Unveiling the Secrets of MSI Click BIOS 5: How to Enable TPM

If you’re a PC enthusiast or someone who’s just setting up a new system, you’ve likely encountered the need to enable TPM (Trusted Platform Module) on your motherboard. One of the most common BIOS setups that users interact with is the MSI Click BIOS 5. This modern and intuitive interface has been designed to make hardware settings easier to manage, whether you’re overclocking or setting up security features like TPM. In this guide, we will dive deep into the MSI Click BIOS 5, explaining how to enable TPM, why it’s important, and what you need to know for your system’s security and performance.

Table of Contents

What is MSI Click BIOS 5?

MSI Click BIOS 5 is the latest iteration of the BIOS interface for MSI motherboards. It combines a sleek, user-friendly graphical interface with advanced options that cater to both novice users and experienced overclockers. One of its primary functions is to provide control over the motherboard’s settings, allowing users to adjust system configurations such as boot priorities, memory settings, CPU performance, and security features like TPM.

Unlike traditional BIOS systems, which feature a text-based interface, MSI Click BIOS 5 uses a more modern, graphical user interface (GUI) that allows for easier navigation. It’s designed to be intuitive, with the most critical options easily accessible, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and advanced users. The BIOS can be accessed during the system boot-up, where you can change several crucial settings that determine your system’s behavior.

What is TPM and Why Should You Enable It?

TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, a hardware-based security feature that is commonly used to protect sensitive data. TPM provides a secure environment for storing encryption keys, passwords, and digital certificates. It is widely used for tasks like:

Data Encryption: TPM enables full disk encryption through software like BitLocker, helping protect your data in case of theft.
Secure Boot: It ensures that the system boots using only trusted software, preventing malware from loading before the OS starts.
Authentication: TPM is used for multi-factor authentication, ensuring only authorized users can access critical system data.

Enabling TPM is essential for users who want to ensure the highest level of system security, especially with modern operating systems like Windows 11, which require TPM for installation. If you plan on using features such as BitLocker or Secure Boot, enabling TPM is a critical step.

How to Enable TPM in MSI Click BIOS 5

Enabling TPM in MSI Click BIOS 5 is a relatively simple process. Follow these steps to enable it:

Power on your computer: Start by turning on or restarting your system. As soon as the system begins to boot, press the Delete key (or F2, depending on your MSI motherboard) to enter the BIOS.
Enter the BIOS settings: Once you’re in the BIOS, you’ll see the graphical user interface. The interface is organized into several sections, each offering various settings for your system.
Navigate to the ‘Security’ tab: Using the arrow keys or your mouse, go to the Security tab at the top of the BIOS screen.
Locate TPM settings: In the Security tab, find the Trusted Computing section. This is where the TPM settings are located.
Enable TPM: Within the Trusted Computing section, find the option labeled TPM Device or TPM State. Set this option to Enabled.
Save and exit: Once TPM is enabled, press the F10 key to save your changes and exit the BIOS. The system will reboot with TPM enabled.

After these steps, your motherboard will have TPM enabled, which will allow you to use related security features in your operating system.

Verifying TPM is Enabled

Once you’ve enabled TPM in MSI Click BIOS 5, you might want to verify that it’s working correctly. Here’s how you can check:

Windows 10/11: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type tpm.msc and press Enter. This will open the TPM Management console. If TPM is enabled, you’ll see a message that says “The TPM is ready for use.”
Device Manager: Open Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Device Manager. Expand the Security Devices section, and you should see a device called “Trusted Platform Module.” This confirms TPM is enabled.

Troubleshooting TPM Issues

While enabling TPM in MSI Click BIOS 5 is typically straightforward, there are some common issues that users might encounter. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

TPM Not Found in BIOS: If you cannot find the TPM option in the BIOS, it could be because your motherboard doesn’t have TPM support, or the option may be hidden. Ensure your motherboard is TPM-capable, and check for a BIOS update from MSI that might reveal this option.
TPM Not Showing in Windows: If you’ve enabled TPM but it doesn’t show up in Windows, ensure your operating system supports TPM 2.0, especially if you’re running Windows 11. You may need to install an update or enable certain features like Secure Boot.
BIOS Version: Check if your BIOS is up-to-date. Older versions of MSI Click BIOS 5 may have limited TPM functionality, so updating the BIOS to the latest version might solve the issue.
Clear TPM Option: Some users find the TPM state is in a “Locked” or “Inactive” state. You can clear the TPM from the BIOS settings if you’re facing issues with activating it.

If you encounter issues, you can also visit the MSI support page for troubleshooting guides and BIOS updates: MSI Support.

Conclusion

Enabling TPM in MSI Click BIOS 5 is an essential step for securing your system and taking full advantage of features like BitLocker and Secure Boot. The process is straightforward and involves just a few steps within the BIOS interface. By following this guide, you’ll be able to enable TPM quickly and easily, ensuring that your data is safe and your system is protected. Whether you’re upgrading your security or preparing for Windows 11, enabling TPM is a crucial part of modern PC setup.

For further information about MSI Click BIOS 5 and its features, visit MSI Official Site.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by OverClocking Team