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How to Fix Windows Hello Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Windows Hello is a convenient way to sign into your Windows 11 device using facial recognition, fingerprint, or a PIN. Sometimes, it may stop working due to various reasons. Don’t worry; you can fix it with some simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy and clear solutions to get Windows Hello working again. Each method is explained with basic instructions, so you can follow along without confusion.

Whether you use facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN, these steps apply to all Windows Hello features. Let’s get started and make your sign-in process smooth again.

By the end, you’ll know what to try first and what to do if the problem persists.

Quick Note: Basic Checks Before You Start

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often fix bugs related to Windows Hello.
  • Check if your device has the necessary hardware like a fingerprint sensor or IR camera.
  • Confirm that your device drivers, especially for biometric sensors, are installed and updated.
  • Ensure your account has a password or PIN set up. Windows Hello won’t work without it.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches. Restart your PC and try signing in with Windows Hello again. This refreshes the system and often resolves minor issues.

Step 2: Check Windows Hello Settings

It’s important to verify that Windows Hello is enabled on your device.

  1. Click Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  3. Under Ways to sign in, check if facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN is set up and enabled.
  4. If not, click Set up and follow the instructions to add your biometric data or PIN.

Enabling these options is necessary because Windows Hello won’t work if they are turned off or not configured.

Step 3: Update Biometric Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent Windows Hello from working properly. Updating these drivers can fix the problem.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for Biometric devices in the list and expand it.
  3. Right-click your fingerprint or facial recognition device and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find the latest driver.
  5. Restart your computer once the update finishes.

Keeping drivers updated ensures hardware works smoothly with Windows Hello.

Step 4: Run the Windows Hello Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter designed to detect and fix sign-in problems.

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
  2. Click Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Hello or Hardware and Devices and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This tool is helpful because it automatically finds common issues and suggests fixes.

Step 5: Reset Windows Hello Biometrics

If Windows Hello still doesn’t work, try resetting your biometric data.

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
  2. Under your biometric method (Facial recognition or Fingerprint), click Remove.
  3. Restart your PC.
  4. Return to the same settings page and click Set up to add your biometrics again.

Removing and re-adding biometric data helps clear any corrupted information causing issues.

Step 6: Check Group Policy or Registry Settings (Advanced)

Sometimes, Windows Hello might be disabled by system policies or registry settings, especially on work or school computers.

Using Group Policy Editor

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics.
  3. Double-click Allow the use of biometrics and ensure it is set to Enabled.
  4. Also, check Allow users to log on using biometrics and set it to Enabled.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

Using Registry Editor

Only attempt this if you are comfortable editing the registry.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftPolicyManagerdefaultSettingsAllowBiometrics.
  3. Make sure the value is set to 1. If not, double-click and change it.
  4. Restart your PC.

These steps enable biometric features if they were disabled by mistake or administrator policies.

Step 7: Create a New User Account

Sometimes, the user profile might be corrupted, causing Windows Hello to fail. Creating a new account can help test this.

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
  2. Click Add account under Other users.
  3. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
  4. Sign out and log in with the new account.
  5. Try setting up Windows Hello again in the new account.

If it works in the new account, your old user profile might have issues.

FAQs

Why is Windows Hello not showing as an option?

Windows Hello may not appear if your device lacks compatible hardware or if the feature is turned off via system settings or policies.

Can I use Windows Hello without a PIN?

No, Windows Hello requires a PIN as a backup sign-in method. You must set one up first.

What if my fingerprint sensor is not detected?

Try updating the biometric drivers or run the hardware troubleshooter. Also, check the sensor connection if using an external device.

Is Windows Hello available on all Windows 11 editions?

Yes, but some features might be limited on certain enterprise or education editions depending on organizational policies.

How do I disable Windows Hello?

You can disable Windows Hello by removing all biometric sign-in options from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Windows Hello still doesn’t work, consider these options:

  • Run a full Windows Update to ensure your system is fully patched.
  • Contact your device manufacturer for hardware support or driver updates.
  • Use the official Microsoft support page for Windows Hello issues: Microsoft Support.
  • Consider resetting Windows 11 as a last resort, but back up your data before doing so.

Conclusion

Windows Hello not working can be frustrating, but most problems have simple fixes. Starting with basic steps like restarting your PC and checking settings often solves the issue.

Updating drivers, running troubleshooters, and resetting biometrics are effective next steps. Advanced users can check system policies and create new accounts to isolate problems.

Remember to keep your system updated and ensure your hardware supports biometric features. If all else fails, official support channels are ready to help.

By following this guide, you should be able to restore Windows Hello and enjoy fast, secure sign-ins on your Windows 11 device.

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