How To Fresh Install Windows 11 And Enable TPM & Secure Boot

This Pink Parsnip Computers guide shows you how to perform a fresh Windows 11 install and how to enable TPM and Secure Boot in the BIOS so your PC is ready for Windows 11.

Watch The Video Guide

Guide Time

Full walkthrough

Difficulty

Medium to Advanced

Best For

Fresh Windows installs, TPM, Secure Boot and Windows 11 setup

Important Before You Start

A fresh Windows install can delete your files, apps, settings and saved data. Please make sure anything important is backed up before starting.

We also do not recommend changing BIOS settings unless you are confident or have been advised to do so. If you bought your PC from Pink Parsnip Computers and are unsure, please contact us first.

What This Guide Covers

How to prepare for a fresh Windows 11 install
Why backing up your files first is important
How to access the BIOS
How to enable TPM
How to enable Secure Boot
Why TPM and Secure Boot matter for Windows 11
How to install Windows 11 cleanly
What to check after Windows has installed

Official Windows 11 Download

If you need to create a Windows 11 USB installer, use the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page.

Download Windows 11 From Microsoft

Why TPM And Secure Boot Matter

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. These features help support modern Windows security requirements and can also be important for some games and anti cheat systems.

If these settings are disabled, Windows 11 may refuse to install, or certain games and apps may show errors even after Windows is installed.

Before Installing Windows 11

Back up your files, photos, documents and anything important
Make sure you have access to any software licences or login details you need
Create a Windows 11 USB installer using Microsoft’s official tool
Check that your PC is connected to power and will not be turned off during installation
Disconnect extra drives if you are unsure which drive Windows should be installed on
Contact Pink Parsnip Computers first if you are unsure about any step

BIOS Settings Explained

TPM

TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. It is a security feature required by Windows 11 and may also be used by some games, anti cheat systems and security features.

Depending on the motherboard, this may be shown as TPM, fTPM, AMD fTPM, Intel PTT, Security Device Support or a similar name.

Secure Boot

Secure Boot is a security feature that helps the PC start using trusted software during the boot process.

Secure Boot normally requires the PC to be using UEFI mode rather than older Legacy or CSM boot modes.

UEFI Mode

UEFI is the modern boot mode used by Windows 11. If a system is set to Legacy or CSM mode, Secure Boot may not be available until the correct boot mode is used.

Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Back Up Your Files

Before doing anything else, back up your important files. A fresh Windows install can remove files, apps and settings from the drive you install Windows onto.

Step 2: Create A Windows 11 USB Installer

Use Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page to create a bootable USB installer. You will usually need a blank USB drive with enough storage space.

Step 3: Enter The BIOS

Restart the PC and enter the BIOS using the correct key for your motherboard. Common keys include Delete, F2 or F12, but this can vary depending on the system.

Step 4: Enable TPM

Find the TPM setting in the BIOS and make sure it is enabled. The name can vary between motherboards and platforms, so look for TPM, fTPM, AMD fTPM, Intel PTT or Security Device Support.

Step 5: Enable Secure Boot

Find Secure Boot in the BIOS and enable it where supported. If Secure Boot is greyed out or unavailable, the system may need to be in UEFI mode and CSM may need to be disabled.

Step 6: Save And Restart

Save the BIOS changes and restart the PC. Make sure the Windows 11 USB installer is connected if you are ready to install Windows.

Step 7: Boot From The USB Installer

Choose the USB installer from the boot menu and start the Windows 11 setup process.

Step 8: Choose The Correct Drive

When choosing where to install Windows, make sure you select the correct drive. Deleting or formatting the wrong drive can remove data permanently.

Step 9: Complete Windows Setup

Follow the on screen Windows 11 setup steps. The PC may restart several times during installation.

Step 10: Install Updates And Drivers

Once Windows is installed, run Windows Update and install the correct graphics drivers, motherboard drivers and any software required for your PC.

Warning About Formatting Drives

During a fresh Windows install, you may see options to delete, format or create partitions. These options can permanently remove data from the selected drive.

If you are unsure which drive is which, stop and ask for help before continuing.

After Windows 11 Has Installed

Run Windows Update
Install your graphics driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel
Install required motherboard, WiFi, Bluetooth and audio drivers if needed
Check Device Manager for missing drivers
Install your games and software
Check that Windows is activated
Restore your backed up files

Common BIOS Names To Look For

TPM
fTPM
AMD fTPM
Intel PTT
Security Device Support
Secure Boot
CSM
UEFI
Windows UEFI Mode
Standard or Custom Secure Boot mode

Please Contact Us If You Are Unsure

Fresh installing Windows and changing BIOS settings can be useful, but it is important to take care. The wrong setting or wrong drive selection can cause problems or data loss.

If you bought your PC from Pink Parsnip Computers and are unsure what to do, please contact us before continuing.

Need Help?

If you bought your PC from Pink Parsnip Computers and need help with Windows 11, TPM, Secure Boot or a fresh install, please raise a support ticket and we will be happy to advise.

Contact Pink Parsnip Support