Fingerprint Not Working on Windows 10: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your fingerprint scanner failing to unlock your Windows 10 device? This guide provides comprehensive troubleshooting steps to resolve fingerprint recognition issues and restore secure, convenient access to your computer.

Why is My Fingerprint Scanner Not Working?

Several factors can cause fingerprint scanners to malfunction in Windows 10. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Common culprits include:

  • Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible fingerprint drivers are a frequent cause.
  • Hardware Problems: Physical damage to the scanner or loose connections can prevent proper function.
  • Windows Hello Glitches: Issues with Windows Hello, the biometric authentication system, can interfere with fingerprint recognition.
  • Software Conflicts: Conflicting software or recent updates may disrupt the fingerprint scanner’s operation.
  • Incorrect Settings: Improper configuration of fingerprint settings in Windows can lead to recognition failures.
  • Dirty or Damaged Scanner: Dirt, oil, or scratches on the fingerprint scanner can impede accurate readings.

Troubleshooting Steps

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix your fingerprint scanner.

1. Basic Checks

Before diving into technical solutions, perform these basic checks:

  • Clean the Scanner: Gently clean the fingerprint scanner with a soft, lint-free cloth. Remove any visible dirt or smudges.
  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches.
  • Check Finger Placement: Ensure your finger is properly positioned on the scanner, covering the entire sensor area.

2. Update Fingerprint Drivers

Outdated drivers are a common source of fingerprint scanner problems. Here’s how to update them:

  1. Open Device Manager: Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager”.
  2. Locate Biometric Devices: Expand the “Biometric devices” category.
  3. Update Driver: Right-click on your fingerprint scanner device and select “Update driver”.
  4. Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers”. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver.
  5. Manual Update (if automatic fails): If Windows cannot find a driver, visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) and download the latest fingerprint driver for your specific model. Then, in Device Manager, choose “Update driver”, then “Browse my computer for drivers”, and navigate to the downloaded driver file.

3. Roll Back Fingerprint Drivers

If the issue started after a recent driver update, rolling back to a previous version might help:

  1. Open Device Manager: (as above)
  2. Locate Biometric Devices: (as above)
  3. Properties: Right-click on your fingerprint scanner and select “Properties”.
  4. Driver Tab: Go to the “Driver” tab.
  5. Roll Back Driver: If the “Roll Back Driver” button is available (not grayed out), click it and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Uninstall and Reinstall Fingerprint Driver

Sometimes, a clean reinstall is necessary:

  1. Open Device Manager: (as above)
  2. Locate Biometric Devices: (as above)
  3. Uninstall Device: Right-click on your fingerprint scanner and select “Uninstall device”.
  4. Confirm Uninstall: Confirm the uninstall process. You may be prompted to delete the driver software as well; if so, check the box to delete the driver.
  5. Restart Computer: Restart your computer. Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the driver.
  6. Install Driver (if necessary): If Windows does not automatically install the driver, download it from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

5. Check Windows Hello Settings

Ensure that Windows Hello is properly configured:

  1. Open Settings: Press Windows key + I.
  2. Go to Accounts: Click on “Accounts”.
  3. Sign-in Options: Select “Sign-in options” from the left sidebar.
  4. Windows Hello Fingerprint: Verify that Windows Hello Fingerprint is set up correctly. If not, follow the instructions to set it up.
  5. Remove and Re-add Fingerprint: If it’s already set up, try removing your fingerprint and adding it again.

6. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix hardware-related issues:

  1. Open Settings: (as above)
  2. Update & Security: Go to “Update & Security”.
  3. Troubleshoot: Select “Troubleshoot” from the left sidebar.
  4. Hardware and Devices: Find and run the “Hardware and Devices” troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Check Group Policy Settings (Advanced Users)

If you’re using a domain-joined computer or have modified Group Policy settings, verify that the following policies are not disabled:

  • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics: Ensure that “Allow the use of biometrics” and “Allow users to log on using biometrics” are enabled.

8. System Restore

If the problem started recently, a System Restore can revert your computer to a previous state when the fingerprint scanner was working correctly. This will undo any recent system changes that might be causing the issue. To perform a System Restore:

  1. Search for ‘Create a restore point’: In the Windows search bar, type “Create a restore point” and click on the result.
  2. System Restore: In the System Properties window, click the “System Restore…” button.
  3. Choose a Restore Point: Follow the prompts to choose a restore point created before the fingerprint issue started.
  4. Confirm and Restore: Confirm your choices and initiate the restore process. Note that System Restore will restart your computer and might take some time to complete.

9. Check for Conflicting Software

In rare cases, third-party software may interfere with the fingerprint scanner. Consider temporarily disabling or uninstalling recently installed programs to see if that resolves the issue.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and your fingerprint scanner still isn’t working, it might indicate a hardware problem. Contact your computer manufacturer or a qualified technician for further assistance.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix most fingerprint scanner issues in Windows 10, restoring convenient and secure access to your device.