proceed, however, it is worth remembering that the procedure could vary depending on the type of motherboard you are using.

• Start by rebooting your PC.
• Press the F2 button in order to enter the setup menu for BIOS while your PC is booting.
• Use the arrow buttons to choose the Security option.
• Look for AMD CPU FTPM or IPTT (Intel Platform Trust Technology).
• Choose “Yes” on the “Enabled” option.
• Exit the BIOS by pressing F10 and save the changes.

For AMD Motherboards

• Press F2 or Delete continuously when the computer is booting up in order to gain access to BIOS.
• Press F7 to enter the Advanced Mode.
• Go to the drop-down menu and choose “Settings.”
• Look for the “Security” feature.
• Select the “Security Device Support” option to activate the security.
• Go to “AMD fTPM Switch” menu and change AMD fTPM to [AMD fTPM].

For Intel Motherboards

The process to enable TPM 2.0 is almost the same for Intel Motherboards. Here are the steps you must follow:

• While your computer is booting up, press F2 or Delete to access BIOS.
• Press the F7 button to open Advanced Mode.
• Enter the Settings and select “Security”.
• Click on the “Trusted Computing” button.
• Choose “Security Device Support,” and change the status to Enable.
• Finally, go to the TPM Device Selection option and enable PTT security.

Can I Activate TPM 2.0 In Gigabyte Bios (BIOS Auros)?

Enabling TMP 2.0 is indeed possible in Gigabyte Bios. All you need to do is follow these steps:

For AMD Motherboards

• Turn your PC on. If it is already on, restart it.
• Press the delete key and keep holding it once the boot screen pops up.
• Go to Advanced Mode and press F2 to activate TPM.
• Navigate to the Settings option and click on Miscellaneous.
• Then, choose AMD CPU FTTPM, followed by enabling the TPM.
• Choose the Save and Exit buttons and restart your PC.

For Intel Motherboards

• Start by restarting your computer.
• Hold the delete button until there is a beep.
• Once the BIOS loads up, go to Advanced Settings by pressing F2.
• Navigate to the PTT section and select the “Enabled” option.
• Save the changes and exit, returning to BIOS.

Primary Functions Of TPM

The Trusted Platform Module chip has multiple uses, with device encryption, integrity verification, authentication, and identification being the main ones. Here is a look at the primary reasons for incorporating TPM.

Managing And Storing Passwords

More often than not, operating systems need authentication to protect data, systems, or keys. These keys are now stored in a memory cell present in the chip, ensuring the information remains safe even when the power goes out. This makes TPM a significantly safer option compared to BIOS management passwords.

Encrypting Hard Disk Partitions

The TPM technology is capable of encrypting hard disk partitions seamlessly. Some manufacturers make use of a single-click restoration function, arguably the most concentrated version of the purpose. Microsoft and other massive commercial software companies also use TMP to encrypt partitions.

Maintaining Platform Integrity

TPM can maintain any computer device’s integrity with maximum efficiency, despite the type of OS they are using. The technology was specifically designed to make sure the boot procedure commences with a reliable hardware and software combination, which continues till the OS boots up properly and the app starts running.

The operating system and firmware are responsible for overseeing the TPM’s integrity. For instance, the UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is capable of using TPM to create trust. Microsoft Outlook, Office, and TXT are other examples that showcase platform integrity by utilizing Trusted Platform Module.

Final Thoughts

This was how to enable TPM 2.0. Since TPM is only available for particular devices, there has been a great deal of debate among those who own computers released before 2015. That said, if your PC was released after this year, it would most likely be compatible, and you shouldn’t have any problems when upgrading to Windows 11.

It is also worth keeping in mind that different CPU manufacturers have varying terms for the Trusted Platform Module. So, before you think your PC doesn’t have the TPM 2.0, make sure to double-check by learning about the specific name used by your CPU’s manufacturer.

Also, while you can install Windows 11 without needing the TPM, your CPU could become vulnerable to various malware-related issues. Therefore, it would be best to follow the necessary guidelines to steer clear of bigger problems down the line.