TPM Driver

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008

The Microsoft TPM Driver is the software component that allows the Windows operating system to communicate with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware component. It is called exclusively by the TPM Base Service (TBS).

A TPM is a hardware component of the computer that has security features to perform cryptographic operations, store cryptographic keys, generate random numbers, record measurements of platform components like the BIOS or software components, and so forth. Software applications can use TPM features to provide solutions with enhanced security.

BitLocker Drive Encryption in some configurations uses the TPM to seal a cryptographic key so that it can be accessed only if the computer is configured in the same way as when the key was sealed.

Aspects

The following is a list of all aspects that are part of this managed entity:

Name Description

TPM Driver Operation

This version of Windows includes a device driver that allows the TPM Base Service (TBS) to communicate with and share the use of a Trusted Platform Module chip in the computer. Any failures in communication with the TPM or unexpected results cause the TPM driver or the TBS to log event messages.

Note: The BitLocker Drive Encryption feature uses the TPM by default.

Core Security