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

If you’re seeing the “Trusted Platform Module has malfunctioned” error on your Windows device, don’t panic. It’s a common issue tied to security features like BitLocker, Microsoft Office sign-ins, or Windows Hello. This post breaks down what causes it and how to fix it—step by step.

🔧 What Causes This TPM Error?

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a hardware-based security chip used for encryption, authentication, and secure boot. If it malfunctions, it usually means:

• Corrupt TPM keys
• Outdated TPM firmware
• Conflicts with recent Windows updates
• App-specific glitches (especially with Microsoft 365 or Outlook)

Let’s fix it.

✅ 1. Clear the TPM via Windows Security

Warning: This will remove existing TPM keys. If you’re using BitLocker, make sure you back up your recovery key first.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S and search for Windows Security.
2. Go to Device Security > Security processor details.
3. Click Security processor troubleshooting.
4. Select Clear TPM.
5. Reboot your system.

This resets the TPM and often clears the error.

✅ 2. Update Your TPM Firmware

Outdated firmware can lead to TPM bugs.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Check the Specification Version at the bottom.
3. Visit your device manufacturer’s support site (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo).
4. Search for a TPM firmware update using your model number.
5. Follow their guide to install the update.

✅ 3. Re-register TPM with Azure AD (For Work/School Accounts)

If you’re getting the error when signing into Microsoft apps with a work or school account:

Steps:

1. Sign out of your Microsoft Office apps.
2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.
3. Remove your work/school account.
4. Reboot.
5. Re-add the account and sign back into Office.

✅ 4. Reset TPM Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can reset the TPM manually.

Steps:

1. Press Start, search for cmd, right-click, and choose Run as Administrator.
2. Type: shutdown /r /o /f /t 00 This restarts your PC into the Advanced Startup Menu.
3. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
4. In BIOS/UEFI, find TPM settings (under Security).
5. Choose Clear TPM, save and exit.

✅ 5. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft often patches TPM issues through updates.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install everything available and reboot.

✅ 6. Disable and Re-enable TPM (Last Resort)

Only do this if nothing else works.

Steps:

1. Boot into BIOS/UEFI.
2. Locate TPM Security or Intel PTT.
3. Disable it, save, and reboot.
4. Go back into BIOS, re-enable it, save, and reboot again.

🧩 Still Seeing the Error?

If none of these steps work, it might be a hardware-level issue with the TPM chip. In that case, contact your device’s support team or consider having the motherboard checked by a technician.

Final Tip: Back up your recovery keys and important data before making TPM changes. These fixes reset critical security features that protect your data.

Got questions or ran into a specific issue? Drop a comment below and I’ll help you troubleshoot.