Some Windows 11 users are experiencing sporadic stuttering issues (accompanied by audio issues), which are reportedly related to AMD processors and the necessary TPM security required by Microsoft’s latest operating system.
Specifically, on AMD PCs, there’s an implementation of TPM that’s fTPM – meaning it’s built into the firmware, rather than a separate TPM – and that’s what people think is at causing the problem, finding that when disabled in the BIOS, the stutter goes away.
Unfortunately, some people don’t have the option to disable fTPM – that switch just isn’t present in the BIOS – so they’re out of luck in this regard. The other alternative solution seems to be to install a discrete TPM module, rather than relying on the built-in firmware functionality, and that also works to fix the problem – at least according to reports. Assuming you have the option of installing a separate TPM module on your PC.
As detailed in various reports, on Reddit, the Linus Tech Tips discussion forums, and Lenovo’s forum to point out a few that Windows Latest has reported (not to mention Microsoft’s feedback hub), the choppy frame rates hit at random times and last a few seconds in some cases – longer in others – and the sound is garbled at the same time.
If this were to happen, for example, at a crucial moment in an online game you’re about to win, it’s going to be quite frustrating (and it will no doubt be a serious annoyance to your computing life. also daily).
Analysis: Losing TPM on Windows 11 is possible, but is it wise?
Note that this issue also occurs on Windows 10 PCs, the difference being that enabling TPM is not part of the system requirements. So while it’s okay to disable fTPM on Windows 10 – assuming your BIOS allows it, as noted above – on Windows 11, it comes with its own potential issues.
Now, while it’s possible to install Windows 11 and then disable fTPM, it could cause issues with things like BitLocker drive encryption, or have other side effects, like not being able to play certain games ( as Windows Latest observes, Valorant is such a game – and there will likely be more in the future). The big problem, of course, is that it could also interfere with receiving Windows updates, at least according to Microsoft, although updates still seem to be getting delivered so far.
Essentially, disabling fTPM is something of a minefield of possible collateral damage on Windows 11, and that’s why some who want to get around this stuttering issue are downgrading to Windows 10.
Hopefully Microsoft and AMD are working to fix this issue, so we can keep our fingers crossed that a proper resolution is delivered in the near future. If the issues aren’t disrupting your computing experience too much, your best bet is probably to sit back and hope for a quick delivery of a fix.
By the way, for all sorts of troubleshooting help with Windows 11, you should check out our comprehensive guide to common issues with the operating system.
