We have talked at length about the fact that Windows 11 has shut out millions of computers simply because Microsoft does not consider them safe, which sounds like a strange excuse, especially for things like TPM 2.0.
The reality is that the requirements are quite impressive and are not available to everyone, despite having extremely solvent equipment for the case in most cases. But do not despair, at least for now, as there are several solutions that could help you if you meet certain conditions.
Windows 11 is so restrictive on hardware that you may not be able to install it if …
If at least you don’t have a module TPM 2.0 or fTPM on AMD, so we go in parts. First of all we have to know if our platform, specifically our motherboard, has a TPM 2.0 connector. To do this, the simplest thing is to go to the manual of our motherboard on the manufacturer’s website and look for the TPM Connector section, where it should appear something like this:
The problem, because there are usually them in this, is that sometimes the manual does not specify the version of the TPM, so it is difficult to know which module we have to buy. To this must be added that each board 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 that 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 are going to explain below, since this commented option is for those whose AMD platform is not compatible with fTPM, so without further delay we are going to know the free and simple 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 must have a compatible AM4 motherboard. Here comes the madness, because the implementation of fTPM depends on the manufacturer and each one has supported the boards they have wanted.
In principle, all AMD chipsets can support fTPM, that is: TRX40, X399 in the HEDT range and A320, B350, X370, B450, X470, A520, B550 and X570 in the Mainstream range. As we say, the inclusion of this feature has always depended on the manufacturer of our motherboard, so there are models that include it, others that do not, and others have the option even hidden (especially if our PC is from an OEM).
Assuming that our board has support, the first step we would have to do is simple: enter the BIOS / UEFI. To do this, the most common thing is to press on the keyboard F2 or Delete when restarting the PC right after exiting Windows.
After entering it, what we will have to look for is a specific section that will vary in name depending on the manufacturer, since each one calls it in the way they think is most appropriate. In our case it is ASUS and our motherboard is a ROG STRIX, so what we will see is this:
As we can see, ASUS makes it really easy, since we will only have to scroll to the upper 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 depending on the case.
In the first one called Select the TPM device, what we will find are the options set as Enable TPM Firmware and Enable dedicated TPM. The second option should only be enabled if we have the physical TPM module plugged into the motherboard, because otherwise it would be impossible to activate it since it refers to the module, in this case the 14-pin ASUS TPM 2.0.
The correct option therefore is the superior one: Enable TPM Firmware, which is precisely what AMD’s fTPM is based on.
Then we have the option to Delete fTPM NV for factory reset. This should only be enabled when we change the system CPU, since new encryptions need to be generated by the processor.
Once this is done we will have to go to the Start or Boot section, depending on the board model and disable the boot CSM, since the fTPM keys cannot be generated with the asset. Once this is done, it only remains to save the changes with F10 and return to Windows.
How to check that fTPM is active?
To do this, we only have to press two keys at the same time: Windows + R, where the command window will open to execute as always.
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 TPM that we have, if it is ready or not, the available options and the information of the manufacturer, the version of the same and especially the version of the specification.
On certain motherboards it is possible that instead of finding version 2.0 which is what Microsoft asks for (among so many things) we find the oldest 1.2. If this is the case, we will simply have to resign ourselves to buying a TPM 2.0 module or changing equipment (Microsoft requires a Ryzen 2000 series and a GPU compatible with DX 12, although it is not clear if it has to be the Ultimate version of the API).
In any case, you already know how to activate AMD fTPM on your PC, the rest of the requirements are what remains to be seen if we can comply or not.