Fingerprint readers have become a convenient way to quickly and securely access your Windows 11 device. However, sometimes the fingerprint reader may stop working, causing frustration and delays.
There are several common reasons why the fingerprint reader might fail, including software glitches, driver issues, or hardware problems. The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to get your fingerprint reader working again on Windows 11. No technical expertise is needed, and the instructions are detailed for beginners.
By following these methods, you can restore fingerprint sign-in functionality and improve your overall login experience.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Check if your device supports fingerprint login: Not all Windows 11 devices have fingerprint sensors.
- Ensure your finger and sensor are clean: Dirt or moisture can interfere with reading fingerprints.
- Make sure Windows is updated: Some fingerprint issues are fixed through system updates.
- Use an administrator account: You need proper permissions to change driver or security settings.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart fixes temporary glitches affecting hardware components like the fingerprint reader.
- Click the Start button (Windows icon) on your taskbar.
- Select the Power icon.
- Choose Restart.
- After your PC restarts, try using the fingerprint reader again.
Restarting refreshes your system and clears minor errors.
Step 2: Clean the Fingerprint Sensor and Your Finger
If the sensor is dirty or your finger is wet or oily, the reader may not recognize your fingerprint.
- Turn off your device.
- Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the fingerprint sensor.
- Make sure your finger is clean and dry before trying again.
Proper contact between your finger and the sensor is essential for accurate reading.
Step 3: Check Windows Hello Fingerprint Settings
Windows Hello manages biometric sign-in options. Confirm that fingerprint login is enabled.
- Press Windows + I keys to open Settings.
- Click Accounts.
- Choose Sign-in options from the left menu.
- Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), check if it says Set up or Remove.
- If it says Set up, click it and follow the instructions to add your fingerprint.
- If your fingerprint is already registered, try removing it and adding it again to refresh the data.
This step ensures your fingerprint data is correctly registered in Windows.
Step 4: Update Fingerprint Driver
Outdated or corrupted device drivers can cause hardware malfunctions.
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the category named Biometric devices.
- Right-click your fingerprint device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow any prompts to install available updates.
- Restart your computer after updating.
Keeping drivers up to date ensures compatibility with Windows and fixes known bugs.
Step 5: Reinstall the Fingerprint Driver
If updating doesn’t work, reinstalling the driver can fix corrupted files.
- Open Device Manager again.
- Right-click the fingerprint device under Biometric devices and select Uninstall device.
- Confirm any warnings.
- Restart your PC; Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
- Test the fingerprint reader after restart.
This process resets the driver and clears any faulty configurations.
Step 6: Run the Windows Troubleshooter for Hardware
Windows has built-in tools that can detect and fix common hardware problems automatically.
- Open Settings using Windows + I.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Hardware and Devices and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions if any issues are found.
This can identify problems you might not notice manually.
Step 7: Check Windows Updates
Microsoft often releases updates that improve hardware compatibility and fix bugs.
- Open Settings with Windows + I.
- Click Windows Update on the left panel.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any pending updates and restart your PC.
Keeping Windows current helps avoid fingerprint reader issues caused by outdated software.
Advanced Option: Reset Windows Hello Fingerprint Data
If you want to completely reset fingerprint data, you can remove existing data from system files.
- Press Windows + R, type
%appdata%MicrosoftWindowsNgc, and press Enter. - If prompted, provide administrator permission.
- Delete all files inside the Ngc folder.
- Restart your PC.
- Set up your fingerprint again in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
This clears stored fingerprint data and can fix corrupted biometric profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my fingerprint reader not detected in Device Manager?
It could be a hardware issue, driver problem, or the sensor may be disabled in BIOS. Try restarting, checking BIOS settings, or contacting your device manufacturer.
Can Windows Hello fingerprint work after a major Windows update?
Sometimes updates reset settings or drivers. You might need to update or reinstall drivers and re-register fingerprints.
Is it safe to delete files from the Ngc folder?
Yes, but only if you want to reset Windows Hello data. Deleting these files removes stored biometric info but does not harm your system.
What if my fingerprint reader works in BIOS but not in Windows?
This suggests a software or driver issue in Windows. Try updating or reinstalling drivers and running the troubleshooter.
Can I use an external fingerprint scanner with Windows Hello?
Yes, but it must be compatible with Windows Hello and have appropriate drivers.
When Nothing Works
If none of the above solutions fix your fingerprint reader, consider these final steps:
- Check for hardware damage: The sensor might be physically faulty. Contact your device manufacturer or visit a service center.
- Restore Windows: Use System Restore to revert your PC to a state when the fingerprint reader was working.
- Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for personalized assistance.
Conclusion
Fingerprint reader problems on Windows 11 can often be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps like restarting your PC, cleaning the sensor, updating drivers, or resetting fingerprint data. Ensuring your system and drivers are up to date is key to smooth biometric functionality.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly identify and fix common issues without needing technical skills. Remember to check hardware health if software fixes don’t work and seek professional help if necessary.
With patience and these methods, your fingerprint reader should be back to providing secure and convenient access in no time.