How to Enable TPM on an AMD Motherboard

Why AMD motherboards use firmware TPM

A Trusted Platform Module, or TPM, is a component that stores security keys and verifies that the system has not been tampered with. Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 module to be present and enabled. On many AMD motherboards, the TPM is not a separate chip but a firmware feature built into the CPU, called firmware TPM or fTPM.

Because fTPM is part of the processor, there is no extra hardware to install. The feature is disabled by default on some motherboards, so you need to turn it on in the BIOS setup. The steps are similar across AMD motherboard makers, though the menu names differ.

This guide explains how to find the TPM setting in the BIOS of an AMD motherboard and what to do after you enable it. It is written for anyone who is setting up a new gaming PC or preparing an existing one for Windows 11.

Entering the BIOS setup

To change the TPM setting, you first need to enter the BIOS setup. Restart the PC and press the key shown on the screen during startup. On most AMD motherboards, the key is Delete or F2. The exact key is printed on the motherboard box or in the manual, and it often appears briefly on the boot screen.

If the PC boots into Windows too quickly, you can use the Windows recovery menu. In Windows, open Settings, go to System, then Recovery, and under Advanced startup select Restart now. From the blue menu, choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then UEFI Firmware Settings, and click Restart. This takes you to the BIOS setup without needing to time a key press.

Once inside the BIOS, use the keyboard or mouse to navigate. The layout depends on the motherboard maker, but the TPM option is usually under a menu named Security, Trusted Computing, or Advanced.

Finding the TPM option

The TPM setting on AMD motherboards is often labeled AMD fTPM, AMD CPU fTPM, or Firmware TPM. It may be under a submenu called Trusted Computing or Security. On some boards, it appears in the Advanced menu under CPU Configuration.

When you find the option, it is usually set to Disabled or Auto. To enable TPM 2.0, change it to Enabled or Firmware TPM. Some BIOS versions ask you to choose between Discrete TPM and Firmware TPM; select Firmware TPM if you do not have a separate TPM module installed.

If you cannot find the option, check the motherboard manual or the support page for your exact model. The menu name and location vary, but the setting is always in the BIOS, not in Windows.

For a broader look at what to check in a gaming PC before you buy, see what to check before buying a prebuilt gaming PC.

Saving and exiting

After you change the TPM setting, save the changes and exit the BIOS. Look for the Save & Exit menu, choose Save Changes and Reset or Save and Exit, and confirm when asked. The PC will restart with the new setting active.

Do not turn off the PC during the save process. Let it restart completely. On some systems, the first boot after enabling fTPM may show a message about the TPM being changed; follow the on-screen instructions to continue.

If the PC does not boot into Windows, re-enter the BIOS and check that the TPM setting is still enabled. If the option is set to Auto, try setting it to Enabled or Firmware TPM explicitly.

Confirming TPM 2.0 in Windows

Once Windows loads, you can verify that TPM 2.0 is active. Open the Windows Security app, go to Device security, and look for the Security processor section. It should show that a TPM is present and that the specification version is 2.0.

You can also check with the TPM Management tool. Press Windows key plus R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. The window shows the TPM status and the specification version. If it says the TPM is ready and the version is 2.0, the setting worked.

If the TPM is not recognized, restart the PC and re-enter the BIOS to confirm the setting is saved. Some motherboards require the TPM option to be set to Firmware TPM rather than Discrete TPM.

For more on the security features that Windows 11 checks, read what is TPM 2.0 and why do you need it and what to check in a gaming PC for secure boot.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the TPM option is missing from the BIOS, the motherboard may have a BIOS update that adds or changes the setting. Check the motherboard support page for the latest BIOS version and the release notes. Updating the BIOS is a separate process and should be done carefully, following the maker's instructions.

If Windows still says TPM is not available, make sure the BIOS is set to UEFI mode rather than legacy mode. TPM 2.0 is only available in UEFI mode. The setting is usually under Boot or Startup in the BIOS.

If you have a prebuilt gaming PC, the motherboard maker and model are listed in the system information or on the product page. Look up the manual for that exact model to find the TPM menu.

For a step-by-step on updating the BIOS, see how to update BIOS on a gaming PC.

What to pick for your play

Questions

What is AMD fTPM?

AMD fTPM is a firmware-based Trusted Platform Module built into the CPU. It provides the same security functions as a separate TPM chip but does not require extra hardware.

Do I need to install a TPM module on an AMD motherboard?

No. Most AMD motherboards support firmware TPM, so you only need to enable it in the BIOS. A separate TPM module is only needed if the motherboard does not have fTPM support.

Why can't I find the TPM option in my BIOS?

The option may be under a different menu name, such as Trusted Computing or Security. Check the motherboard manual. If it is still missing, a BIOS update may be needed.

Will enabling TPM affect gaming performance?

Enabling TPM does not change gaming performance. It is a security feature that runs in the background and does not interfere with the GPU or CPU during play.

Can I enable TPM on an AMD motherboard without reinstalling Windows?

Yes. Enabling TPM in the BIOS does not require reinstalling Windows. After you save the change and boot back into Windows, the TPM is recognized automatically.