How to Change TPM 1.2 to 2.0 in Windows 11

TPM, or Trusted Platform Module, is an important security component used by Windows 11 for features such as Windows Hello, BitLocker, secure boot-related security features, and device protection. Windows 11 generally expects a compatible TPM 2.0 configuration on supported hardware.

If your computer shows TPM 1.2, you may wonder whether it can be changed to TPM 2.0. In many cases, the answer depends on the physical TPM chip and the firmware provided by the motherboard or laptop manufacturer. TPM 1.2 cannot normally be converted into TPM 2.0 simply by changing a Windows setting. However, some newer systems support both versions through firmware settings or a TPM firmware update.

Before making any TPM changes, check your current TPM version and back up important data. If BitLocker or another security feature is using the TPM, changing or clearing TPM settings can cause recovery-key prompts or other security changes.

Method 1: Check Your Current TPM Version

Before trying to change TPM settings, confirm whether your computer currently uses TPM 1.2 or TPM 2.0.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

tpm.msc

3. Press Enter.
4. Wait for the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management window to open.
5. Look for Specification Version.

If it shows 2.0, your system already has TPM 2.0 enabled.

If it shows 1.2, your computer is currently using TPM 1.2.

You can also check TPM information through Windows Security or PowerShell.

Open PowerShell and run:

Get-Tpm

This provides information about the TPM’s availability and readiness.

Checking the version first is important because Windows cannot turn a physical TPM 1.2 chip into a TPM 2.0 chip through a normal Windows command.

Method 2: Check Whether Your PC Supports TPM 2.0

The next step is determining whether the computer’s hardware supports TPM 2.0.

Many relatively recent computers use firmware-based TPM rather than a separate physical TPM chip. Depending on the processor and motherboard, this may appear as Intel PTT or AMD fTPM.

Check your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s specifications for TPM 2.0 support.

You can also check the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings.

1. Restart the computer.
2. Enter BIOS or UEFI setup.
3. Look under sections such as Security, Advanced, Trusted Computing, or TPM.
4. Look for options such as:
   • TPM
   • Security Device Support
   • Intel PTT
   • Intel Platform Trust Technology
   • AMD fTPM
   • Firmware TPM

If the system supports firmware TPM 2.0, enabling the appropriate option may allow Windows 11 to use TPM 2.0.

The exact name and location of the option varies between manufacturers.

Method 3: Enable Intel PTT for TPM 2.0

On supported Intel computers, TPM 2.0 may be provided through Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT).

PTT is firmware-based TPM functionality built into supported Intel platforms.

To check for it:

1. Restart your PC.
2. Enter the BIOS or UEFI setup.
3. Open the Security or Advanced section.
4. Look for Intel PTT or Platform Trust Technology.
5. Enable the option if it is available.
6. Save the BIOS changes.
7. Restart Windows.

After Windows starts, press Windows + R and enter:

tpm.msc

Check Specification Version again.

If the firmware exposes TPM 2.0 correctly, Windows should report the supported TPM version.

Do not change unrelated BIOS settings while looking for PTT. BIOS menus contain many hardware and boot options, and changing the wrong setting can affect system startup.

Method 4: Enable AMD fTPM for TPM 2.0

AMD systems may provide TPM functionality through Firmware TPM, commonly referred to as AMD fTPM.

The option may have different names depending on the motherboard manufacturer.

1. Restart the computer.
2. Enter BIOS or UEFI setup.
3. Open the security or advanced configuration area.
4. Look for an option related to fTPM, Firmware TPM, or AMD CPU fTPM.
5. Enable the appropriate TPM option.
6. Save the changes.
7. Restart the computer.

After Windows loads, open:

tpm.msc

Check the Specification Version field.

If the system supports TPM 2.0 through firmware, Windows should recognize it after the setting is enabled.

Some BIOS versions provide multiple TPM choices. Do not clear or reset the TPM unless you understand the consequences and have appropriate recovery information available.

Method 5: Update the TPM Firmware

Some computers with TPM 1.2 hardware may support an official firmware update that changes the TPM firmware to a newer version.

This is completely dependent on the manufacturer and the specific hardware.

Check the support page for your computer or motherboard model and look for:

• TPM firmware update
• TPM update utility
• Trusted Platform Module firmware
• Security firmware update
• BIOS or UEFI update
• TPM 2.0 firmware

If the manufacturer provides an official TPM 2.0 firmware update for your exact model, follow its instructions carefully.

Before starting a TPM firmware update:

1. Back up important files.
2. Make sure the computer is connected to reliable power.
3. Save your BitLocker recovery key if BitLocker is enabled.
4. Close running applications.
5. Read the manufacturer’s instructions completely.
6. Do not turn off the computer while the firmware update is running.

Do not use a TPM firmware package intended for another computer model. A TPM firmware update is hardware-specific, and using an incorrect firmware package can create serious problems.

Method 6: Update the BIOS or UEFI Firmware

Sometimes TPM 2.0 support becomes available after a BIOS or UEFI firmware update.

Check the manufacturer’s support page for your exact laptop, desktop, or motherboard model.

If a newer BIOS version mentions TPM, Windows 11 compatibility, Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, or security improvements, it may be relevant.

