Fingerprint Not Working on Windows? Here’s How to Fix It

Is your fingerprint scanner suddenly refusing to cooperate with your Windows device? This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for quick and secure logins. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many Windows users encounter fingerprint reader issues. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get your fingerprint scanner back in working order.

1. Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more complex solutions, let’s cover the fundamentals. These simple fixes often resolve common fingerprint scanner problems.

  • Restart Your Computer: This is the golden rule of tech support! A simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with your fingerprint reader.
  • Clean the Fingerprint Sensor: Dust, dirt, or moisture on the sensor can prevent it from accurately reading your fingerprint. Gently clean the sensor with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  • Update Windows: Outdated Windows versions can have bugs that affect hardware compatibility. Ensure you’re running the latest version of Windows.
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  • Check Device Manager: Device Manager provides insights into whether your fingerprint reader is being recognized and functioning correctly.
    • Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
    • Look for Biometric devices or Imaging devices.
    • If you see a yellow exclamation mark next to your fingerprint reader, it indicates a problem. Proceed to the driver-related solutions below.

Faulty or outdated drivers are a common culprit behind fingerprint scanner issues. Here’s how to address driver problems:

  • Update the Fingerprint Driver:
    • In Device Manager, expand Biometric devices or Imaging devices.
    • Right-click on your fingerprint reader and select Update driver.
    • Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will try to find and install the latest driver.
    • If Windows can’t find a driver, try searching for drivers on the manufacturer’s website (e.g., the website of your laptop’s brand).
  • Uninstall and Reinstall the Fingerprint Driver:
    • In Device Manager, right-click on your fingerprint reader and select Uninstall device.
    • Restart your computer. Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the driver upon restart. If it doesn’t, you can manually reinstall it from the manufacturer’s website.
  • Roll Back the Driver (if applicable): If the issue started after a recent driver update, rolling back to the previous driver version might help.
    • In Device Manager, right-click on your fingerprint reader and select Properties.
    • Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver (if the button is available). Follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Windows Hello Configuration

Windows Hello is the feature that manages fingerprint logins. Ensure it’s properly configured:

  • Re-register Your Fingerprint: Sometimes, the stored fingerprint data can become corrupted. Try removing and re-registering your fingerprint.
    • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
    • Under Windows Hello Fingerprint, click Remove.
    • Click Set up and follow the on-screen instructions to re-register your fingerprint.
  • Check Windows Hello Settings:
    • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
    • Make sure that Windows Hello Fingerprint is enabled.
    • Also, ensure that Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts is toggled on or off based on your preference (though enabling it is generally recommended for enhanced security).

4. Group Policy Editor (for advanced users)

If you’re comfortable with advanced settings, Group Policy Editor might offer a solution. However, be cautious when making changes here, as incorrect settings can affect your system’s stability.

  • Enable Biometrics:
    • Press Windows Key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
    • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics.
    • Double-click Allow the use of biometrics.
    • Select Enabled and click Apply and OK.
  • Enable Domain Logons with Biometrics:
    • In the same Biometrics folder, double-click Allow users to log on using biometrics.
    • Select Enabled and click Apply and OK.
    • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

5. Power Management Settings

Sometimes, power-saving settings can interfere with the fingerprint reader’s functionality.

  • Disable USB Selective Suspend:
    • Open Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
    • Click Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.
    • Click Change advanced power settings.
    • Expand USB settings and then USB selective suspend setting.
    • Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.
    • Click Apply and OK.

6. Check for Conflicting Software

In rare cases, third-party software might be interfering with your fingerprint reader. Consider whether any recently installed programs could be the cause.

  • Perform a Clean Boot: A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if a background program is causing the problem.
    • Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
    • Go to the Services tab.
    • Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
    • Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
    • Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
    • Restart your computer. If the fingerprint reader works after a clean boot, you can gradually re-enable services and startup items to pinpoint the culprit.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a fingerprint scanner that’s not working on Windows can involve a systematic approach. By following these steps, from basic checks to more advanced configurations, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue, restoring convenient and secure fingerprint logins to your Windows device. Remember to restart your computer after making significant changes to ensure the changes take effect. Good luck!