6.7

Table Of Contents
Requirements for vTPM
To use a vTPM, your vSphere environment must meet these requirements:
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Virtual machine requirements:
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EFI firmware
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Hardware version 14
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Component requirements:
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vCenter Server 6.7.
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Virtual machine encryption (to encrypt the virtual machine home files).
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Key Management Server (KMS) configured for vCenter Server (virtual machine encryption
depends on KMS). See Set up the Key Management Server Cluster.
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Guest OS support:
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Windows Server 2016 (64 bit)
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Windows 10 (64 bit)
Dierences Between a Hardware TPM and a Virtual TPM
You use a hardware Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as a cryptographic coprocessor to provide secure
storage of credentials or keys. A vTPM performs the same functions as a TPM, but it performs
cryptographic coprocessor capabilities in software. A vTPM uses the .nvram file, which is encrypted
using virtual machine encryption, as its secure storage.
A hardware TPM includes a preloaded key called the Endorsement Key (EK). The EK has a private and
public key. The EK provides the TPM with a unique identity. For a vTPM, this key is provided either by the
VMware Certificate Authority (VMCA) or by a third-party Certificate Authority (CA). Once the vTPM uses a
key, it is typically not changed because doing so invalidates sensitive information stored in the vTPM. The
vTPM does not contact the CA at any time.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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Add a Virtual Trusted Platform Module to a Virtual Machine
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Enable Virtual Trusted Platform Module for an Existing Virtual Machine
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Remove Virtual Trusted Platform Module from a Virtual Machine
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Identify Virtual Trusted Platform Enabled Virtual Machines
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View vTPM Module Device Certificates
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Export and Replace vTPM Module Device Certificates
vSphere Security
VMware, Inc. 180