How to Fix “Trusted Platform Module Has Malfunctioned” Error in Windows 11

The error “Trusted Platform Module has malfunctioned” usually appears when you try to sign in to Windows, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, or other apps that rely on device-based security. You may see messages like error code 80090016 or repeated sign-in failures even though your password is correct.

In most cases, this error occurs because of corrupted TPM data, outdated firmware, Windows updates, or account credential conflicts, not because the TPM chip is physically damaged. The steps below will help you fix the issue safely and restore normal access.

How to Fix “Trusted Platform Module Has Malfunctioned” Error in Windows 11

Follow the steps below in order. After each step, check whether the error is resolved before moving on.

1. Restart Your PC

Temporary TPM or credential glitches are common.

1. Click Start > Power > Restart
2. Let Windows 11 fully reboot
3. Try signing in or opening the affected app again

A simple restart often resolves one-time TPM sync issues.

2. Sign Out and Sign Back Into the Affected App

If the error appears in apps like Office or Teams, refreshing the account helps.

1. Open the affected Microsoft app
2. Sign out of your account completely
3. Close the app
4. Reopen it and sign in again

This forces the app to re-establish secure credentials.

3. Clear Stored Work or School Account Credentials

Corrupted credentials are a very common cause.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Accounts > Access work or school
3. Select the connected account
4. Click Disconnect
5. Restart your PC
6. Reconnect the account and sign in again

This recreates TPM-based authentication keys.

4. Clear TPM (Most Effective Fix)

Clearing TPM resets corrupted security keys.
Important: Back up your data and ensure you know your BitLocker recovery key before proceeding.

1. Press Windows + I
2. Go to Privacy & security > Windows Security
3. Open Device security
4. Click Security processor details
5. Select Security processor troubleshooting
6. Click Clear TPM
7. Restart your PC when prompted

After reboot, Windows will automatically reinitialize TPM.

5. Turn TPM Off and On From BIOS/UEFI

If clearing TPM from Windows does not help.

1. Restart your PC
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI (F2, Del, Esc, or F10 depending on manufacturer)
3. Locate TPM, fTPM, or PTT settings
4. Disable TPM
5. Save and exit BIOS
6. Restart and re-enter BIOS
7. Re-enable TPM
8. Save changes and boot into Windows

This fully resets TPM state at the firmware level.

6. Update Windows 11

TPM-related bugs are often fixed through updates.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. Install all available updates
4. Restart your PC

Always keep Windows fully updated when dealing with security features.

7. Update BIOS / UEFI Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause TPM malfunctions.

1. Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support page
2. Download the latest BIOS/UEFI update
3. Follow the official update instructions carefully
4. Restart after the update

This is especially important for AMD fTPM systems.

8. Remove and Re-Add Microsoft Account (Personal PCs)

If the error appears during Microsoft account sign-in.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info
2. Sign in with a local account temporarily
3. Restart your PC
4. Add your Microsoft account again

This regenerates account-based TPM keys.

9. Check BitLocker Status

TPM issues can affect BitLocker encryption.

1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption
2. Confirm BitLocker is enabled and healthy
3. Save your BitLocker recovery key
4. Temporarily suspend BitLocker if needed
5. Resume BitLocker after fixing TPM

Never clear TPM without BitLocker recovery keys.

10. Create a New Windows User Account

User profile corruption can trigger TPM errors.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users
2. Create a new local administrator account
3. Sign in to the new account
4. Test whether the error appears

If it works, the original user profile may be corrupted.

Final Thoughts

The “Trusted Platform Module has malfunctioned” error in Windows 11 is usually caused by corrupted TPM data or credential conflicts, not a failed TPM chip. In most cases, clearing TPM or reconnecting work/school accounts fixes the issue completely.

Always back up important data and BitLocker recovery keys before making TPM or firmware changes. Once fixed, TPM works silently in the background and does not require further maintenance.