When Windows 11 updates first rolled out, many users with kitted-out desktops were stumped to receive a notification that they couldn’t get the new Windows version. In most cases, however, this is due to a simple feature of the BIOS being turned off by default. But once you learn how to enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS for Windows 11, you should be good to go.
How to Check if You Can Enable TPM for Windows 11
You might be able to use the built-in TPM tool to check if your Windows has the feature in the first place.
Step 1. Open the Run console with “Win + R” or by searching for it in the search bar.
Step 2. Type in tpm.msc and hit “Enter.”
Step 3. You will either receive an error or the TPM Management program will start. If the latter happens, the TMP version will be displayed in the “TPM Manufacturer Information” section.
However, even if you get an error, that doesn’t mean you don’t have TPM. Somewhat unfortunately, the TPM comes in two varieties, the hardware and the firmware version. If your motherboard has the hardware chip header for TPM, it will be enabled by default, which will be picked up by Windows. If it doesn’t, it might have the firmware version which is disabled in BIOS.
This can be found in the manufacturer’s manual for the exact make and model of the motherboard you have. Here’s how you can find that model.
Step 1. Enter “System” in the search bar.
Step 2. Choose “System Information” from the results.
Step 3. The motherboard make and model are listed under “BaseBoard” manufacturer and product information.
Step 4. Go to the manufacturer’s website and find the manual for the product you have to check for TPM compliance.
How to Enable TPM 2.0 for Windows 11
Regardless of whether you have the feature via hardware or firmware, you’ll need to enable TPM for Windows 11 via the BIOS. There are two main ways to go to BIOS:
Step 1. Save the progress on your programs.
Step 2. Go to Settings and choose the “System” tab on the left.
Step 3. Enter the “Recovery” settings. You’ll need to scroll down to access them.
Step 4. Under “Advanced Startup,” click on “Restart Now.” It’s best to load this guide on your phone to follow from here on out, or remember the next steps.
Step 5. You’ll get a blue screen (not the BSOD) for restart options. Choose “Troubleshoot,” then go to “Advanced Options” and select “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
This will restart your PC and enter BIOS.
You can avoid Steps 2-5 and directly enter BIOS by pressing the appropriate keyboard shortcut while your PC is restarting. However, this can be F2, F12, or Esc, depending on your motherboard. If you’re running a faster PC, the BIOS information screen might zoom by.
Step 6. In BIOS, go to the section labeled “Security,” “Advanced,” or “Trusted Computing.” This will depend on your motherboard model and manufacturer, again.
Step 7. For AMD motherboards, the option may be called “AMD fTPM Switch” or “AMD PSP fTPM.” For Intel motherboards, it may be “Intel PTT” or “Intel Platform Trust Technology.” Alternatively, it can be called “Security Device (Support)” or simply “TPM State.” Find one of these options and enable it.
Step 8. Click on “Save & Exit” and restart your PC again.
Step 9. Open Windows Update and check if you can install Windows 11. If you still receive the error, you might need to re-run the PC health check app.
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