How to Fix the “TPM Device Not Detected” Error (Windows 11 & 10)

Whether you’re trying to upgrade to Windows 11, booting up a game like Valorant, or just turning on your PC after a routine update, seeing a “TPM Device Not Detected” error can induce instant panic.

Suddenly, your system insists it lacks a critical hardware component, blocking you from the operating system or your favorite applications.

The good news? Your hardware likely isn’t broken. In most cases, the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) has simply been disabled in your system settings, or a glitch is preventing Windows from reading it. Here is everything you need to know about the TPM device not detected error, why it happens, and the exact steps to fix it.

What is a TPM Device?

TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. It is a tiny cryptographic chip on your motherboard designed to secure hardware through integrated cryptographic keys.

Think of it as a physical security alarm for your computer. It protects your encryption keys, user credentials, and ensures that your operating system hasn’t been tampered with by malware. While older PCs used a physical chip (a discrete TPM) plugged into the motherboard, almost all modern Intel and AMD processors have this technology built directly into the CPU (known as firmware TPM).

Microsoft made TPM 2.0 a strict hardware requirement for Windows 11, which is why this error has become incredibly common over the last few years.

Why is My PC Saying TPM is Not Detected?

If your computer is relatively new (built after 2017), it does have a TPM. If you are seeing this error, it is usually caused by one of the following:

• It’s Disabled in the BIOS: A recent crash, a dead CMOS battery, or a BIOS update may have reset your motherboard settings to default, disabling the TPM in the process.
• Outdated BIOS Firmware: Older motherboard firmware often struggles to communicate properly with Windows 11’s strict TPM requirements.
• The “fTPM Stutter” Glitch: A known issue, particularly on AMD Ryzen systems, where the fTPM briefly disconnects, causing the system to temporarily “lose” the device.
• Corrupted Device Drivers: Windows might have botched a background driver update, causing the OS to lose sight of the module.

Step-by-Step Fixes for “TPM Device Not Detected”

Fix 1: Enable TPM in your BIOS/UEFI (The Most Common Fix)

The vast majority of the time, the TPM is simply toggled “Off” in your motherboard’s settings. You need to boot into your BIOS to turn it back on.

1. Restart your PC and repeatedly press your BIOS key as it boots up (usually Del, F2, F10, or F12 depending on your motherboard brand).
2. Once in the BIOS, navigate to the Advanced, Security, or Trusted Computing tab.
3. Look for the TPM setting. It goes by different names depending on your CPU:
   • For Intel Systems: Look for Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology) and set it to Enabled.
   • For AMD Systems: Look for AMD fTPM (Firmware TPM) and set it to Enabled.
4. Save your changes and exit (usually by pressing F10).

Pro Tip: If your PC boots too fast to hit the BIOS key, you can access it through Windows. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup. Click Restart Now, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings.

Fix 2: Perform a “Hard Power Drain”

It sounds overly simple, but a hard power drain forces the motherboard to completely refresh its hardware handshakes, which frequently forces a “lost” TPM to reappear.

1. Turn off your computer completely.
2. Unplug the power cable from the back of the power supply (or remove the battery if it’s a laptop).
3. Press and hold the power button for 30 to 60 seconds. This drains all residual flea power from the motherboard capacitors.
4. Plug the PC back in and turn it on. Check if the error persists.

Fix 3: Update Your Motherboard BIOS

If you have an AMD processor and are experiencing random TPM disconnects or system stutters alongside this error, you likely need a BIOS update. AMD released specific microcode updates (AGESA) to fix fTPM dropouts.

1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
2. Look for BaseBoard Product (your motherboard model) and BIOS Version/Date.
3. Go to your motherboard manufacturer’s official support website (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte).
4. Download the latest BIOS file, put it on a USB flash drive, and use your BIOS’s built-in flash tool to update it. (Note: Do not turn off your PC during a BIOS update, or you risk bricking the motherboard).

Fix 4: Reinstall the TPM Driver in Windows

If the TPM is enabled in the BIOS but Windows still says it’s missing, the Windows driver might be corrupted.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Security devices category.
3. Right-click on Trusted Platform Module 2.0 and select Uninstall device.
4. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically detect the TPM and reinstall a fresh driver upon booting.

Specific Scenarios

The Valorant VAN9001 Error

Riot Games uses a strict kernel-level anti-cheat system called Vanguard. On Windows 11, Vanguard requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be active. If you try to launch Valorant and get the VAN9001 or VAN9003 error, your TPM is either disabled or Secure Boot is turned off. Use Fix 1 above to enter your BIOS, enable your Intel PTT / AMD fTPM, and ensure Secure Boot is set to “Windows UEFI mode.”

Missing TPM After a CPU Upgrade

If you recently upgraded your CPU without updating your BIOS first, or you swapped an old processor for a new one, the motherboard might clear its TPM security keys to protect against theft. You will usually see a prompt on a black screen saying: “New CPU installed. fTPM/PSP NV corrupted or fTPM NV structure changed.”

If you have your BitLocker recovery key (or if you never encrypted your drive to begin with), simply press Y to reset the fTPM and boot normally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bypass the TPM requirement for Windows 11?

Yes. While Microsoft doesn’t recommend it, you can bypass the TPM 2.0 check when installing Windows 11 using tools like Rufus to create a modified installation USB. However, doing so may prevent you from receiving certain Windows updates and will block you from playing games with strict anti-cheat software.

Will enabling TPM delete my files?

No. Simply enabling or disabling the TPM in your BIOS will not delete your personal files. However, if your hard drive is encrypted with BitLocker, clearing or resetting the TPM keys without having your recovery password backed up can lock you out of your data.

How do I check if Windows recognizes my TPM?

Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. Under the “Status” section, it should say “The TPM is ready for use.” In the bottom right corner, you will see the Specification Version (which should ideally be 2.0).