How to Fix TPM Not Detected Error in BitLocker?

Why Does My Computer Keep Asking for BitLocker Keys When TPM Fails?

Your computer boots fine most days. Then suddenly, BitLocker pops up asking for a key. You try pressing buttons to fix it, but get hit with error code E_FVE_TPM_NOT_DETECTED. This means your system can’t find or use the TPM chip that BitLocker needs.

Don’t panic. This problem happens more often than you think. The good news? You can fix it.

What Causes This Problem?

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a small chip on your motherboard. It stores security keys for BitLocker. When Windows can’t talk to this chip, BitLocker gets confused and locks you out.

Common causes include:

• TPM turned off in BIOS settings
• Old firmware that doesn’t work right
• Corrupted TPM data
• BIOS settings that got messed up

Solution 1: Turn On TPM in Your BIOS

Your TPM might be sleeping. Wake it up through BIOS settings.

Steps to follow:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Security & Updates
3. Click Recovery, then Restart Now
4. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options
5. Select UEFI Firmware settings and reboot
6. Look for Security, Advanced, or Settings tabs in BIOS
7. Find TPM option and enable it
8. Save changes and exit

Different computer makers put this option in different places. Look around if you don’t see it right away.

Solution 2: Make BitLocker Work Without TPM

Sometimes the easiest fix is to bypass TPM completely. BitLocker can use passwords or USB keys instead.

Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, hit OK
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > BitLocker Drive Encryption > Operating System Drives
3. Double-click “Require additional authentication at startup“
4. Select Enabled
5. Check “Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM“
6. Click Apply and OK
7. Restart your computer
8. Set up BitLocker encryption again

This method works great if your TPM chip is broken or missing.

Solution 3: Clear TPM Data

Old TPM data can cause conflicts. Clearing it gives you a fresh start.

Two ways to clear TPM:

Method A – Through Windows:

1. Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, hit Enter
2. Go to Action tab
3. Select Clear TPM from right panel
4. Follow prompts to complete

Method B – Through BIOS:

1. Restart and enter BIOS
2. Find Security or Trusted Computing section
3. Look for Clear TPM or Reset to Factory Defaults
4. Select it and save changes
5. Exit BIOS

After clearing, check if TPM works by opening tpm.msc again. It should show “ready for use.”

Solution 4: Reset BIOS to Factory Settings

Corrupted BIOS settings cause many TPM problems. A factory reset often fixes them.

Steps:

1. Restart computer and enter BIOS
2. Find Settings or Security tab
3. Look for “Load Setup Default,” “Restore defaults,” or “Optimized defaults“
4. Select it and confirm
5. Save changes and exit BIOS

This resets everything to how it came from the factory. You might need to adjust other settings afterward.

Solution 5: Turn Off BitLocker Temporarily

When you need computer access urgently, disabling BitLocker works as a quick fix. Back up important files first.

Emergency disable process:

1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment
2. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
3. Type: manage-bde -unlock E: -rp <recovery password>
   Replace <recovery password> with your 48-digit BitLocker key
4. Type: manage-bde -off E:
5. Restart computer

BitLocker will be off, but your drive stays unencrypted until you fix the TPM issue.

Solution 6: Use USB Drive as Startup Key

No working TPM? No problem. Store your BitLocker key on a USB drive instead.

Setup process:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type: manage-bde -on C: -used
3. Follow prompts to save recovery key to USB drive
4. Choose encryption mode
5. Start the process
6. Restart computer with USB drive plugged in

Keep that USB drive safe. You’ll need it every time you start your computer.

Is Resetting TPM Safe?

Yes, but be careful. Resetting TPM deletes all stored keys. This affects encrypted data access. Always suspend BitLocker and back up important files before resetting TPM.

Think of it like changing locks on your house. The old keys won’t work anymore, but new ones will.

Prevention Tips

• Keep BIOS firmware updated
• Don’t change BIOS settings randomly
• Back up BitLocker recovery keys
• Test TPM regularly using tpm.msc

When to Get Help

Contact technical support if:

• None of these solutions work
• You’re uncomfortable changing BIOS settings
• You don’t have BitLocker recovery keys
• Your computer won’t boot at all

TPM detection errors feel scary, but they’re usually fixable. Start with enabling TPM in BIOS. If that doesn’t work, try the other solutions in order. Most people find success with the first few methods.

Remember: back up your data before trying any fixes. Better safe than sorry.