Guide: How to Enable TPM in BIOS/UEFI for Windows 11

Affiliate Disclosure
BinaryFork uses affiliate links. That means that when you will decide to buy or download something by clicking a link on our website, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission is meant to keep our website up and running. More details
  • This is how you activate TPM functionality so you can support the upcoming Windows 11 OS.
  • Most recent computers have one, but it might not be enabled by default.
  • One of the mandatory Windows 11 requirements is the presence of an active TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip.

I like a lot the new OS, but some people will be surprised to find out their computers don’t qualify. Even recent PCs might not meet the minimum requirements to run Windows 11.

I’m betting most problems will be caused by the needed TPM chip that handles some security and encryption aspects of a computer. Here’s a good article if you want to learn about TPM.

RecommendedHow to verify if your PC can run Windows 11

The problem has a few variations: some of the newer computers don’t have a TPM chip, older ones don’t have a module version 2.0 or newer, and those who have it don’t have it enabled in BIOS/UEFI firmware.

This article will tackle the last part: how to activate TPM in your motherboard’s firmware settings. Check here if your motherboard chipset is supported.

How to Check if TPM is Active in Windows

First, let’s check if TPM is already active.

1. Open up the Run command dialog (Win + R).

2. Type tpm.msc and press Enter

The Trusted Platform Module Management app will open. If you see the message on the left it means you either don’t have a TPM module or it’s not installed. If you get the message on the right you’re good to go.

How to Enable TPM in BIOS/Firmware

Unfortunately, there’s no way to know if you have a TPM chip that is disabled without consulting the specs sheet of your motherboard or going directly into firmware settings and looking directly for it.

1. Restart or power on the computer

2. Start pressing one of these keys (manufacturer dependant): Del, F1, F2, F10, Esc.

One of them should work. If your computer boots up too quickly you might miss the moment. Try a couple of times until you get into the BIOS/UEFI. It looks nothing like Windows.

3. Enable the TPM module. Mine was found in AdvancedAMD fTPM configuration and was called TPM Device Selection. I’ve switched from Discrete TPM (external chip inserted into the motherboard, bought separately) to Firmware TPM.

It’s not likely you’ll find this setting in the same place unless you have a current-gen AM4 ASUS motherboard.

Each motherboard make and model has a different firmware structure. There are plenty of places where this setting can be found. It also might take different names. Confusing, I know. Look for something that resembles TPM or Trusted Platform Module.

4. Save BIOS settings and reboot.

5. Repeat the steps to check if TPM was successfully activated. You should get the following message with a few details about your TPM configuration.

TPM management local computer windows

There you go, you can now install Windows 11 if the lack of TPM stopped you before.

Avatar for Ionuț-Alexandru Popa
I'm obsessed with technology, science, and gadgets. I write about them since 2003. I make websites because I like to build stuff. I'm also passionate about digital marketing and graphic design. I watch movies and play games in my spare time. I'm also reading books, mostly SciFi.

Be the first to get notified when we publish new content. Subscribe for FREE!

Receive notifications for newly published articles directly to your Inbox.

We want to hear what you have to say:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our readers appreciate heated debates, as long as they remain polite, so they ask for your respect, even if you don't completely agree with them. Thanks!

The written content on our website is available free of charge because of the ads we're showing. Please support our efforts and deactivate your AdBlocker when you visit our site. Thank you!

Get FREE content updates directly to your inbox

Subscribe and receive notifications for newly published content.