Windows 11 uses TPM for various security-related tasks, such as encryption, authentication, and secure key generation and storage. For instance, your BitLocker and Windows Hello cryptographic keys are stored in the TPM module. If something goes wrong with the TPM module, you will start encountering TPM-related errors. In that case, you must clear TPM on Windows 11. Clearing TPM involves resetting the TPM chip to its default state, and wiping out all previously stored keys and configurations
In this small tutorial, I will show three methods to clear TPM keys on Windows 11. You can follow the method of your choice.
Precautions before clearing TPM on Windows 11
Deleting TPM keys on Windows is irreversible and can cause data loss if you are not careful. So, follow the below precautions before following the how-to steps.
Windows 11 uses BitLocker to encrypt data on your computer. Since BitLocker keys are stored in TPM, it is important that you either turn off BitLocker encryption or back up all the data in your system to a safe location. That way, you don’t lose your data on resetting TPM.
Related: How to check if BitLocker is enabled.
Clearing TPM keys should be your last resort. Only do it when you are facing TPM-related errors such as “TPM is ready for use, with reduced functionality” or issues with BitLocker and/or Windows Hello.
How to clear TPM on Windows 11
You can clear the TPM keys on Windows 11 using the methods given below. Follow any method of your choice. As I said before, be cautious and back up all the data in your computer before proceeding.
- Clear TPM from the TPM Management console
- Clear TPM from the Device Security window
- PowerShell command to reset TPM on Windows 11
Let us see each method in detail:
1. Clear TPM from the TPM Management console
Windows 11 Pro includes a tool called TPM Management Console which lets you reset the TPM keys. Here’s how to use it.
Step 1: Launch the Run window.
First of all, launch the Run window by pressing the Start key + R keyboard shortcut. You can also right-click on the Start icon on the taskbar and choose the Run option.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Clear TPM’ option.
The above action will open the TPM management console window. On the right panel, click on the ‘Clear TPM’ option. This will show a prompt asking you to reboot, click on the ‘Restart’ button. This will restart your PC.
Step 3: Log into your user account.
Once the system has been restarted, log into your user account. Once you’ve logged in, the TPM keys are cleared on Windows 11.
2. Clear TPM from the Device Security window
Windows Security allows you to reset TPM keys via the Device Security module. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open Device Security on Windows 11.
First of all, open the Start menu by clicking on the Start icon on the taskbar. Search and open ‘Windows Security.’ Now, go to the Device Security tab on the sidebar.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Security processor troubleshooting’ page.
On the Device Security page, click on the “Security processor details” option under the Core Isolation section and then click on the ‘Security processor troubleshooting’ option under the Status section.
Step 3: Select a reason and click on the ‘Clear TPM’ button.
Now, select a relevant reason from the first dropdown menu. For instance, I chose the “I want to delete by TPM key for privacy reasons” option. Next, click on the “Clear TPM” button.
Step 4: Press the ‘Clear and Restart’ button.
The above action prompts you to restart your PC, click on the “Clear and restart” button. On restart, log into your user account to complete the process.
3. PowerShell command to reset TPM on Windows 11
To clear TPM keys on Windows 11 from PowerShell, use the clear-tpm command. Here’s how.
First of all, right-click on the Start icon on the taskbar. This will open the Power User menu. Click on the Windows Terminal (Admin) option. This opens Windows Terminal with admin rights. By default, the terminal window opens with the PowerShell tab. If not, you can open it from the dropdown menu on the title bar.
In the PowerShell tab of the Terminal window, type clear-tpm and press the Enter window. When prompted, restart your computer and log into your user account.
That is it. I hope this small tutorial helped in clearing TPM on Windows 11.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
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