We’ve talked at length about the fact that Windows 11 has shut down millions of computers just because Microsoft doesn’t consider them safe, which seems like a strange excuse, especially for things like TPM 2.0.
The reality is that the requirements are quite overwhelming and not available to everyone, despite having extremely solvent equipment for the case in most cases. But don’t despair, at least for now, because there are several solutions that could help you if you meet certain conditions.
Windows 11 is so restrictive on hardware that you might not be able to install it if …
If at least you don’t have a module RPM 2.0 or fTPM on AMD, so we’re going in parts. First of all, we need to know if our platform, especially our motherboard, has a TPM 2.0 connector. The easiest way to do this is to go to our motherboard manual on the manufacturer’s website and find the TPM Connector section, where it should appear something like this:
The problem, because there is usually some in there, is that sometimes the manual does not specify the version of the TPM, so it is difficult to know which module to buy. To this must be added that each card manufacturer has a different connector and therefore a different TPM module.
Normally the version is specified by the number of pins that said connector has, so at the time of purchase we will have to take this detail into account and of course the TPM module is version 2.0 or higher.
This is the method that should be followed by anyone who cannot do what we will explain below, since this commented option is for those whose AMD platform is not compatible with fTPM, so without further ado, we will know the free and easy option to make our PC compatible with Windows 11 if we meet the other requirements.
How to enable fTPM on AMD PCs to make them compatible with Windows 11
First of all, we need to have a compatible AM4 motherboard. Here comes the madness, because the implementation of fTPM depends on the manufacturer and everyone supported the cards they wanted.
In principle, all AMD chipsets can support fTPM, i.e .: TRX40, X399 in the HEDT range and A320, B350, X370, B450, X470, A520, B550 and X570 in the Mainstream range. As they say, the inclusion of this feature has always depended on the manufacturer of our motherboard, so there are models that include it, others that don’t, and others have the even hidden option ( especially if our PC is from an OEM).
Assuming our motherboard is supported, the first step we would have to do is simple: enter BIOS / UEFI. The most common way to do this is to press the keyboard F2 or Delete when restarting the PC right after exiting Windows.
After entering it, what we will need to look for is a specific section, the name of which will vary depending on the manufacturer, since everyone calls it whatever way they deem most appropriate. In our case it’s ASUS and our motherboard is a ROG STRIX, so what we’re going to see is this:
As we can see ASUS makes it really easy, as we will only have to scroll to the top section that appears as Advanced options and enter the menu that appears as AMD fTPM configuration.
Once inside, we will have two options available with two submenus that must be configured as appropriate.
In the first one called Select TPM Device, we will find the options defined as Enable TPM firmware and Activate the dedicated TPM. The second option should only be enabled if we have the physical TPM module plugged into the motherboard, otherwise it would be impossible to activate since it refers to the module, in this case the 14 pin ASUS TPM 2.0.
So the correct option is the best: Activate the firmware of the TPM, which is precisely what AMD’s fTPM is based on.
Then we have the option to remove fTPM NV for a factory reset. This should only be enabled when we change the system processor, as new encryptions need to be generated by the processor.
Once done, we will need to go to the Start or Boot section, depending on the card model and disable the boot CSM, as fTPM keys cannot be generated with the asset. Once done, all you have to do is save the changes with F10 and go back to Windows.
How to verify that fTPM is active?
To do this, just press two keys at the same time: Windows + R, where the command window will open to run as usual.
Now we will have to write TPM.msc, after which a window should appear in the middle of the screen like this:
In this window we can see all the details of the version of the TPM that we have, whether it is ready or not, the available options and the information of the manufacturer, the version of it and especially the version of the specification.
On some motherboards it is possible that instead of finding the version 2.0 that Microsoft requests (among so many things) we find the older 1.2. If so, we’ll just have to resign ourselves to buying a TPM 2.0 or switching equipment (Microsoft requires a Ryzen 2000 series and a DX 12-compatible GPU, although it’s not clear whether it should this is the Ultimate version of the API).
Either way, you already know how to enable AMD fTPM on your PC, the rest of the prerequisites is what remains to be seen whether we can comply or not.
