Disabling TPM
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a security chip that provides hardware-based, security-related functions. It's a core component of Windows 11's security features, but sometimes needs to be disabled for certain software to function properly.
Methods to Disable TPM
Method 1: BIOS Settings
-
Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings:
- Restart your computer
- Press the BIOS key during startup (usually F2, Del, F12)
-
Locate TPM Settings:
- Look under "Security," "Advanced," or "Trusted Computing"
- Find "TPM Device," "Security Device," or "TPM Security"
- Set to "Disabled" or "Off"
-
Save and Exit:
- Save changes (usually F10)
- Allow system to restart
Method 2: Removing TPM.sys (Advanced)
This method involves modifying system files. Create a backup before proceeding.
-
Backup TPM.sys:
copy C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tpm.sys C:\tpm_backup.sys -
Take Ownership:
takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tpm.sys
icacls C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tpm.sys /grant administrators:F -
Delete or Rename:
ren C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tpm.sys tpm.sys.oldor
del C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tpm.sys
Method 3: Services Disable (Permanent)
-
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
-
Disable TPM Services:
sc stop tpm
sc config tpm start= disabled
sc stop TPMConnect
sc config TPMConnect start= disabled
sc stop MsSecFlt
sc config MsSecFlt start= disabled -
Disable Additional Related Services:
sc stop SharedAccess
sc config SharedAccess start= disabled
sc stop TBS
sc config TBS start= disabled
Method 4: Registry Modifications
-
Open Registry Editor:
- Press
Windows + R - Type
regeditand press Enter
- Press
-
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TPM -
Modify Values:
- Find "Start" value
- Change to "4" (Disabled)
-
Additional Registry Keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TBS
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TPMConnect- Set "Start" to "4" for each
Group Policy Method
-
Open Group Policy Editor:
- Press
Windows + R - Type
gpedit.msc
- Press
-
Navigate to:
- Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Trusted Platform Module Services
-
Disable TPM:
- Find "Turn off TPM"
- Set to "Enabled" (yes, "Enabled" turns off TPM)
Verifying TPM Status
Command Line Check
tpm.msc
or
Get-Tpm
System Information
- Press
Windows + R - Type
msinfo32 - Look for "TPM Status"
Restoring TPM
If you need to restore TPM functionality:
-
If you renamed tpm.sys:
ren C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tpm.sys.old tpm.sys -
If you backed up tpm.sys:
copy C:\tpm_backup.sys C:\Windows\System32\drivers\tpm.sys -
Re-enable Services:
sc config tpm start= auto
sc config TPMConnect start= auto
sc config TBS start= auto
- Some Windows features may not work with TPM disabled
- Create system restore point before making changes
- Keep backup of tpm.sys in safe location
- Document any changes made for future reference
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
-
Services Keep Re-enabling:
- Use both registry and service methods
- Check for Windows updates resetting settings
- Consider using Group Policy method
-
Windows Security Warnings:
- These are normal when TPM is disabled
- Can be ignored if TPM disable is intended
-
Boot Issues:
- Boot in safe mode if problems occur
- Restore from backup if necessary
- Use system restore point
For additional support, contact our support team or consult your system manufacturer's documentation.