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Windows 11 Device Health Attestation Guide: Steps to Fix Common Errors and Issues

Windows 11 Device Health Attestation (DHA) is a security feature that helps verify the integrity of your device. It checks if your system meets security standards and reports the device’s health status to your organization or security tools. Sometimes, errors or issues may prevent DHA from working correctly.

This guide will help you understand how to fix common errors with Device Health Attestation on Windows 11. The steps are simple and designed for users at all levels.

By following these instructions, you can ensure your device remains secure and compliant. Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Understanding the basics of DHA can help you maintain your system’s health and avoid future problems.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before troubleshooting Device Health Attestation issues, make sure your system meets these basic requirements:

  • Windows 11 Updated: Your device should run the latest version of Windows 11. Updates often include fixes for security features like DHA.
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 Enabled: DHA relies on TPM hardware to verify device health. Check if TPM 2.0 is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
  • Secure Boot Enabled: Secure Boot ensures your PC boots securely. It must be enabled for DHA to function properly.
  • Internet Connection: DHA requires an active internet connection to communicate health status to Microsoft or your organization’s servers.

Checking these prerequisites can save time and help you avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

Step 1: Verify TPM and Secure Boot Status

One of the most common reasons for DHA errors is that TPM or Secure Boot is disabled. To verify:

  1. Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. This opens the TPM Management console.
  2. Look for Status on the right panel. It should say “The TPM is ready for use.”
  3. To check Secure Boot, restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC during startup).
  4. Locate the Secure Boot option and make sure it is enabled.

Why this matters: DHA relies on TPM and Secure Boot to verify that your device has not been tampered with during startup. Without these enabled, DHA cannot function properly.

Step 2: Run the Device Health Attestation Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes troubleshooters that can automatically find and fix problems with system features.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Scroll down to find Device Health Attestation (if available) and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

This can quickly fix simple configuration or software glitches related to DHA.

Step 3: Check Device Health Attestation Service Status

DHA requires the relevant Windows service to be running. To verify and start the service:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down to find Device Health Attestation Service.
  3. Make sure its status is Running. If not, right-click and select Start.
  4. Set the startup type to Automatic to ensure it starts with Windows.

Why this is important: If the service isn’t running, DHA cannot perform its health checks.

Step 4: Reset Device Health Attestation

If problems persist after checking TPM, Secure Boot, and services, resetting DHA can help.

  1. Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator. To do this, search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
Reset-DhaService

This command resets the Device Health Attestation service and clears cached data.

Note: If Reset-DhaService is not recognized, you can restart the service manually via the Services app or restart your PC.

Step 5: Check for System and Firmware Updates

Keeping your system and firmware updated is essential as updates often fix bugs and improve security features:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  4. Also, check your PC manufacturer’s website for BIOS/UEFI firmware updates and apply them carefully.

Why update? Outdated firmware or system versions can cause incompatibility issues with DHA.

Step 6: Use Group Policy Editor for Advanced Troubleshooting

If you are using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, Group Policy Editor can manage DHA settings:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Device Health Attestation.
  3. Check policies such as Enable Device Health Attestation and make sure they are set correctly.
  4. If changes are made, run gpupdate /force in an elevated Command Prompt to apply them immediately.

This method is useful for organizations managing device health centrally.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If standard steps do not resolve issues, consider these options:

  • Check Event Viewer: Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) and look under Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > DeviceHealthAttestation for detailed error messages.
  • Use PowerShell to Query DHA Status: Run Get-DhaStatus in PowerShell to view current Device Health Attestation state.
  • Contact Your IT Administrator: If your device is managed, some settings may be controlled by group policies or MDM solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Device Health Attestation (DHA)?

DHA is a Windows security feature that verifies the integrity and health of your device during startup. It helps protect against tampering and ensures compliance with security policies.

Why am I seeing a DHA error on Windows 11?

Common reasons include TPM or Secure Boot being disabled, missing Windows updates, or issues with the DHA service itself.

Can I use DHA without TPM 2.0?

No, TPM 2.0 is required for DHA to perform hardware-based attestation securely.

How do I enable TPM 2.0 on my PC?

Reboot your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings. Look for TPM or Security Device options and enable TPM 2.0. Save changes and restart.

Is Device Health Attestation mandatory for all Windows 11 users?

It is strongly recommended and required in many enterprise environments, but some home users may not have it enabled by default.

How do I know if DHA is working correctly?

You can check DHA status via PowerShell with Get-DhaStatus or look for successful health reports in Event Viewer.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Device Health Attestation still does not work, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support site for assistance tailored to your device.
  • Check Manufacturer Support: Some issues may be hardware-related, so consult your PC manufacturer’s support resources.
  • System Reset or Fresh Install: As a last resort, resetting Windows or reinstalling the OS may resolve deep system issues affecting DHA.

Remember to back up your data before performing any major system changes.

Conclusion

Device Health Attestation is an important part of Windows 11’s security framework. Ensuring TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled, keeping your system updated, and verifying the DHA service status are key steps to fix most common errors.

By following this guide’s detailed yet simple instructions, you can troubleshoot and resolve DHA issues effectively. If problems persist, advanced options like Group Policy adjustments or professional support may be needed.

Maintaining a healthy device with DHA helps protect your system and data from potential threats, making it a crucial feature in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

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