XPS 15 7590 (i9) – TPM 2.0 Firmware Update Bricked TPM / “Alert! TPM Cannot Be detected” After Reboot

Hi

An internet search gives similar predicaments on reddit...........

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Unplug the AC adapter, hold the power button for 60 seconds to reset CMOS, then reconnect power while holding Ctrl + Esc to trigger BIOS recovery or reset menu; select BIOS defaults if prompted. Restart and press F2 to enter BIOS, navigate to Security > TPM 2.0 Security, ensure TPM is enabled (not cleared or disabled), then save and exit. Run tpm.msc in Windows to verify detection post-reboot.​​

BIOS and Firmware Recovery

Download the latest BIOS for XPS 15 7590 from Dell Support using your service tag, then flash it via the executable while on AC power; avoid interruptions. If TPM firmware update caused the issue, reattempt the specific Nuvoton TPM 2.0 utility from Dell after clearing TPM ownership first: run Enable-TPMAutoProvisioning in admin PowerShell, clear in BIOS, enter BitLocker key if prompted, then update. For persistent bricking, Ctrl + Esc with power triggers recovery menu without disassembly.​​

Hardware Considerations

The XPS 15 7590 uses firmware TPM (Intel PTT), not always a discrete chip, so issues often resolve via BIOS reset rather than module replacement. If resets fail, enter BIOS (F2), check for TPM visibility under Security; service manual notes no user-replaceable TPM module. Advanced cases like failed firmware may require motherboard reflashing or professional micro-soldering, but try non-invasive steps first.​

Next Actions if Unresolved

Update chipset drivers post-BIOS, disable/re-enable TPM in BIOS, and test in Device Manager under Security devices. Contact Dell Support with service tag for tailored firmware or RMA if under warranty; avoid further TPM updates until stable. Boot to Linux live USB to isolate if Windows/BitLocker interferes.

So perhaps search for help on the reddit​  forum as well?

@anne_droid​ Thanks for the quick reply! Unfortunately none of those fixes worked for me.

What really frustrates me is that the firmware update was officially released and recommended by Dell. The update installed completely without errors, but afterwards the system no longer detects the TPM at all. Because of that, I can’t reflash the firmware using Dell’s own utility — it refuses to run since it checks the current TPM version and fails the moment it sees no TPM present. So I’m essentially stuck in a loop with no way to recover.

Is there any alternative method to reflash or force-flash the TPM firmware?
Or any way to get in direct contact with Dell support? My warranty has expired, but since this issue was caused by a Dell-recommended firmware update, I don’t think I should be left with a bricked TPM and no recovery path.

Any guidance or escalation options would be greatly appreciated.

Hi

Sorry that I have no knowledge of any way to contact Dell, other than by a "chat" botx.