The general process is:

1. Identify your exact computer or motherboard model.
2. Visit the manufacturer’s support page.
3. Find the BIOS or UEFI downloads.
4. Compare the installed version with the available version.
5. Read the release notes.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s BIOS update instructions.
7. Restart the computer after the update.
8. Enter BIOS again and check TPM-related settings.

After updating the firmware, return to Windows and check:

tpm.msc

A BIOS update does not automatically mean that every TPM 1.2 system can become TPM 2.0. The hardware must support the newer TPM functionality.

Method 7: Check TPM Through Windows PowerShell

PowerShell provides another way to verify the TPM configuration after making firmware changes.

Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

Get-Tpm

You can also query the TPM specification information with:

Get-CimInstance -Namespace root/CIMV2/Security/MicrosoftTpm -ClassName Win32_Tpm

Review the information returned by Windows.

If you have enabled Intel PTT or AMD fTPM in the firmware, restart the computer before checking again.

PowerShell is useful for confirming whether Windows can communicate with the TPM, but it cannot magically upgrade a TPM 1.2 hardware module to TPM 2.0.

If the hardware only supports TPM 1.2, software commands will not provide a genuine TPM 2.0 environment.

Method 8: Replace the TPM Hardware or Use Supported Hardware

If your computer has a physical TPM 1.2 module and the manufacturer does not provide a TPM 2.0 firmware upgrade, changing the TPM version may require different hardware.

Some desktop motherboards have a TPM header that can accept a manufacturer-supported TPM module. However, TPM modules are not universal.

Before purchasing anything, check the exact motherboard documentation.

A compatible TPM module must match the motherboard’s supported TPM type, connector, firmware requirements, and security implementation.

For laptops and many modern desktops, replacing the TPM yourself may not be practical. The TPM may be integrated into the motherboard or processor platform.

If the system cannot support TPM 2.0, upgrading the computer or motherboard may be a more realistic option than attempting an unsupported hardware modification.

Can Windows Convert TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0?

Windows itself cannot normally convert a TPM 1.2 chip into a TPM 2.0 chip.

TPM versions are determined by the TPM hardware or firmware implementation.

There are three common situations:

• TPM 2.0 is already supported but disabled: Enable it in BIOS/UEFI.
• Firmware TPM supports TPM 2.0: Enable Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, or the equivalent setting.
• Only TPM 1.2 is supported: You need an official manufacturer firmware or hardware upgrade, if one exists.

This distinction is important because changing a Windows registry value or running a command cannot create TPM 2.0 functionality that the hardware does not support.

Be Careful When Clearing TPM

You may see an option called Clear TPM while investigating TPM settings.

Clearing TPM is not the same thing as upgrading TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0.

Clearing TPM removes information stored in the TPM and can affect security features such as BitLocker and Windows Hello.

If BitLocker is enabled, make sure you have access to the recovery key before making TPM changes.

Do not clear the TPM simply because Windows reports TPM 1.2.

What If Windows 11 Says TPM 2.0 Is Required?

If Windows 11 reports that TPM 2.0 is required, first check the TPM management console:

Windows + R → tpm.msc

If the specification version already says 2.0, TPM may simply be disabled, unavailable to Windows, or another Windows 11 requirement may be causing the compatibility problem.

If it says 1.2, check the BIOS/UEFI for Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, or another firmware TPM option.

If none of those options are available, check the computer manufacturer’s documentation for TPM 2.0 support.

Conclusion

Changing TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 is not normally a simple software setting. The ability to use TPM 2.0 depends primarily on the computer’s hardware and firmware.

Start by checking the current TPM version with tpm.msc. If your computer supports firmware TPM 2.0, enabling Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, or a similar firmware option may allow Windows to use TPM 2.0. A BIOS or UEFI update may also add or improve TPM support on some systems.

If the computer has a physical TPM 1.2 chip, check whether the manufacturer provides an official TPM firmware upgrade. Never install a firmware package designed for another model.

If the system genuinely supports only TPM 1.2, Windows cannot convert it into TPM 2.0 through PowerShell, Command Prompt, registry changes, or ordinary Windows settings. In that situation, the available solution depends on the manufacturer’s supported hardware options.

FAQs

1. Can I upgrade TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0 from Windows 11?

Not normally. Windows cannot turn TPM 1.2 hardware into TPM 2.0 through a regular software setting. The system must have compatible TPM 2.0 hardware or firmware support.

2. How do I check whether my TPM is 1.2 or 2.0?

Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. Look for Specification Version in the TPM Management window.

3. Does enabling Intel PTT provide TPM 2.0?

On supported Intel systems, Intel PTT can provide firmware-based TPM functionality. After enabling it, restart Windows and check the TPM specification version.

4. Should I clear TPM to change it from 1.2 to 2.0?

No. Clearing TPM does not upgrade its version. It can also affect BitLocker, Windows Hello, and other security features, so it should only be done when specifically required and after appropriate recovery information has been secured.

Quick Summary

• Check the current TPM version with tpm.msc.
• Look for Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, or another firmware TPM option in BIOS/UEFI.
• Check the manufacturer’s support page for an official TPM firmware or BIOS update.
• If the hardware supports only TPM 1.2, Windows cannot convert it to TPM 2.0 through software alone.