Buzz
1. What is TPM 2.0?
2. What is TPM 2.0 used for?
3. How to check if your computer has Chip TPM 2.0.
1. What is TPM 2.0?
When it comes to the question of what TPM is, Mytour would like to clarify that TPM is an abbreviation for Trusted Platform Module, meaning a reliable platform module. This is a separate chip soldered onto the motherboard of the computer, designed to provide hardware-based security functions.
TPM chip is like an electronic keypad lock that you use to deactivate the home security alarm every time you enter the door or it functions like the authentication app on your phone that you use to log into your bank account.
After pressing the power button on a computer with Full-Disk Encryption (FDE) and TPM chip, this chip will generate a unique code known as the cryptographic key. If everything goes smoothly, Drive Encryption's hard drive encryption will be unlocked, and your computer will start booting. In case of issues with the key, such as a hacker stealing your computer and attempting to break into the encrypted hard drive, the computer won't boot.
TPM chip currently comes in two versions, 1.2 and 2.0. TPM 2.0 is the new security standard released in October 2014, encompassing all functions of TPM 1.2 and adding more reliable algorithms.
2. What is TPM 2.0 used for?
A significant amount of data we send and receive throughout the day is transmitted in unencrypted form. TPM chip uses a combination of hardware and software to protect important passwords or encryption keys when they are sent in this unencrypted form.
If the TPM chip detects a compromise in the system's integrity caused by viruses or malware, it can initiate isolation mode to help resolve the issue. Certain Google Chromebooks include TPM, and during startup, the chip scans the BIOS for unauthorized changes.
The TPM chip also provides secure storage capabilities for encryption keys, certificates, and passwords used to log into online services. This is a safer and more secure method compared to storing such data within software on the hard drive. In fact, many PC applications and features utilize TPM after the system has booted. Email applications like Thunderbird and Outlook use TPM to handle encrypted messages. Web browsers like Firefox and Chrome also leverage TPM for advanced functions, such as maintaining SSL certificates for websites.
Although initially developed for enterprises or large companies wanting to secure their data, TPM has now become a requirement for all PCs and laptops to ensure security for all users.
Microsoft states that TPM 2.0 is a mandatory requirement for installing Windows 11 to help protect the system from common and sophisticated attacks, such as ransomware, and complex cyber threats. This requirement is not an issue for users who purchased computers manufactured around 2016 or later.
3. How to check if your computer supports TPM 2.0?
You can verify whether your computer has a 2.0 chip by pressing Windows + R to open the Run dialogue and entering tpm.msc. After clicking OK, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management window will appear. Here, if you see the The TPM is ready for use status in the Status section, it means your computer has a TPM chip, and you can check the TPM version in the TPM Manufacturer Information section.
However, if you receive the Compatible TPM cannot be found message, it means your computer either doesn't have a TPM chip or the chip is not activated in the BIOS.
- Check now: Some 'special' computer models that don't require a TPM chip to run Windows 11
