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PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT
Can I add TPM 2.0 to my PC?
Q I must be one of many writing to you about their frustration with Microsoft and the Windows 11 upgrade. Your replies have included what TPM 2.0 is and the reasons behind why it’s needed, but my question is – can it be added? From the articles you’ve printed, I’m not sure if TPM 2.0 is purely software, or a combination of software and hardware? I’ve followed your guides and looked in my PC’s BIOS, but I can’t find anything to do with TPM 2.0, so I assume mine hasn’t got it or can’t support it. I do have instructions on how to update my BIOS, so if TPM 2.0 is purely software can I overwrite my BIOS with a BIOS that can support TPM 2.0 and then enable it? If TPM 2.0 is a combination of both software and hardware, can I get an expansion card that will enable me to do the upgrade? Sorry for the rant – and great magazine by the way!
Mike Hayes
A To be specific, TPM is encryption software that exists on dedicated hardware. But it’s not possible just to install TPM software: it must come with the dedicated hardware. It might be possible to add TPM 2.0 to a computer, but it depends on a variety of factors. There’s also an outside possibility that you already have it, but don’t realise it-but we’ll get to that later.
First, if you have a laptop, forget it: few if any models can practically have TPM added. For a desktop PC, however, it really depends on the motherboard. Many modern boards will have header pins for a physical TPM module. However, you can’t just buy any old module and plug it in, as the pin-outs vary between).
