Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Outlook, and Teams will throw out a “Trusted platform module has malfunctioned” warning during authentication if they run into issues communicating with the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chipset on your PC. You may also see error codes like 80090030, 80090016, and 80284001 accompany it. Work through the instructions below to fix the “Trusted platform module has malfunctioned” error on a Windows 10 or 11 PC. Make sure to re-activate your Microsoft 365 products after each fix. You may have to set up Windows Hello or your PIN repeatedly after some fixes.
Reset Microsoft 365 Activation State
Reset Microsoft 365 Activation State
It’s best to begin by using Microsoft’s Support and Recovery Assistant to reset the current Office 365 activation state. That allows you to re-activate your Office apps with a fresh slate.
Disable Your Antivirus Software
Disable Your Antivirus Software
Third-party security software tends to create various errors while activating Microsoft 365 apps. If you use an anti-malware utility on your computer, briefly disable it and check if that makes a difference.
Clear the TPM Keys in Windows
Clear the TPM Keys in Windows
If the TPM error persists, try resetting the Trusted Platform Module to its default state. Microsoft recommends that you save your work and back up the personal data on your PC before you begin.
Remove Your Microsoft Office Credentials
Remove Your Microsoft Office Credentials
The following fix involves removing any existing Microsoft Office credentials from Windows before your next attempt at activating Office products.
Turn On Memory Integrity
Turn On Memory Integrity
Memory integrity is a native security feature in Windows that protects high-security processes from malicious attacks. Turning it on may make the “Trusted platform module has malfunctioned” error disappear.
Update Your Computer’s Trusted Platform Module Drivers
Update Your Computer’s Trusted Platform Module Drivers
Outdated TPM drivers can be another reason why the “Trusted platform module has malfunctioned” error appears on your PC. Check for and install any new TPM updates.
Uninstall and Reinstall TPM Drivers
Uninstall and Reinstall TPM Drivers
If your PC has no new TPM drivers, consider uninstalling and reinstalling them next. That will resolve possible instances of driver corruption. To do that:
Disable Modern Authentication Protocols
Disable Modern Authentication Protocols
By default, Microsoft 365 uses modern account authentication protocols like OAuth and SAML for activation. However, despite the enhanced security, they can also result in the “Trusted platform module has malfunctioned” error. Disabling them using the following registry hack might fix it.
Take Ownership of Ngc Folder
Take Ownership of Ngc Folder
“Ngc” is a system folder that stores your Windows Hello security information. Sometimes, it can corrupt and generate the “Trusted platform module has malfunctioned” error. Deleting the folder’s contents will force Windows to recreate everything from scratch.
Delete BrokerPlugin and CloudExperienceHost Account Data
Delete BrokerPlugin and CloudExperienceHost Account Data
Next, remove all account-related data related to the BrokerPlugin and CloudExperienceHost processes. To do that:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin_cw5n1h2txyewy\AC\TokenBroker\Accounts %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.CloudExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\AC\TokenBroker\Accounts
Perform a Clean Boot
Clean booting Windows will prevent conflicts from third-party startup processes during the Microsoft 365 activation process. To do that:
Create a New User Account in Windows
Create a New User Account in Windows
Windows profile corruption is another plausible reason for TPM errors. Hence, try setting up Microsoft 365 in a new Windows user account. To do that:
Trusted Platform Module Has Malfunctioned Fixed
Trusted Platform Module Has Malfunctioned Fixed
The “Trusted Platform Module Has Malfunctioned” error can be tricky to resolve. However, take the time to work your way through the fixes above, and you should be able to get rid of it eventually.If none of the fixes above help, check if the BIOS or UEFI needs an update. If that’s not an issue, consider resetting Windows to factory defaults.
