Fixing the ‘This device cannot use a Trusted Platform Module’ Issue

Hey there! I want to help you solve the problem you’re facing with your device. It seems like you’re getting an error message saying ‘This device cannot use a Trusted Platform Module’. But don’t worry, I’ve got some solutions for you!

First things first, let me explain what a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is. It’s a security chip that helps protect your computer by providing encryption keys and ensuring the integrity of your device. So, if you’re having trouble using it, it’s important to get it fixed.

Now, let’s dive into the solutions.

One possible reason for this issue is that the TPM might be disabled in your device’s BIOS settings. To fix this, you need to access the BIOS and enable TPM. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Just restart your computer and during the startup process, keep an eye out for a key to enter the BIOS settings. It could be something like F2 or Del. Once you’re in the BIOS, look for the TPM settings and make sure it’s enabled. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. This might just do the trick!

If enabling TPM in the BIOS didn’t solve the problem, there’s another solution you can try. It’s possible that the TPM driver is outdated or missing. To fix this, you need to update the driver. Head over to the manufacturer’s website and look for the latest driver for your device’s TPM. Download and install it following the instructions provided. Once the driver is updated, restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.

If neither of these solutions worked for you, it’s time to seek further assistance. Contact the manufacturer’s support team or visit their website for more specific troubleshooting steps. They will be able to guide you through the process and provide additional solutions tailored to your device.

I hope these suggestions help you fix the ‘This device cannot use a Trusted Platform Module’ issue! Remember, technology can be tricky sometimes, but with a little patience and guidance, you’ll be back up and running in no time. Good luck!

If you’re getting an error message that says ‘This device cannot use a trusted platform module’ when you’re trying to enable BitLocker on your Windows 8 or Windows 10 computer, don’t worry. It’s a pretty common error, especially if your computer doesn’t have a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip.

The full error message might say something like: ‘This device cannot use a Trusted Platform Module. Your administrator needs to enable the ‘Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM’ option in the ‘Require additional authentication at startup policy for OS volumes’. Huh?

What is a Trusted Platform Module?

So, what exactly is a Trusted Platform Module? Well, it’s a physical chip that’s found on newer motherboards. This chip is responsible for storing important security keys, like the ones used for disk encryption with BitLocker. If your motherboard doesn’t have a TPM chip or if the BIOS version or driver isn’t working correctly, then BitLocker won’t work either.

The purpose of the TPM is to create a secure connection between your computer and your disk drive. It stores an encryption key on the TPM chip, which allows Windows to decrypt BitLocker when you want to access your data. All you have to do is enter your Windows password, and the TPM chip provides the key to unlock your data.

TPM is especially helpful if someone tries to swipe your hard drive. Let’s say a business competitor, a prankster, or even a thief manages to steal your hard drive. They might think they can decrypt it on their own computer, but without the key stored on your motherboard, they won’t be able to access your data at all.

Why am I seeing the ‘This device cannot use a Trusted Platform Module’ error?

So, it seems that Windows is having a bit of trouble with the TPM chip or it’s just not working the way it should be. Don’t worry though, I’ve got a few solutions up my sleeve. First things first, let’s go through some basic checks.

• Take a look at the specific make, model, and version of your motherboard to see if it actually has a TPM chip.
• Check your motherboard’s BIOS level and drivers, and make sure they’re up to date. If not, update them.

Now, not all motherboards come equipped with TPM chips right out of the box. So before we dive into troubleshooting, double-check if yours has one. If it does, make sure you’re running the latest BIOS and drivers for your motherboard. Once that’s done, give it another test.

Fixing the Annoying ‘This device cannot use a Trusted Platform Module’ Error

If you’re still facing this issue, don’t worry! I can help you resolve it using the Group Policy Editor.

1. Start by typing or pasting ‘gpedit.msc’ into the Search Windows/Cortana box.
2. Next, go to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and Operating System Drives.
3. In the center pane, choose ‘Require additional authentication at startup’.
4. Right-click and select Edit.
5. In the top left pane, choose Enabled, and activate the checkbox next to ‘Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM’.
6. Click OK and close the Group Policy Editor.
7. Now, right-click on your hard drive, select Turn BitLocker on, and follow the instructions.

Great! You will now see the setup screen for BitLocker instead of the error window. Your drive will encrypt itself properly, but instead of storing the key on the TPM chip, you will need to use a USB drive instead. Apart from that, the process remains exactly the same.

How to Set Up BitLocker

If you want to set up BitLocker from scratch, let me guide you through the process. BitLocker is available for Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8, and Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you have one of these operating systems, you can use BitLocker to encrypt your hard drive.

1. To begin, open Control Panel and go to System and Security, then BitLocker Drive Encryption. Alternatively, you can right-click the hard drive you want to encrypt and select ‘Turn BitLocker on’.
2. Choose ‘Turn BitLocker on’ to start the setup wizard.
3. Select the unlock method. If your computer has a TPM, select that. Otherwise, you can choose a password or USB flash drive. A password is easy to use but slightly less secure. If you opt for a USB drive, you’ll need to keep it connected whenever you want to access the encrypted drive.
4. Here’s a crucial step: backup the recovery key provided by the setup wizard. Make multiple copies and store them safely. You can also save one to your Microsoft account, although it may be slightly less secure, it ensures you won’t lose your data.
5. You have the option to encrypt only files instead of the entire drive, which speeds up the process significantly.
6. The system will encrypt your drive and reboot at least once. The duration depends on the speed of your computer and the amount of data needing encryption.
7. To access your data on the drive, simply enter your password or connect the USB key.

That’s it! Using BitLocker in Windows is a straightforward process that works like a charm. Just remember, don’t lose that key or the USB key if you decided to use it for unlocking the drive.

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One User’s Experience with Fixing ‘This device cannot use a Trusted Platform Module’

Karen says:

Every time I follow the instructions until the last part: “Navigate to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, BitLocker Drive Encryption, Operating System Drives.” the program stops working, and my computer shuts it down. What the heck?