Troubleshooting Windows 11 Fingerprint Reader Not Working

Fingerprint readers provide a convenient and secure way to sign into your Windows 11 device using Windows Hello. However, sometimes the fingerprint sensor may stop working due to various reasons such as driver issues, hardware problems, or software conflicts. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to identify and resolve the problem.

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Table of Contents

1. 1. Preliminary Checks

1. 1. Check Windows Updates

1. 1. Re-enable Windows Hello Fingerprint Sign-In

1. 1. Update or Reinstall Fingerprint Reader Driver

1. 1. Run Windows Hardware Troubleshooter

1. 1. Check Biometric Service Status

1. 1. Remove and Re-register Fingerprints

1. 1. Check Group Policy and Registry Settings

1. 1. Scan for Malware

1. 1. System Restore or Reset (Last Resort)

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1. Preliminary Checks

• • Clean the sensor: Use a lint-free cloth to clean the fingerprint sensor; dirt, smudges, or moisture can affect readability.

• • Dry your finger: Make sure your finger is dry and clean.

• • Try different fingers: The registered fingerprint might be damaged or unreadable; try using other registered fingerprints.

• • Check for physical damage: Inspect the sensor for physical damage or loose connections (if possible).

• • Restart your system: Sometimes a simple reboot fixes temporary glitches.

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2. Check Windows Updates

Fingerprint readers often need the latest Windows updates to work properly.

• • Go to Settings > Windows Update.

• • Click Check for updates and install all available updates.

• • Restart your PC.

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3. Re-enable Windows Hello Fingerprint Sign-In

• • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

• • Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), toggle it Off and then On.

• • If it shows any error, note it down.

• • Try to sign in again using the fingerprint reader.

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4. Update or Reinstall Fingerprint Reader Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers are common causes for fingerprint reader issues.

To update the driver:

• • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

• • Expand Biometric devices (If you do not see this, check under Human Interface Devices or Unknown devices).

• • Right-click your fingerprint reader and select Update driver.

• • Choose Search automatically for drivers.

• • Follow on-screen instructions, then restart your PC.

To reinstall the driver:

• • In Device Manager, right-click the fingerprint sensor and select Uninstall device.

• • Confirm and check the box for Delete the driver software for this device if shown.

• • Restart your PC. Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.

• • If Windows doesn’t reinstall it, visit your PC/laptop manufacturer’s website and download the latest fingerprint reader driver manually.

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5. Run Windows Hardware Troubleshooter

• • Press Windows + R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and press Enter.

• • Follow the prompts to identify and fix hardware issues.

• • Restart your PC and test the fingerprint sensor.

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6. Check Biometric Service Status

For Windows Hello fingerprint to work, the Windows Biometric Service must be running.

• • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

• • Scroll down to Windows Biometric Service.

• • Make sure the service status is Running and startup type is Automatic.

• • If not running, right-click and select Start.

• • If the startup type is not Automatic, right-click > Properties, and set Startup type to Automatic.

• • Restart your computer.

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7. Remove and Re-register Fingerprints

Corrupted fingerprint profile data can prevent authentication.

• • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

• • Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), click Remove to delete existing fingerprints.

• • Restart your PC.

• • Go back and click Set up under Fingerprint recognition.

• • Follow the prompts to re-register your fingerprints.

• • Test the fingerprint sensor.

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8. Check Group Policy and Registry Settings (For Advanced Users and Enterprise Environments)

Sometimes policies may disable biometric authentication.

Check Group Policy:

• • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

• • Navigate to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics

• • Ensure Allow the use of biometrics and Allow users to log on using biometrics are set to Enabled or Not configured.

Check Registry:

• • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

• • Navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Biometric

• • Check if there is a key or value disabling biometrics; only modify if you know what you are doing.

• • Backup your registry before making changes.

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9. Scan for Malware

In rare cases, malware or corrupted system files might interfere with biometric hardware.

• • Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus program.

• • Additionally, run the System File Checker to repair corrupted system files:
    • • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start > Terminal (Admin)).
    • • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
    • • Wait for the process to complete and follow any instructions.
    • • Restart your PC.

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10. System Restore or Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions working and the fingerprint reader was previously functional:

System Restore:

• • Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.

• • Choose a restore point from before the problem started.

• • Follow the instructions to restore your system.

Reset PC:

• • Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

• • Under Reset this PC, select Reset PC.

• • Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.

• • Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.

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Additional Tips

• • Check Manufacturer’s Support: Look for guidance or updated software/firmware on your device maker’s website.

• • External Fingerprint Readers: For USB fingerprint readers, try different USB ports.

• • Check BIOS Settings: Some systems allow enabling/disabling fingerprint hardware in BIOS/UEFI.

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1. 1. Clean the fingerprint sensor and fingers.

1. 1. Restart PC.

1. 1. Update Windows.

1. 1. Re-enable fingerprint sign-in.

1. 1. Update or reinstall fingerprint reader drivers.

1. 1. Run hardware troubleshooter.

1. 1. Check and start Windows Biometric Service.

1. 1. Remove and re-add fingerprints.

1. 1. Check Group Policy and Registry.

1. 1. Run malware scan and system file checker.

1. 1. Use System Restore or Reset as last options.

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If you follow these detailed steps, your fingerprint reader should start working in Windows 11. If the problem persists, it may indicate a hardware failure, and you may need to consult professional repair services or contact device support.