Microsoft has introduced the futuristic login technology from Windows 10 systems known as Windows Hello. It is a more secure, faster, and efficient way to login to your system. Now you need not worry about remembering a password or PIN to access your device.
Windows Hello uses biometrics such as Facial Recognition and Fingerprint to lock or unlock your devices. Windows Hello could also be used to sign in to online tools, apps, or networks.
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It is pretty clear that Windows Hello adds much value to the Windows 10 operating system. However, sometimes it may not work smoothly after an update or Windows reset, especially the fingerprint sensor.
In this guide, we would discuss some common methods to fix the Windows Hello fingerprint not working problem.
Check Your Device Compatibility
Before moving further to try the fixes, check for the following to ensure that your device is compatible with a fingerprint lock.
- Check whether your device has a fingerprint reader. Some devices may have it, but the drivers are not compatible with the current Windows version.
- Ensure that your device is running on Windows 10 and not on any other OS like Windows 8 or 7.
- Check that your device is compatible with the Windows Hello feature.
- Make sure that your fingerprint sensor is clean and doesn’t have any scratches.
- Check whether you are using the same finger that was registered for unlocking.
Windows Hello Fingerprint Not Working Fixes
- Install Updates Manually
- Run Troubleshoot
- Reset Fingerprint Option
- Enable Biometrics In Group Policy Editor
- Update System Drivers
- Reinstall Fingerprint Driver
- Repair System Files
- Reset the Windows 10
Install Updates Manually
It might have happened that a new update of Windows Hello has released, and you still have not updated your system for it. So you can install the updates manually.
- Go to “Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update”
- Check for Updates and download & install if any new update is available.
Run Troubleshoot
Running a troubleshoot can sometimes catch the problem persisting with the hardware. Although Windows 10 automatically recommends the troubleshooting options, if it finds any problem with the device, you can perform it manually too.
- Navigate to Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Troubleshoot.
- Search and perform Hardware or Device troubleshooting.
Reset Fingerprint Option
While updating, because of a network error, some files might have broken and thus causing the fingerprint failure. So just reset the fingerprint option and use it fresh. It should surely resolve the issue if your Windows Hello Fingerprint is not working.
- Go to Settings -> Accounts.
- On the left pane, click on Sign-in options
- Find the Windows Hello Fingerprint option and click on it.
- Select Remove
- Now click on Get Started to set your fingerprint again and restart your system.
Enable Biometrics In Group Policy Editor
It is possible that Biometrics may be disabled from the Group Policy. Without the Biometrics setting enabled, it might get challenging to use Windows Hello Fingerprint. You can easily enable it using the following steps.
- Open Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit in the Windows search bar and clicking on Edit group policy.
- Under Computer Configuration, click on Administrative Templates
- On right-side double click on Windows Components
- Look for Biometrics and double click on it.
- Under Biometrics double click on Allow users to log on using biometrics
- Click on Enabled bullet point, then Apply and OK.
Update System Drivers
The cause of the fingerprint is not working, maybe because the driver got corrupted, broken installed, or outdated. To resolve this, update the driver to its latest version.
- Right-click on Windows icon and select Device Manager.
- Look for the Biometric Driver under Biometric devices.
- Right-click on it and choose Update Driver
- If you have the latest driver installer on your system, select Browse my computer; otherwise, choose Search automatically.
Reinstall Fingerprint Driver
- From the Device Manager, select Biometric Driver and uninstall it.
- Install a fresh driver from the web or your system.
Repair System Files
Some system files might have been corrupted, causing the fingerprint authentication failure. You can quickly repair those files using the Command Prompt.
- Open Command Prompt with Administrative rights.
- On the command window type sfc /scannow and hit enter.
- The scanning would start, and it would take some time to perform the repair.
Reset the Windows 10
If none of the above options are working for you, you don’t have any choice other than resetting the Windows. Windows reset would freshly install the files and software required to run biometrics.
- Go to Settings -> Update & Security
- Click on Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, choose Get Started
Windows Hello Fingerprint Not Working FAQs
The most common reason for Hello Fingerprint not working is an outdated driver. Other reasons could be corrupt files, incorrect settings, or hardware issues.
When biometrics such as fingerprint scanner or face recognition does not work, the user can log in using the password or PIN set by them at the beginning.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
