Dell: How to enable the TPM (Trusted Platform Module)

Symptoms

What is a TPM?

TPM is a security technology that increases the system security against software vulnerabilities.

Practically, the TPM is used for multiple features that increase the security of your device:

• BitLocker Drive Encryption: Automatically encrypts the system drive to keep your data safe.
• Data Execution Prevention: Prevents unauthorized applications like malware from executing in memory.
• Windows Hello: Secure user authentication without password.
• Secure Boot and Measured Boot: Block malicious drivers and rootkits from intercepting the boot process of the Operating system.

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What is the difference between TPM 1.2 and TPM 2.0?

• Version 2.0 provides higher security standards and better reliability.

For more information see Microsoft Knowledge Base article TPM recommendations – Microsoft 365 Security | Microsoft Docs. 

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Are Intel PTT and AMD fTPM the same as TPM?

PTT or Platform Trust Technology is a firmware extension from Intel that supports Microsoft TPM requirements.

fTPM or Firmware TPM is a firmware technology from AMD that supports Microsoft TPM requirements.

Microsoft Windows works with both, PTT and fTPM among other TPM implementations.

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To activate the TPM on your Dell computer in BIOS, perform the following steps.

1. Reboot your computer.
2. Press F2 once a second when the Dell logo appears.
3. Once in the BIOS refer to the section that corresponds to the brand of your computer, for more instructions.NOTES:
   1. Depending on your computer model you may be able to navigate BIOS using your mouse. If not, navigate with the up or down, and left or right arrow keys, and use the Enter key to select options.
   2. The menu options may vary depending on the computer model.

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Latitude, OptiPlex, Precision, Vostro and select XPS:

1. Expand the Security section.
2. Select TPM 2.0 Security.
3. Select TPM On.
4. Select Apply.
5. Select Exit.

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Alienware:

1. Select Security.
2. Set Firmware TPM to enabled.
3. Select Exit.
4. Select Save Changes.

OR

1. Select Security.
2. Set Firmware TPM to enabled
3. Press F10 to Save and Exit.

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Inspiron:

1. Select Security.
2. Switch the toggle under Intel Platform Trust Technology to On.NOTE: For computers that have the Aptio Setup Utility perform the following steps (look in the upper right corner to see if your computer uses it).
   1. Select Firmware TPM.
   2. Ensure Enabled is selected (use the up or down arrows as needed), and then press the Enter key.
3. Select Apply Changes.NOTE: For computers that have the Aptio Setup Utility perform the following steps.
   1. Press the F10 key.
   2. Select Yes to save and exit, and then press the Enter key.
4. Select Exit (when available).NOTE: The computer will reboot to the Windows desktop.

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To Verify that the TPM is detected, perform the following steps.

1. Logon to Windows.
2. Right Click on the Windows Start Button.
3. Click Device Manager.
4. Expand the Security Devices Node.
5. You should see the Trusted Platform Module 2.0.NOTE: If you don’t see the Trusted Platform Module 2.0, or the device shows a yellow triangle next to it, allow Windows to update the driver by performing the following steps.
   1. Right-Click on the Trusted Platform Module 2.0
   2. Click Update Driver.
   3. Click Search Automatically for updated Driver version.
   4. Click Search for updated driver version on Windows Update.
   5. Click the Check for updates button.
   6. Click View optional updates.
   7. Select the TPM module driver from the Driver Update list and click Download and Install.

Should you experience issues with the Driver update, please download our SupportAssist application and follow the steps in this short video: How to update Drivers via SupportAssist | Dell US.