Security Devices Not Showing in Device Manager – 5 Fixes

Biometric readers, TPM modules, and other verification features all fall under Security Devices, and can all be accessed from Device Manager, provided the category appears there, that is. If you’ve got a problem with Security Devices not showing in Device Manager on your PC, then don’t worry; in this article, we’ve got five fixes to set things right.

What Causes Security Devices Not Showing in Device Manager?

The primary reason for Security Devices not appearing has to do with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) not being detected by your machine. That said, there are also a few other reasons, including:

• The TPM device is hidden or disabled
• There are problems with the TPM driver
• Some system file corruption

Fixing the Issue

Let’s take a look at five fixes aimed at helping to fix the Security Devices issue:

Confirm Security Devices aren’t Hidden

Hidden options, icons, and folders can be a cause of frustration, but are easy enough to fix. This is also true in the Device Manager. If you can’t find Security Devices in Device Manager, it’s good to check that Security Devices isn’t hidden before you attempt other fixes:

Step 1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type “devmgmt.msc” and press “Enter.”

Step 2. In the Device Manager window, click “View” and select “Show hidden devices.”

Step 3. Navigate down until you see Security Devices. If you don’t, it’s time to attempt other fixes.

Update Your PC

Outdated software can lead to no end of issues with your PC, including drivers for components like the TPM. Before proceeding further, ensure that your Windows is fully updated, including optional updates.

Check Your TPM

Seeing as this issue is almost always related to the TPM, an important first step is to check its status. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type “tpm.msc” before hitting “Enter.”

Step 2. You’ll be taken to a new window. If it displays properly and the “Status” subsection indicates everything is running, you should be okay.

Check TPM in Your BIOS

Your BIOS is the bedrock on which everything else on your PC rests. If you’re encountering TPM issues, you’ll need to head into the BIOS and ensure that it’s enabled. Every BIOS, its settings, and menu options vary according to manufacturer, but here are some general guidelines:

Step 1. Restart your machine and press the BIOS key (usually a Function or special character key) to enter the BIOS.

Step 2. Once in, look for an option that mentions Trusted Computing, TPM, Security, Trusted Platform Module, Advanced, or similar, and ensure that the TPM module is enabled.

Step 3. Once done, save your changes, boot into Windows, and check that the issue has been resolved.

Run SFC, Disk Check

If you suspect system corruption is to blame, you can run the System File Checker (SFC) in Command Prompt:

Step 1. Open the Run Dialog (Win + R) and type “cmd” then hit (Ctrl + Shift + Enter) to run as Admin.

Step 2. In Command Prompt, type: “sfc /scannow” and press “Enter.”

Step 3. Restart your machine once the process finishes.