How to Fix the “Trusted Platform Module Has Malfunctioned” Error in Windows

Have you ever tried to log into a Windows app, like Microsoft Teams or Outlook, and been hit with a cryptic error message that reads, “Trusted Platform Module has malfunctioned”? It can be pretty frustrating, especially when you’re not quite sure what it means or how to fix it. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll walk you through what the error means and show you how to fix it in just a few simple steps.

What is the Trusted Platform Module (TPM)?

First, let’s quickly talk about what the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is. TPM is a small chip on your computer’s motherboard responsible for securely storing encryption keys, passwords, and other important data. It’s a critical part of modern security, helping keep your computer and information safe.

When the TPM malfunctions, apps that rely on it, like Teams, Outlook, or even Windows itself, can run into issues. The good news? The problem is often easy to fix!

Common Causes of TPM Malfunctions

Before diving into the fixes, it’s helpful to know why this error pops up in the first place. Here are a few common causes:

• Corrupt TPM data.
• Outdated or missing drivers.
• Problems with Windows security updates.

Now that you know the basics, let’s get to the solutions!

Fix 1: Clear the TPM

One of the most effective solutions for TPM errors is clearing the TPM. Don’t worry—you won’t lose any personal data! Clearing the TPM only resets the TPM chip itself.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Go to Update & Security, then click on Windows Security from the sidebar.
3. Scroll down to Device security and click on Security processor details.
4. Under Security processor troubleshooting, select Clear TPM.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, and your PC will restart to complete the process.

After rebooting, try logging back into the app that was giving you trouble. This should resolve the issue in most cases.

Fix 2: Update Your TPM Driver

Sometimes, the error occurs because of an outdated or malfunctioning TPM driver. Updating it can often solve the problem.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand Security devices.
3. Right-click on Trusted Platform Module and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find and install any available updates.

Once the update is done, restart your PC and check if the error is fixed.

Fix 3: Reset the TPM Through BIOS/UEFI

If clearing the TPM through Windows doesn’t work, you might need to reset it via your BIOS/UEFI settings. This process can vary depending on your computer’s manufacturer, but the basic steps are similar.

1. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a key like F2, F10, or Del during startup (you should see a prompt on the screen).
2. Once inside the BIOS, look for an option related to TPM or Security.
3. Find the option to Clear TPM or Reset Security Processor.
4. Save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your PC will restart, and the TPM will be reset.

Try logging into the troublesome app after the reboot.

Fix 4: Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows comes with built-in troubleshooting tools that can automatically detect and fix problems like this.

To run the troubleshooter:

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Go to Update & Security and select Troubleshoot from the sidebar.
3. Click on Additional troubleshooters and then select Windows Store Apps.
4. Run the troubleshooter and follow any prompts to fix the issue.

Fix 5: Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, a simple Windows update can resolve TPM-related issues. If your system is behind on updates, it could cause malfunctions.

To check for updates:

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I) and go to Update & Security.
2. Click on Check for updates and let Windows download and install any pending updates.
3. Restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.

The “Trusted Platform Module has malfunctioned” error can be a bit of a headache, but with the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve it fairly quickly. Start with clearing the TPM and updating the driver, and if that doesn’t work, you can try more advanced options like resetting the TPM through BIOS or running the Windows Troubleshooter.

By following these easy steps, you’ll be back to using your apps without a hitch in no time! If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with others who might be dealing with the same issue.

Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below!