How to Fix “Security Processor Reported That Maximum Allowed Number of Re-Arms Has Been Exceeded” on Windows 11

Windows 11 includes advanced security features such as BitLocker, Windows Hello, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and Secure Boot to help protect your system and sensitive data. These features rely on the security processor (TPM) to securely store encryption keys and other security information. However, you may encounter the error “Security processor reported that maximum allowed number of re-arms has been exceeded” when enabling BitLocker, resetting TPM, provisioning Windows security features, or during system deployment and activation-related tasks.

This error usually indicates that the TPM has reached its internal limit for a specific security operation, such as key provisioning or reinitialization. It can also occur because of corrupted TPM data, outdated BIOS or TPM firmware, Windows security configuration issues, failed BitLocker provisioning, or incomplete device enrollment. In enterprise environments, the problem may also be related to deployment tools or Group Policy settings.

Fortunately, you can often resolve the issue by clearing the TPM, updating your BIOS and TPM firmware, repairing Windows system files, and resetting Windows security components. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective methods to fix the “Security processor reported that maximum allowed number of re-arms has been exceeded” error on Windows 11.

How to Fix “Security Processor Reported That Maximum Allowed Number of Re-Arms Has Been Exceeded” on Windows 11

Before you begin, determine when the error appears—for example, while enabling BitLocker, setting up Windows Hello, joining a domain, or deploying Windows. If BitLocker is enabled, back up your BitLocker Recovery Key before making changes to the TPM, as clearing the TPM may require it to regain access to your encrypted drive. Follow the troubleshooting methods below until the issue is resolved.

1. Restart Your Computer

Temporary TPM or Windows Security glitches can sometimes trigger this error.

1. Save your work.
2. Open the Start menu.
3. Click the Power icon.
4. Select Restart.
5. Retry the operation that generated the error.

Restarting reloads the TPM services and Windows security components.

2. Verify That the TPM Is Working Properly

Before making changes, check whether Windows detects the TPM correctly.

1. Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
2. Verify that Windows reports:
   • The TPM is ready for use
   • A valid TPM specification version
3. Note any warning or error messages shown in the console.

If Windows cannot communicate with the TPM, further troubleshooting may be required.

3. Clear the TPM

Corrupted TPM data can prevent Windows from provisioning new security information.

Important: If BitLocker is enabled, ensure you have your recovery key before proceeding.

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Device security.
3. Select Security processor details.
4. Click Security processor troubleshooting.
5. Choose Clear TPM.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Confirm the TPM reset if prompted during startup.

Windows will recreate the TPM configuration after the restart.

4. Suspend and Resume BitLocker

If the error occurs while managing BitLocker, refreshing its configuration may help.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to BitLocker Drive Encryption.
3. Click Suspend protection.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Return to BitLocker.
6. Click Resume protection.
7. Retry the original operation.

Suspending BitLocker temporarily refreshes its communication with the TPM.

5. Update Your BIOS and TPM Firmware

Older firmware versions may contain TPM-related bugs.

1. Determine your current BIOS version.
2. Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support website.
3. Download the latest BIOS or UEFI update.
4. Install any available TPM firmware updates.
5. Restart your computer.

Firmware updates often improve TPM stability and compatibility with Windows 11.

6. Update Windows 11

Microsoft regularly releases fixes for TPM, BitLocker, and Windows Security.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install all available updates.
5. Restart your computer.

Keeping Windows updated helps resolve known security-related issues.

7. Repair Corrupted System Files

Damaged Windows system files can interfere with security services.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run:

sfc /scannow

3. After the scan completes, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. Restart your computer.

These tools repair corrupted Windows components used by TPM and BitLocker.

8. Restart the TPM and Security Services

Windows security services must be running correctly for TPM operations.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Verify that services such as:
   • TPM Base Services
   • Cryptographic Services
3. Are running correctly.
4. Restart the services if necessary.
5. Retry the operation.

Refreshing these services can resolve temporary communication issues.

9. Remove and Reconfigure Windows Hello

If the error appears while setting up Windows Hello, recreating your credentials may help.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
3. Remove your existing Windows Hello PIN.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Set up a new PIN.
6. Reconfigure Windows Hello if necessary.

This refreshes the credentials stored in the TPM.

10. Check Group Policy Settings

Incorrect security policies may prevent TPM provisioning.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Trusted Platform Module Services.
3. Review TPM-related policies.
4. Restore the default settings if appropriate.
5. Restart your computer.

If your PC is managed by an organization, consult your IT administrator before changing these policies.

11. Reset Windows Security

Resetting the Windows Security app can resolve corrupted security configurations.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Locate Windows Security.
4. Click Advanced options.
5. Select Repair.
6. If necessary, click Reset.
7. Restart your PC.

This restores Windows Security to its default configuration.

12. Perform an In-Place Upgrade Repair

If the TPM and Windows security components remain corrupted, an in-place repair can reinstall Windows without removing your files.

1. Download the latest Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
2. Mount the ISO.
3. Run setup.exe.
4. Select Keep personal files and apps.
5. Complete the repair installation.

This reinstalls Windows system components while preserving your data and installed applications.

Conclusion

The “Security processor reported that maximum allowed number of re-arms has been exceeded” error typically indicates that the TPM has reached an operational limit or encountered corrupted security data during provisioning. In most cases, clearing the TPM, updating your BIOS and TPM firmware, repairing Windows system files, and refreshing BitLocker or Windows Hello settings will resolve the problem.

If the issue persists, verify that your TPM is functioning correctly, review any Group Policy restrictions, and consider performing an in-place repair of Windows 11. Keeping your system firmware, Windows installation, and security components up to date will help prevent TPM-related errors and ensure reliable operation of Windows security features.