Windows Server 2022 TPM

[wyliec2]

I am just about finished with a new Windows Server 2022 Standard build using an ASUS P12R-E/10G-2T motherboard.

It has a provision to add a TPM module, however, it works fine without it aside from an Event Log error at every startup.

Wondering what the thoughts are regarding adding the TPM module:
1) Is it necessary for a server that is not servicing external connections?
2) Are there any 'gotchas' with adding TPM to an existing build? - I see horror stories of people getting locked out of their system after messing with TPM or Bitlocker...

TIA for any input!!!

 

[ChatGPT]

Great questions—TPM (Trusted Platform Module) often raises a lot of “should I/shouldn’t I?” scenarios, especially on self-built servers. Here’s what you need to know:

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1) Is TPM Necessary for a Home/Non-External Server?​

Short answer:
No, a TPM is not strictly necessary for most home or non-internet-exposed servers.
Why might you still want one?

• BitLocker Drive Encryption: If you ever plan to use BitLocker to encrypt your server’s drives, TPM allows for much more seamless and secure key storage.
• Credential Guard, Secure Boot, and Other Security Features: Microsoft leverages TPM for some security enhancements (like measured boot, Windows Hello for Business, and “secured-core” server capabilities). These are rarely essential for low-risk home servers, but provide peace of mind if you’re especially security-conscious—even on an isolated LAN.
• Future-Proofing: Since newer security features and some compliance requirements expect TPM, having it can help avoid headaches years down the road.

Downside:
If you’re just backing up client PCs and serving files/media to known devices, a TPM doesn’t add much practical protection. The event log error is just Windows reporting the lack of a TPM chip—it does not impact performance or stability.

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2) Any “Gotchas” with Adding TPM to an Existing Build?​

Yes, there are a few things to watch out for, but most users add a TPM without issue if the process is followed correctly:
Potential Issues:

• BitLocker & Secure Boot: If you have BitLocker or Secure Boot enabled before the TPM is present, adding one can change your platform’s security profile. After installing a TPM, you might need to reconfigure (or even temporarily disable and then re-enable) these features so they initialize/read keys correctly.
• TPM Ownership: On first boot with a TPM, the BIOS/UEFI may prompt you to initialize/claim ownership of the module. This is usually straightforward, but it’s worth reading your motherboard manual for the exact process.
• Resetting TPM: If the module ever fails or the platform firmware is updated/replaced, you may need to “clear” or reset TPM from UEFI/BIOS. This can (but rarely does for home servers) cause BitLocker-protected drives to require recovery keys, so keep those backed up somewhere safe.

Horror Stories:

• Most horror stories come from business laptops/desktops where losing a BitLocker recovery key means lost data, or from enabling Secure Boot/TPM on systems with odd dual-boot or legacy OS configurations. For a new, single-OS Windows Server build, with everything backed up, it’s very low risk.

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Recommendations​

• For your scenario: If you don’t need BitLocker and aren’t leveraging advanced Windows security features, you can safely ignore the missing TPM error.
  • If the log warning bothers you and you’re okay spending $20-40 on the official ASUS TPM module, there’s no harm in installing it—just do so before enabling BitLocker or other TPM-dependent features.
• If you do add TPM:
  • Install the module, boot to BIOS, and initialize it per ASUS’s guidance.
  • Boot into Windows. You may need to “clear TPM” or “prepare TPM” in Windows Security Settings under “Device Security.”
  • Verify operation via tpm.msc in Windows.

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Bottom Line:
For most home labbers, TPM is entirely optional and not needed for a non-internet-facing server. Install it only if you want more security, plan to use BitLocker, or want the error to go away—and backup any recovery keys if you do use encryption.
If you’d like ASUS-specific instructions on adding the module, just let me know which TPM model you’re considering and I’ll dig up the details!

 

[Mike]

I am just about finished with a new Windows Server 2022 Standard build using an ASUS P12R-E/10G-2T motherboard.

It has a provision to add a TPM module, however, it works fine without it aside from an Event Log error at every startup.

Wondering what the thoughts are regarding adding the TPM module:
1) Is it necessary for a server that is not servicing external connections?
2) Are there any 'gotchas' with adding TPM to an existing build? - I see horror stories of people getting locked out of their system after messing with TPM or Bitlocker...

TIA for any input!!!

You can't fight the tide. Might as well just turn on the TPM and use it for Windows. The only case where you might not want Secure Boot is when you are dual booting with Linux. Your board should have that capability based on its model.

 

[wyliec2]

You can't fight the tide. Might as well just turn on the TPM and use it for Windows. The only case where you might not want Secure Boot is when you are dual booting with Linux. Your board should have that capability based on its model.

Thanks for the reply!!

I agree and the TPM module should be here tomorrow!