TPM Could Not be Initialized: 3 Easy Ways to Fix it

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Starting with Windows 10 and Windows 11, the operating system immediately initializes and assumes control of the TPM device.This is a departure from prior operating systems, in which you would initialize the TPM and set an owner password before using the device.It is possible that the startup of the TPM will fail in Windows 11 if your machine is experiencing network connectivity problems, throwing theTPM could not be initializederror.If you discover that Windows is unable to automatically launch it, take a look at the following solutions to resolve the problem.

Why TPM 2.0 for Windows 11?

At its most basic level, the TPM is a little chip on the motherboard of your computer, which is sometimes located apart from the main CPU and memory.The chip is analogous to the keypad you use to disarm your home security alarm every time you step in the door, or to the authenticator software you use on your phone to enter into the bank account when you log into your account online.

When using the Legacy or CSM modes of the BIOS, TPM 2.0 is not supported. Devices using TPM 2.0 must have their BIOS mode set to Native UEFI exclusively in order to function properly.

It is necessary to disable the Legacy and Compatibility Support Module (CSM) settings in order to proceed. Enable the Secure Boot function to provide an extra layer of protection.When the BIOS mode is changed from legacy to UEFI, an installed operating system on hardware configured in legacy mode will prevent the OS from booting.Before changing the BIOS mode, run the MBR2GPT program, which will prepare the operating system and the disk to support UEFI.TPM 2.0 products and systems provide significant security benefits over TPM 1.2 products and systems, including the following:

What can I do ifTPM could not be initializedin Windows 11?

1. Turn the TPM off

2. Disable your firewall

In Windows 11, the initialization of the TPM cannot be completed when your computer has network connection issues.This can occur on a PC that is currently disconnected from the network, separated from the domain by a firewall, or experiencing a network component failureIn the case of the latter, we recommend that you check your cable and network adapter connections first.

Should I clear my TPM?

As part of a total computer reset, you may wish to clear the TPM. For example, you could erase all data from the computer and entirely restart it in preparation for a clean installation.It is possible to clear the TPM using the Windows Defender Security Center software, which may be seen as a troubleshooting step or as final preparation before a complete installation of a new operating system.

Preparing for a clean installation in this manner helps to guarantee that the new OS can fully deploy any TPM-based functionality that it provides, such as attestation, by ensuring that it has the necessary resources.

However, even if the TPM is not deleted prior to the installation of a new operating system, the vast majority of TPM functionality will most likely continue to function correctly.Unless you are selling your laptop to someone else, or if you are encountering difficulties with it, such as theTPM could not be setuperror, you don’t necessarily need to clear it.

If you determine that you are ready to completely reset your TPM, please see ourpost on how to clear it in Windows 11for more information. Remember to double-check any precautions before proceeding with the emptying procedure.We already prepared for you an article with further information which containseverything you need to know about Windows 11 and TPM.In addition, our users profited from reading our article, which included alternative remedies tothe TPM had malfunctioned error.We hope that these methods were of assistance in resolving theTPM could not be initializedissue. If you found our answers to be useful, please let us know by leaving a message in the comments section below.

TPM Could Not be Initialized: 3 Easy Ways to Fix it#

Why TPM 2.0 for Windows 11?#

What can I do ifTPM could not be initializedin Windows 11?#

1. Turn the TPM off#

2. Disable your firewall#

3. Clear the TPM from the BIOS menu#

Should I clear my TPM?#