Enable TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot on Dell / Alienware
Dell and Alienware PCs use a clear on-screen BIOS — your PC's settings menu before Windows starts. You will turn on TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, then save and restart. Take each step slowly; nothing here is permanent until you choose Save & Exit.
Quick Reference
Last verified · 10 Sept 2026Difficulty & Time
BIOS Vendor
Dell Graphical UEFI BIOS / Alienware UEFI BIOS (AMI-based)
CPU Support
Intel 8th Gen, Intel 9th Gen, etc.
TPM Terminology
Secure Boot Location
Secure Boot → Secure Boot EnableSupported Chipsets
Uses a left-hand menu. Security and Secure Boot appear as separate sections.
Uses top tabs: Main, Advanced, Security, Boot, and Exit.
Updated look, but Security and Secure Boot work the same way.
Before you begin
Don't worry if your BIOS looks slightly different. Manufacturers often update colours and layouts, but the menu names are usually the same.
Enter BIOS
Turn on your PC. As soon as you see the Dell logo, tap F2 repeatedly until the BIOS opens — your PC's settings menu before Windows starts. If Windows loads instead, restart and try again.
Intel steps (Intel PTT)
Enable TPM 2.0
Turn on the security chip Windows needs. Follow the path that matches your PC.
- Dell: Open Security in the left pane, then select TPM 2.0 Security.
- Dell: Check TPM On, set the related option to Enabled, then click Apply.
- Alienware: Open the Security tab and set Firmware TPM (or Intel PTT) to Enabled.
On some older Dell systems, also check that PPI Bypass for Enable Commands is not blocking Windows from changing TPM state.
Enable Secure Boot
Turn on Secure Boot so Windows can verify that startup software is trusted.
- Dell: Open Secure Boot in the left pane, then select Secure Boot Enable.
- Dell: Set it to Enabled. Confirm Secure Boot Mode is Deployed Mode.
- Alienware: Open the Boot tab. Set Boot List Option to UEFI, then set Secure Boot to Enabled.
Save & Exit
Save your changes and leave the BIOS. Your PC will restart into Windows.
- Dell: Click Exit at the bottom right and confirm that you want to save.
- Alienware: Press F10, then choose Save & Exit.
AMD steps (AMD fTPM)
Enable TPM 2.0
Turn on the security chip Windows needs. Follow the path that matches your PC.
- Dell: Open Security in the left pane, then select TPM 2.0 Security.
- Dell: Check TPM On, set the related option to Enabled, then click Apply.
- Alienware: Open the Security tab and set Firmware TPM (or AMD fTPM) to Enabled.
If Absolute (sometimes called Computrace) was turned off, TPM options may stay greyed out until you set a BIOS administrator password under Security.
Enable Secure Boot
Turn on Secure Boot so Windows can verify that startup software is trusted.
- Dell: Open Secure Boot in the left pane, then select Secure Boot Enable.
- Dell: Set it to Enabled. Confirm Secure Boot Mode is Deployed Mode.
- Alienware: Open the Boot tab. Set Boot List Option to UEFI, then set Secure Boot to Enabled.
Save & Exit
Save your changes and leave the BIOS. Your PC will restart into Windows.
- Dell: Click Exit at the bottom right and confirm that you want to save.
- Alienware: Press F10, then choose Save & Exit.
Screenshots
We do not have verified BIOS screenshots for Dell / Alienware yet.
If you can share a clear photo of these menus, email bios@bootready.help with your full motherboard or PC model so we can help others.
Things to watch for
Troubleshooting
tpm.msc to confirm TPM 2.0 is ready. Then run msinfo32 and check that Secure Boot State shows On.Was this guide helpful?