What is a TPM

What is a TPM? And why you need it for Windows 11

What is a TPM? There is software security and hardware security. Software security, if done properly, is an effective way to prevent hackers from entering the system. But because the software is naturally flexible – its unchangeable code – there is always the possibility that a complex hack or exploit can be detected, which gives hackers access to sensitive information.
Hardware security, as the name implies, is encrypted. Cryptographic keys are impossible to change unless the genius somehow knows exactly what those keys are in advance.

“Future PCs need this state-of-the-art hardware to help protect against all common and out-of-the-box attacks such as hacking and complex attacks from nationals,” said David Weston, Microsoft’s business and security director at Microsoft’s blog post. “Seeking T PM 2.0 increases the security level of computer hardware by requiring what is built into the root of trust.”

The T PM chip connects to other security systems within the PC. Whether it’s a fingerprint reader or Windows Hello face recognition, it all has to do with TP M to allow users to sign in.

And it is not just your security programs that will use T P M, as well as programs like Outlook, Firefox and Chrome.

Does my computer have TPM?

There are a few ways to check if your current machine has T P M. The easiest way to go to the start menu, search for Windows Security, and then click on Security in the left column. There, another window will appear indicating if your device has T P M installed. It should mean a Security processor, with a small green check mark next to the icon. If that security process icon is missing, then you do not have T P M installed.

quickly check if there is a T P M installed to type Start at the first search bar, then type in tpm.msc and hit Enter.

That should display the Trusted Platform Module (T P M) Management in the home computer window. If it says “Compatible T P M not available” it may be that your computer does not have T P M, or it has T P M 1.2, but it is not enabled in the BIOS.

Unfortunately, even if you are able to enable TPM 1.2 in the BIOS, Windows 11 actually requires T P M 2.0.

The last test method to download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft. After installation, the system will tell you if your computer is ready for Windows 11.

What to do if you do not have TPM 2.0

For desktop users who may not have T P M 2.0, another way to add functionality is to purchase a compatible module for your motherboard. This will require you to search for your motherboard model and see if the manufacturer has ever released the corresponding T P M.

Also, it seems that the prices of TPMs have gone up since the launch of Windows 11. The Asus T P M, which sold for $ 14 on Amazon, has been on sale, since this publication and is being sold for over $ 40 used in the market. Some manufacturers have also stopped producing TPMs, but it is possible that the product may start and be given the latest increase in demand.

If you are able to find a compatible module, all you have to do is find the T P M pins on your motherboard and attach them to it. Remember to enter the BIOS menu and enable it again.

Now, if you have a modern CPU, built after 2014, there is a chance that T P M already exists. Modern CPUs contain T P M with firmware. Intel uses Platform Trust Technology (PTT) while AMD Ryzen chips use fTPM.

The steps to enable this in the BIOS will vary depending on the manufacturer. But it will usually require users to restart their PC and press the delete key repeatedly until the BIOS menu appears. From there, users may need to go through the most advanced menus to find the T P M selector. From there, the T P M firmware can be enabled.