Fingerprint Scanner Not Working In Windows 10 – How To Fix?

Windows 10 saw the inclusion of biometric sensors like the fingerprint reader and the Windows Hello facial recognition in the desktop form factor. This extra layer of security is quite assuring, as you will require biometric identifiers to log into your device. However, like all other Windows utilities, there are some errors surrounding the fingerprint reader as well.

Here I shall discuss how you can troubleshoot if you notice the fingerprint scanner not working in Windows 10.

Fingerprint Scanner Not Working In Windows 10

Just like any piece of hardware, the fingerprint scanner can also malfunction from time to time. If you too suffer from the same error, here are some easy solutions that you can try to fix this issue.

Solution 1: Restart The Device

Since it is Windows, there is a chance that all you need to do to solve your fingerprint reader error is a simple restart. Restarting your device should reset the locked-down data reserve, which may be causing the fingerprint reader to misbehave.

Try logging into your device after restarting to check if the error persists.

Solution 2: Update Biometric Drivers

Since device drivers are responsible for proper communication between the hardware and the operating system, there is a chance that a corrupted driver may be causing the fingerprint reader to misbehave. You can try updating the biometric scanner device drivers from the device manager.

Once you have updated the biometric drivers, lock Windows using the keyboard shortcut Win + L and check if you are able to log in to Windows using the fingerprint reader. Your error should now be resolved.

Solution 3: Prevent Windows From Turning Off Sensor

If you are using an external fingerprint reader via USB, there is a chance that Windows may be turning off the USB devices to prevent excess power loss. This is a good feature in Windows that requires some more fine-tuning. You need to disable the power management settings for your biometric sensor to prevent Windows from turning off your fingerprint scanner.

Solution 4: Restart Windows Credential Manager

The Windows Credential Manager is responsible for handling the login process in Windows 10. If the Credential Manager service becomes stagnant or corrupted, there is a chance that this is causing the fingerprint scanner error on your computer.

Restarting the service should solve the error by resetting the operation. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Open a Run dialog using the keys Win + R.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to launch the Services console.
3. In the list of available services, locate the Credential Manager.
4. Double click on it to launch the Properties window for the same.
5. Under the Service status, first, stop the service, wait for some time and then start the service again.
6. Next, change the Startup type to Automatic from the drop-down box.
7. Click on Apply followed by OK for the changes to take place.

Now try unlocking your device using your fingerprint. Your error should now be resolved.

Solution 5: Disable And Reenable The Fingerprint Scanner

If restarting the credential manager did not help you, you can try restarting the fingerprint scanner itself to check if it helps you in solving your ‘fingerprint reader not working’ error. You will need to do so from the device manager, and here are the steps:

1. Open the device manager console on your computer.
2. Locate the Biometric devices entry and expand it by clicking on the small arrow next to it.
3. Right-click on the fingerprint scanner, and select Disable from the revealed context menu.
   Note: If there is no Disable option, click on Uninstall device instead.

4. Restart your computer, and log in using the pin.
5. Open the biometric section of the device manager and right-click on the scanner once again.
6. Select Enable from the context menu.

Now, check if the fingerprint scanner works normally. You should be able to use the biometric scanner to log into Windows 10.

Solution 6: Check If Biometrics Is Disabled In The Group Policy Editor

If the biometrics login is disabled in the group policy editor, you will not be able to log into Windows using the fingerprint scanner. To enable biometrics from the group policy, follow these steps:

1. Open a Run dialog and type gpedit.msc in the editor.
   Press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate the following path by clicking on the entries from the right pane:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics.
3. Locate and double click on the following entry:
   Allow the use of biometrics

4. Click on the radio button next to Enabled.
5. Click on Apply followed by OK to save the changes.

Solution 7: Recreate Your PIN

If the solutions above failed to help you solve the error and you still see the Windows fingerprint scanner not working, you will have to register the PIN again and check if the new pin is being recognized. Follow these steps to remove your fingerprint and register it again:

1. Open the Settings app using Win + I shortcut.
2. Click on the Accounts section.
3. From the left pane menu, click on Sign-in options.
4. In the right pane, locate the Windows Hello section.
5. Click on the Remove button under the fingerprint to clear the recorded fingerprints.

6. Restart your computer.
7. Navigate to the Sign-in options again and set up a PIN if you haven’t already.
8. Locate the Windows Hello section again and click on the Setup button.
9. Set up your fingerprint by following the on-screen instructions.
   Add as many fingerprints as you like by using the same procedure.

Now check if you are able to log in to Windows using your newly recorded fingerprints. The Windows 10 fingerprint not working error should now be resolved.

Solution 8: Repair System Files

If recreating your PIN did not start the fingerprint reader, there might be some corrupted system files that are preventing critical Windows functions. Luckily, you can repair corrupted or missing system files using the built-in utilities in Windows 10.

Solution 9: Update BIOS

As a bonus solution, there might be a BIOS update available that is preventing the Windows components from functioning normally. If this is the case, you may find that the solutions above not applying to you. You will have to update the BIOS for your computer and check if the error persists.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it. Now you know how to fix if you see a fingerprint scanner not working in Windows 10. Comment below if you find this useful, and to discuss further the same.