Wipe Out Malware with These 4 Insane Tricks on Windows 11

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) serves as a security chip designed to protect computers from malware and various cyber threats. It plays a vital role not only in the setup of Windows 11 but also in essential security features like Windows Hello and BitLocker.

This guide provides a comprehensive approach to clearing TPM on Windows 11, presenting four distinct methods.

Determining the Appropriate Times for TPM Clearance and Its Safety Implications: While TPM is a defense against hardware-based hacking and safeguards sensitive data, there are specific scenarios where TPM clearance is advised:

1. Addressing Malware Concerns: If malware is suspected post-scan, a TPM reset can remove entrenched malware effectively.
2. Privacy Assurance When Selling a Computer: Clearing TPM before selling prevents exposure of private information stored in TPM, which includes records of installed drivers and applications.
3. Troubleshooting Security Issues: Clearing TPM can help resolve security, encryption, and authentication problems.
4. Preparing for OS Installation: Clearing TPM before a fresh OS installation ensures proper utilization of TPM-based features in the new OS.

Clearing TPM is secure, yet it’s essential to note that this action erases all encrypted keys and associated data, including virtual smart card information and sign-in PINs.

Therefore, backing up Windows data protected by TPM is crucial to prevent data loss.

Method 1: Clearing TPM Using the TPM Management Console The TPM management console facilitates TPM management, enabling actions like enabling, disabling, clearing TPM, and managing TPM keys. To clear TPM via this method:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Enter “tpm.msc” and press Enter.
3. Find “Clear TPM” in the Actions section.
4. Click “Clear TPM.”
5. Select “Restart.”

The computer restarts to complete the TPM reset.

Method 2: Clearing TPM Using the Windows Security App For TPM clearance through the Windows Security app:

1. Open the Start Menu, search for “Windows Security,” and press Enter.
2. From the sidebar Select “Device security”, and click “Security processor details.”
3. Click “Security processor troubleshooting.”
4. Choose a reason for TPM deletion.
5. Select “Clear TPM.”
6. Click “Clear and restart.”

After the restart, you might need to reconfigure Windows Hello settings.

Method 3: Clearing TPM Using Windows PowerShell Windows PowerShell, a command-line tool, can be used for advanced operations, including TPM clearance:

1. Open Windows PowerShell with administrative privileges.
2. Enter “Clear-Tpm” and press Enter.

Method 4: Clearing TPM Through the BIOS Clearing TPM through BIOS involves:

1. Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2 or Del) to access BIOS.
2. Go to the Security tab.
3. Choose “Clear TPM” and confirm with “Yes.”
4. Move to the Exit tab, select “Save Changes and Exit,” and confirm with “Yes.”

After restart, you’ll be prompted to set up your PIN, indicating successful TPM clearance.

Safeguarding Data Against Malware on Windows: TPM stores crucial security-related data, including encryption keys. Clearing TPM is crucial to protect this data from malware impact. The methods mentioned offer efficient ways to reset TPM without compromising data integrity.