Windows 11, known for its requirement of the TPM 2.0 security feature, now offers a helpful solution for users facing issues with this particular chip. The latest build of Windows 11 (25905) in the Canary channel unveils a new feature that addresses TPM-related problems, as revealed by the well-known leaker PhantomOfEarth on Twitter.
The Windows Security app now includes a ‘TPM troubleshooter’ option, aimed at assisting users in identifying and resolving problems associated with their TPM 2.0 module. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) can either be a separate hardware chip or a firmware TPM (fTPM) that utilizes the CPU, providing enhanced security for PCs.
TPM 2.0 has stirred controversy due to its requirement for Windows 11, as many older and even relatively new PCs lack this feature. Some users consider the mandatory upgrade of their motherboard or CPU, or the addition of a TPM security chip, to be an unfair condition imposed by Windows 11, especially since Windows 10 did not have this requirement.
New in build 25905: a TPM troubleshooter is now available in Windows Security. Enabled by default like the 'unexpected usage' privacy features and repair installs through Windows Update. pic.twitter.com/Ys08YDUwYc
— PhantomOcean3 ?? (@PhantomOfEarth) July 12, 2023
Microsoft defends the TPM 2.0 requirement, emphasizing the importance of strengthening security measures to protect users from potential exploitation by hackers.
The introduction of the TPM troubleshooter offers a practical solution for addressing TPM-related issues. Users encountering errors like “Can’t get TPM information. Contact your device manufacturer” can now utilize the Windows troubleshooter to delve deeper into the problem and potentially find a resolution. While the reliability of Microsoft’s troubleshooters can vary, having this additional support can prove beneficial. Furthermore, the troubleshooter includes an option to reset the TPM back to default settings.
The availability of the TPM troubleshooter in the Canary channel indicates a limited rollout, with only a subset of testers currently accessing the feature. Microsoft typically releases new features to a small group of testers initially to identify any major issues and gather early feedback.
Considering the controversy surrounding TPM 2.0 and its planned inclusion as a requirement for Windows 12, it is highly likely that the TPM troubleshooter will be incorporated into the final version of Windows 11. Enhancing the experience of running TPM is a valuable goal, and this functionality may even appear in the 23H2 update, as recent news suggests that the rumored inclusion of Copilot AI might not be part of that release scheduled for later this year.
