The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a security chip that safeguards your computer against malware and other attacks. It plays a crucial role in the installation of Windows 11 and is also an integral part of several security features like Windows Hello and BitLocker.
If you need to clear the TPM for any reason, you’ve come to the right place. This guide features four ways to clear TPM on Windows 11.
When Should You Clear TPM, and Is It Safe to Do So?
While TPM safeguards sensitive data and thwarts hacking attempts generated through a computer’s hardware, below are a few instances when you should clear TPM on your computer.
It’s completely safe to clear TPM on your computer. However, remember that this action will erase all encrypted keys generated by the TPM and the associated protected data. This data contains information related to virtual smart cards or sign-in PINs.
As such, it’s crucial toback up your Windows datathat’s protected by the TPM to prevent any data loss.
1. How to Clear the TPM Using the TPM Management Console
The TPM management console allows you to manage the TPM installed on your computer. You can use it toenable or disable TPM, clear TPM, and manage TPM keys.
To use it to clear or reset TPM, follow these steps:
Your computer will now restart to finish the TPM reset process.
2. How to Clear the TPM Using the Windows Security App
To clear the TPM using the Windows Security app, follow these steps:
Your computer will now restart. After that, you will have to set up Windows Hello if you have been using it before.
3. How to Clear TPM Using Windows PowerShell
Windows PowerShell is a command-line tool that lets you perform advanced operations on your computer.
To use it to delete TPM, open Windows PowerShell with administrative rights (see how tolaunch Windows PowerShell as an administrator), typeClear-Tpm, and pressEnter.
4. How to Clear the TPM Through the BIOS
You can configure your computer’s security layers, including the TPM from the BIOS. Below are the steps to reset TPM from the BIOS:
That’s it. Your computer will restart, and you’ll get the option to set up your pin on the login screen, indicating that you have successfully cleared the TPM.
Keeping Your Data Safe From Malware on Windows
The TPM stores important security-related data, including encryption keys. However, when the TPM gets affected by malware, you must clear it to protect your information. Fortunately, you can quickly reset TPM using the above methods.
