How To Fix Windows Hello Fingerprint Not Working In Windows 10
We’ll show you 13 workarounds to this problem
Windows Hello is a more secure way oflogging into your Windows 10 device without struggling to remember your password. The futuristic login technology uses biometric authentication that’s faster, more secure and easier to access your computer using fingerprint or facial recognition, with enterprise-grade security to boot.
These biometric markers allow you to sign into online devices, apps or networks, plus you can pair a Bluetooth device like your smartphone to your computer and use theDynamic Lock feature in Windows Helloto lock your computer automatically.
As great as this service sounds, you may sometimes find that the Windows Hello fingerprint is not working because of hardware issues, system corruption, software conflicts, incorrect settings, or faulty, obsolete and incompatible drivers.
If your computer’s fingerprint sign-in with Windows Hello isn’t working, maybe after an update or other changes on your computer, try some of the workarounds in this guide to help you restore the function.
Fixes For Windows Hello Fingerprint Not Working In Windows 10
How To Fix Windows Hello Not Working In Windows 10
Many reported cases of fingerprint malfunction in Windows Hello are experienced after installing Windows updates, like the 1809 version that caused many issues like system crashes, data loss, failure to boot up, and application crashing among other problems.
Before you use any of the fixes below, check for the following:
Install Updates Manually
With the Windows Hello fingerprint sign-in not working, you’ll need to revert to using your password or PIN to login and check for Windows Updates manually.
Run Hardware & Devices Troubleshooter
This will scan and detect any possible hardware and devices issue in the system.
Reset Fingerprint & Facial Recognition Options
Enable Biometrics In Group Policy Editor
Modify Windows Hello Group Policy Settings
A Windows Update may have made some changes to some important Group Policy settings, so you may want to check Windows Hello settings in the Group Policy Editor. The first four steps are the same as the example above.
Update System Drivers
Some drivers, in this case the fingerprint reader driver, may have been corrupted at some point, either during an update or other process, causing the fingerprint sign-in to malfunction.
Perform a Windows Reset
When you reset your Windows device, it repairs damages to all the system files so that Windows Hello can work normally again. It also resets your device settings to the default Windows settings.
Note:This action will permanently erase your computer data so ensure you backup or copy your data to external or cloud storage before doing anything.
Turn Off Fast Startup
Check For & Uninstall Updates That Caused The Problem
If the fingerprint sign-in issues first started after installing Windows Updates, check for the installed updates and uninstall them.
Reset Fingerprint Login
If the issue persists, you can reset your fingerprint login and see if that helps.
Reinstall Fingerprint Software
Repair System Files
File corruption is one of the causes of the fingerprint reader malfunctioning when you’re trying to sign in using the Windows Hello service. you can use the built-in System File Checker to rectify things.
The system files will be scanned, after which you can restart your computer and see if the fingerprint issue is resolved.
Restart Credentials Manager Service
If nothing else works, you can switch to a different fingerprint reader.
Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio
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