Fix It Now: Windows 10 Fingerprint is Not Working

Windows 10's fingerprint recognition feature is a convenient way to log into your PC quickly and securely. However, issues with the fingerprint scanner not working can arise due to various reasons such as outdated drivers, incorrect settings, or system glitches.

How Can I Fix Fingerprint Not Working in Windows 10?​

1. Restart Your Computer​

Restarting your PC is a simple but effective troubleshooting step that can resolve minor system glitches.

1. Restart Your PC:
   • Click the Start button, select the Power icon, and choose Restart.
   • After the restart, check if the fingerprint scanner is working.

If restarting doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to the following solutions.

2. Clean the Fingerprint Scanner​

Sometimes, the fingerprint sensor might not work due to dirt, dust, or grease on the scanner.

1. Clean the Fingerprint Sensor:
   • Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the fingerprint scanner.
   • Avoid using harsh chemicals as they might damage the sensor.
2. Test the Fingerprint:
   • Try logging in with your fingerprint again to see if the issue is resolved.

Cleaning the sensor can resolve problems caused by physical obstructions on the fingerprint scanner.

3. Reconfigure Fingerprint Settings​

Reconfiguring your fingerprint setup can help resolve issues related to the fingerprint not being recognized.

1. Go to Settings:
   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Remove Existing Fingerprints:
   • Under the Fingerprint section (Windows Hello), click Remove next to the fingerprints you've already set up.
3. Set Up Fingerprint Again:
   • Click Add a new fingerprint and follow the on-screen instructions to reconfigure your fingerprint.
4. Test the Fingerprint Scanner:
   • Try logging in with your newly configured fingerprint.

Reconfiguring your fingerprint can resolve issues caused by incorrect or outdated fingerprint data.

4. Update Fingerprint Driver​

An outdated or corrupted fingerprint driver can cause the sensor to stop working. Updating the driver can fix the issue.

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Update Driver:
   • Expand the Biometric devices section.
   • Right-click on your fingerprint sensor driver and select Update driver.
   • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
3. Restart Your PC:
   • After updating the driver, restart your computer and test the fingerprint sensor.

Updating the fingerprint driver can resolve issues related to outdated or incompatible software.

5. Roll Back the Fingerprint Driver​

If the fingerprint scanner stopped working after a recent driver update, rolling back the driver to a previous version may help.

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Roll Back Driver:
   • Expand the Biometric devices section.
   • Right-click on your fingerprint sensor driver and select Properties.
   • Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
3. Restart Your PC:
   • After rolling back the driver, restart your computer and check if the fingerprint sensor is working again.

Rolling back the driver can resolve issues caused by problematic updates.

6. Check Windows Biometric Service​

The Windows Biometric Service must be running for the fingerprint sensor to work properly. If this service is disabled, the fingerprint scanner may not function.

1. Open Services:
   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate Windows Biometric Service:
   • Scroll down to find Windows Biometric Service.
3. Start or Restart the Service:
   • If the service is stopped, right-click it and select Start.
   • If it’s already running, right-click it and select Restart.
4. Set to Automatic:
   • Double-click the Windows Biometric Service, set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Apply.
5. Test the Fingerprint Sensor:
   • After restarting the service, test the fingerprint scanner again.

Ensuring that the biometric service is running can resolve fingerprint sensor issues caused by system settings.

7. Disable and Re-enable the Fingerprint Driver​

Disabling and re-enabling the fingerprint driver can help reset the connection between the system and the sensor.

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Disable Driver:
   • Expand the Biometric devices section.
   • Right-click on your fingerprint sensor driver and select Disable device.
3. Re-enable Driver:
   • After a few seconds, right-click on the driver again and select Enable device.
4. Test the Fingerprint Sensor:
   • Try logging in with your fingerprint to see if the issue is resolved.

Disabling and re-enabling the fingerprint driver can refresh the sensor and fix any temporary software issues.

8. Check for Windows Updates​

Windows updates often include fixes for bugs or glitches that may affect fingerprint recognition. Ensuring your system is up to date can help.

1. Check for Updates:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
2. Install Updates:
   • If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest bug fixes and improvements that could resolve fingerprint-related issues.

9. Perform a System File Check​

Corrupted system files may cause fingerprint issues. Running the System File Checker (SFC) tool can help identify and repair these files.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run SFC:
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to complete. It will automatically fix any corrupted files found.
3. Restart Your PC:
   • Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and test the fingerprint scanner.

Running the SFC tool can repair system files that may be causing fingerprint recognition issues.

10. Perform a Clean Boot​

If none of the previous steps work, performing a clean boot can help determine if third-party software is causing the problem.

1. Open System Configuration:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Disable Startup Programs:
   • In the General tab, choose Selective startup.
   • Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
3. Restart Your PC:
   • Restart your computer and test the fingerprint sensor.
4. Re-enable Services:
   • If the issue is resolved, re-enable services one by one to identify the problematic software.

Performing a clean boot can help you identify whether third-party applications are causing the fingerprint sensor to stop working.

If the fingerprint sensor in Windows 10 isn't working, it can be caused by a variety of issues, including driver problems, system glitches, or misconfigured settings. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the problem and restore the functionality of your fingerprint scanner. If the issue persists after trying all the solutions, it may be worth contacting your device manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.