You turn off TPM in your PC’s UEFI firmware settings (often called the BIOS), not in Windows 11 itself. Restart into the firmware by going to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. Find the TPM option, usually labeled TPM Device, Intel PTT, or AMD fTPM under Security or Advanced, set it to Disabled, and save with F10. Before you do, suspend BitLocker and make sure you have your recovery key, or Windows may lock you out on the next start.
Before you disable TPM
Windows 11 uses TPM for several security features. Turning it off can cause problems:
- BitLocker and device encryption will ask for your recovery key, or won’t unlock at all if you don’t have it.
- Windows Hello PINs, fingerprint, and face sign-in may stop working until you set them up again.
- Windows 11 updates may warn that your PC doesn’t meet the requirements.
- Some games with anti-cheat, like titles that require TPM 2.0, won’t run.
If you’re troubleshooting, try clearing the TPM instead of disabling it, or ask the software maker what they recommend.
Step 1: Suspend BitLocker and save your recovery key
- Search for Manage BitLocker in the Start menu and open it. On Windows 11 Home, check Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption instead.
- Click Back up your recovery key and save it to your Microsoft account, a file, or print it.
- Click Suspend protection and confirm.
Can’t find your key? See where to find your BitLocker recovery key before going further.
Step 2: Open the UEFI firmware settings
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
You can also press a key like F2, Del, F10, or Esc as the PC starts. The key depends on your PC maker. See how to open the BIOS.
Step 3: Turn off TPM
- Look under Security, Advanced, or Trusted Computing.
- Find the TPM setting. Common names: TPM Device, Security Device Support, Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT), or AMD fTPM.
- Set it to Disabled (or Hidden on some PCs).
- Press F10 (or choose Save & Exit) and confirm.
Step 4: Check that TPM is off
- After Windows starts, press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
- You should see Compatible TPM cannot be found.
How to clear TPM instead
Clearing resets the TPM to its default state without turning it off. It also removes keys stored in it, so back up your BitLocker recovery key first.
- Open Windows Security > Device security > Security processor details.
- Click Security processor troubleshooting > Clear TPM, and restart.
How to turn TPM back on
Go back into the UEFI settings and set the same option to Enabled. Then set up Windows Hello again and turn BitLocker back on if you use it. For details, see how to enable TPM 2.0 on Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
Can I disable TPM from inside Windows?
No. Windows can clear the TPM, but turning it on or off is a firmware setting.
Will Windows 11 still run without TPM?
An existing installation usually keeps running, but you may lose security features and see warnings about updates.
Is disabling TPM safe?
It won’t damage your PC, but it lowers security and can lock you out of encrypted drives if you don’t have your recovery key.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.