BitLocker Setup- How Do I Disable the TPM and Use a Password Instead?

I would like to enable BitLocker on my laptop, which has a TPM. However, I want to use a password instead of the TPM to decrypt the drive during pre-boot.

I've tried disabling the TPM (using 'tpm.msc') and then enabling "Require additional authentication at startup" within the Group Policy Editor, but those steps didn't work.

How can I disable the TPM and use a password instead? Alternatively, how can I keep the TPM enabled but also require a password (not a PIN) during pre-boot?

Thanks!

I can't tell you how anymore but I can tell you it can be done. A couple of years or so ago I was using bitlocker with a password on a MS Surface 1 which had TPM. I don't remember if I disabled the TRM but I do know I had to enter a bitlocker password to boot up (I am not thinking of the Windows password which was different). All I can say is read through the Group Policy Editor.

Thanks. I've reviewed the Group Policy Editor and none of the options seem to be what I'm looking for. I don't mind leaving the TPM enabled, as long as I can also apply a password. The only option I see is to use the TPM with a numeric PIN. However, I want an alpha-numeric password, not a PIN.

Any other advice?

My password was alpha-numeric

I dug out my Surface 1 and set up Bitlocker. I tried several combination in the Bitlocker area of the Group Policy Editor before iI got it working.
1) Under "Require additional authentication at startup": A) Enabled, B) uncheck "Allow Bitlocker ...", and C) other 4 boxes all set to "Allow ...".
2) Under "Enable use of Bitlocker authentication requiring preboot keyboard input on slates": "Enabled".
3) Under "Allow enchanced PINs for startup": "Enabled"

My desktop has the "orange bars" problem reported in other threads. The Surface 1 has the same problem but a blank blue screen instead of orange bars. I just blind type the password (it is alpha-numeric). If I make a mistake and Windows 10 does not come up, I press backspace a bunch of times then retype the password.