How to Check for TPM on your Device

TPM is a service that comes installed on most newer laptops, and is required in order to enable BitLocker. However, if you own an older laptop, there is a chance that you don’t have TPM. Here are some steps on how to check if you have TPM enabled:

Search for Control Panel in the bottom left of your screen. Click on System and Security and then BitLocker Drive Encryption. Select TPM Administration in the bottom left corner.

If you have TPM (see below), please return to the previous page and continue to follow the steps.

If you do not have TPM (see below), please continue reading for steps on how to enable BitLocker without TPM.

 

Steps for bypassing TPM Requirement:

Proceed at your own risk.   

Use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + R and type: gpedit.msc and hit Enter or click OK.

Now navigate to Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives. Then double click on “Require Additional Authentication at Startup”.

On the next screen select Enabled, and under Options check the box “Allow BitLocker Without a Compatible TPM” and click OK and close out of Group Policy Editor.

Now, you will be able to use BitLocker without TPM. At this time, please return to the previous page and continue following the steps.