0X8028001C

TPM_E_FAILEDSELFTEST (0X8028001C) Fix Steps

EP
Erropedia Team
📅 July 30, 2026 📅 Updated Jul 31, 2026 👁 3 views Windows Errors Intermediate
Your TPM chip failed its startup self-test. This usually happens after a BIOS update or power loss. Here's how to clear and retry it.

When This Error Shows Up

You're booting your PC and suddenly you see a black screen with a message like "TPM self-test failed" or Windows throws error code 0x8028001C. This usually happens right after you updated your BIOS, had a sudden power loss during a TPM update, or installed a new TPM module. Sometimes it just appears out of the blue on older machines (5+ years old) where the TPM chip is wearing out.

What's Actually Happening

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a little chip on your motherboard. When you turn on your PC, the chip runs a quick check called a self-test. With this error, that self-test failed. The TPM then shuts itself down to protect your data. The chip won't talk to Windows until you clear it. If the chip is physically damaged, you'll need a new motherboard or a new TPM module. But most of the time, it's just a software glitch from a bad update or power issue.

Fix 1: Clear TPM in BIOS

This is the most direct fix. You clear the TPM through your BIOS setup. Don't worry — this won't delete your personal files, but it WILL break BitLocker encryption (if you use it). Write down your BitLocker recovery key first. You can find it in your Microsoft account or on paper if you saved it.

  1. Restart your PC. As soon as the screen lights up, press the key to enter BIOS setup. Common keys are F2, Delete, F10, or Esc. If you're not sure, look at the bottom of the screen during boot — it usually says "Press [key] to enter setup".
  2. Inside BIOS, look for a tab called Security or Advanced. Different brands call it different names. On a Dell, it's under "Security" -> "TPM 2.0 Security". On an HP, it's under "Security" -> "TPM Embedded Security". On an ASUS, it's under "Advanced" -> "Trusted Computing".
  3. Find the option that says Clear TPM or Reset TPM or Erase TPM. On some BIOS versions, you might see "TPM State" — set it to Disabled, then save and exit. Then go back in and enable it again.
  4. Select Clear TPM or Yes when it asks to confirm. After you click Apply (usually F10), the PC will restart. You should see a message saying "TPM cleared" or "TPM reset successful".
  5. Let Windows boot normally. The error should be gone now.

Fix 2: Use Windows to Clear TPM

If you can get into Windows (maybe the error shows up later), try this:

  1. Open the Start menu, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. This opens the TPM Management console.
  2. Look on the right side under Actions. Click Clear TPM....
  3. A dialog pops up saying "Clear the TPM will reset..." Click Restart. Your PC will reboot and ask you to press a key to confirm the clear. Follow the on-screen instructions — usually you press F12 or Delete during the restart.
  4. After the restart, the TPM is cleared. Windows should start normally.

    5. Fix 3: Use PowerShell (Advanced Users)

    If BIOS and GUI don't work, try this command:

    1. Open PowerShell as Administrator. Press the Start button, type PowerShell, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
    2. Type this command and press Enter: 
      Clear-Tpm
    3. If the command works, it says "Success". If it fails with a different error, you'll need to do the BIOS clear.
    4. Restart your PC.

    What to Check If It Still Fails

    If none of these fixes work, you might have a dead TPM chip. Here's what to try:

    • Update your BIOS to the latest version. BIOS updates often fix TPM issues. Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website, find your model, and download the latest BIOS file. Follow their instructions to flash it.
    • Check for loose TPM module (desktop PCs only). Shut down, unplug the power cable, open the case, and find the TPM module (usually a small board plugged into the motherboard near the front panel connectors). Press it firmly to reseat it. Boot again.
    • Disable TPM in BIOS and see if Windows works without it. If it does, your TPM is faulty. You can buy a replacement module online (make sure it matches your motherboard model).
    • Test with a different power supply if you had a recent power surge. Bad power can damage the TPM chip.

    If none of that helps, you're looking at a new motherboard or a TPM module replacement. For laptops, this usually means a new motherboard. Sorry, but that's the reality of hardware failures.

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EP
Erropedia Team
Tech Support Editors
The Erropedia editorial team researches and documents real-world tech errors from across Windows, Linux, macOS, networking, databases, cloud platforms, and more. Every solution is reviewed for accuracy and updated as software and systems evolve.