Dell TPM 1.2 to TPM 2.0 Upgrade Supported Systems Guide

Some Dell computers made between 2015 and 2018 shipped with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) firmware version 1.2. This article lists those models and explains how to upgrade their TPM firmware to version 2.0 — which is required by Windows 11.

User Intent Map

Use the table below to quickly answer questions.

Critical Constraints & Caveats

• Systems released after 2019 already ship with TPM 2.0 and cannot be downgraded.
• Precision Tower models marked with a (*) (3630/3630XL, 5810/5810XL, 5820/5820XL, 7810/7810XL, 7820/7820XL, 7910/7910XL, 7920/7920XL) require a BIOS update to the latest revision before upgrading TPM firmware.
• Always read the full upgrade/downgrade process as outlined in the Dell Knowledge Base article Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Upgrade or Downgrade Process for Windows 10 Operating System before continuing.

Overview

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a dedicated security chip that stores cryptographic keys, certificates, and passwords. TPM 2.0 offers stronger encryption algorithms and is required for Windows 11 and many modern security features including BitLocker, Secure Boot, and Windows Hello.

Dell computers manufactured between 2015 and 2018 may have shipped from the factory with TPM firmware version 1.2. For eligible models, a firmware update utility allows you to upgrade to version 2.0 without replacing hardware.

Key Terms

• TPM (Trusted Platform Module): A hardware security chip that handles cryptographic operations and stores sensitive credentials. Separate from the OS and CPU.
• TPM 1.2: An older standard supporting SHA-1 hashing and RSA 2048-bit keys. Required for older BitLocker and Windows 10 deployments.
• TPM 2.0: The current standard, supporting SHA-256, additional algorithms, and required by Microsoft for Windows 11 certification.
• Firmware upgrade: For supported Dell models, the transition from TPM 1.2 to 2.0 is a firmware-only change — no physical hardware replacement needed.

How to Confirm Your Computer Is Eligible for the Update

Use the following steps to verify that the TPM 2.0 firmware update utility is available for your specific model:

1. Go to the Dell product support page.

2. Select your computer under This PC, use the Browse All Products option and select your model number from our product list, or select the option Show me how under the search box on how to find your product identifier.

3. Select Security from the drop-down Category box.

4. Look for Dell TPM 2.0 Firmware update utility.

5. If the utility is listed, your computer supports the update. Download and run it.

Computers That May Have Shipped with TPM 1.2 Firmware

The following Dell models were manufactured between 2015 and 2018 and may have been shipped from the factory with TPM firmware version 1.2. These models are eligible for upgrade to TPM 2.0.

Latitude Laptops

Precision Workstations

OptiPlex Desktops

XPS

Other Products

Related Articles

The following Dell Knowledge Base articles provide additional information and steps:

• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Upgrade or Downgrade Process for Windows 10 Operating System
• How to Troubleshoot and Resolve Common Issues with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and BitLocker
• TPM 1.2 vs 2.0 Key Differences and Features

Scope

• This article covers only Dell consumer and commercial PC lines manufactured 2015–2018.
• It does NOT cover: server TPM management, discrete TPM chip replacement, or TPM provisioning in enterprise MDM scenarios.
• It does NOT guarantee Windows 11 upgrade eligibility — CPU generation requirements are separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Does upgrading TPM make my computer compatible with Windows 11?
  • A: Not automatically. Windows 11 also requires a supported CPU (8th Gen Intel or later, or AMD Ryzen 2000+). TPM 2.0 is necessary but not sufficient.
• Q: Can I downgrade from TPM 2.0 back to 1.2?
  • A: On some older models, yes — but it is not recommended. See Dell Knowledge Base article Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Upgrade or Downgrade Process for Windows 10 Operating System for the full process.
• Q: My model isn't in these lists — does that mean I can't upgrade?
  • A: If your model isn't listed, it likely shipped with TPM 2.0 already (2019+) or is not eligible. See the How to Confirm Your Computer Is Eligible for the Update section.
• Q: Do I need to update my BIOS before upgrading TPM?
  • A: Only required for starred (*) Precision Tower models. For all other models, the TPM firmware utility can run independently.