Purpose: Protecting Our Company’s Most Sensitive Information

To safeguard company and client data, our computers rely on advanced security features like encryption. The “TPM” health check verifies that your computer has a modern, dedicated security chip that is essential for these protections to work effectively.

This chip, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), is a non-negotiable hardware requirement for Windows 11 because it provides a secure foundation for protecting your entire system.

How it Works: A Digital Vault for Your Data’s Keys

Think of the TPM as a high-security, physical vault built directly into your computer’s main circuit board.

• This vault is separate from your main processor and storage, making it highly resistant to tampering and hacking.
• Its only job is to securely generate and protect encryption keys—the digital keys that lock and unlock your sensitive data.
• Features like BitLocker disk encryption (which protects your data if your laptop is lost or stolen) rely on this hardware vault to keep your keys safe.

There are different versions of this vault. TPM 2.0 is the modern standard, like a new bank vault with stronger locks and more advanced alarms. Older versions do not meet today’s security requirements. Our health check simply verifies that your computer has this modern, secure vault.

What Your Results Mean

The check determines if your computer has the required TPM 2.0 security chip.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Modern Security Chip (TPM 2.0) Your computer has the required TPM 2.0 security chip. It is equipped to provide the highest level of hardware-based security for your data.	No action is required. Your system meets the security standard.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	Missing or Outdated Security Chip Your computer either lacks a TPM security chip or has an outdated version (below 2.0). It does not have the hardware foundation needed for modern security and is not compatible with Windows 11.	This cannot be fixed with a software update. The TPM is a physical chip. Please contact the IT Help Desk immediately to schedule a device replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this chip so important?

• Without a TPM, your encryption keys are more vulnerable. It’s the difference between storing the key to a safe inside the safe versus in a separate, secure location. The TPM provides that separate, secure location.

Can you just install a new TPM chip in my computer?

• No. The TPM chip is physically integrated into the computer’s motherboard when it is manufactured. It cannot be added or upgraded later. The only solution is to replace the device.

My computer works fine. Why is this a problem now?

• Your computer may work for basic tasks, but it lacks a fundamental security layer that is now a mandatory standard across the industry. To ensure all company devices are protected against modern threats and can run Windows 11, we must enforce this hardware requirement.

If your device receives an “Action Required” status, please contact the IT Help Desk. We are ready to assist you with a smooth transition to a secure, modern computer.