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Windows Hello is a convenient way to sign in to your Windows 11 device using facial recognition, fingerprint, or a PIN. However, sometimes it may stop working, causing frustration. This guide will help you fix the Windows Hello not working error with step-by-step troubleshooting methods.

Whether you are unable to set up Windows Hello or it suddenly stops recognizing your face or fingerprint, the solutions below cover common causes and fixes. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions.

Before diving into complex fixes, it’s important to check the basics to save time. Many issues can be resolved quickly with simple steps.

Let’s get started and restore your Windows Hello functionality smoothly and safely.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

• Ensure your device supports Windows Hello: Not all Windows 11 devices have the necessary hardware like IR cameras or fingerprint sensors.
• Check for Windows Updates: Windows updates often contain fixes for hardware and software issues.
• Confirm that your biometric device drivers are installed and up to date: Outdated or missing drivers can cause recognition problems.
• Make sure your Windows account has a password or PIN set up: Windows Hello requires a secure sign-in option as a fallback.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Before making any changes, restart your PC. This simple step can clear temporary glitches that affect Windows Hello. Sometimes, the biometric services or drivers may not load correctly, and a reboot fixes that.

Step 2: Check Your Windows Hello Settings

Verify that Windows Hello is enabled and properly set up.

1. Click Start and open Settings.
2. Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options.
3. Under Ways to sign in, select the Windows Hello option you want to use (Face, Fingerprint, or PIN).
4. If the option says Not set up, click Set up and follow the instructions.
5. If it shows Remove, you can try removing and then setting it up again to refresh the configuration.

This ensures the feature is activated and your biometric data is registered correctly.

Step 3: Update Windows and Device Drivers

Windows Hello depends on both the operating system and device drivers. Outdated versions can cause errors.

Update Windows

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Update Device Drivers

• Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
• Expand Biometric devices or Imaging devices (depending on your hardware).
• Right-click your fingerprint sensor or camera device and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.

Keeping software up to date fixes bugs and improves compatibility for Windows Hello.

Step 4: Restart Windows Biometric Service

The biometric service manages fingerprint and facial recognition. Restarting it can resolve many problems.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Biometric Service.
3. Right-click it and select Restart. If it’s not running, click Start.

This refreshes the service, which may have stopped working correctly.

Step 5: Re-register Your Biometrics

If Windows Hello still doesn’t recognize your face or fingerprint, try removing and re-adding your biometric data.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Under your Windows Hello option (Face or Fingerprint), click Remove.
3. Restart your PC.
4. Go back and click Set up to add your biometric data again.

Sometimes the stored biometric data gets corrupted, and re-registering fixes this.

Step 6: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix problems automatically.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Hardware and Devices and click Run.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

This tool can identify driver or hardware issues affecting Windows Hello.

Step 7: Check Group Policy and Registry Settings (Advanced)

If you are comfortable with advanced settings, check that Windows Hello is not disabled via Group Policy or Registry.

Using Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro editions)

1. Press Windows + 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 set it to Enabled.
4. Also check Allow users to log on using biometrics is enabled.
5. Click Apply and OK.

Using Registry Editor

Warning: Incorrect changes to the registry can cause system problems. Make sure to back up your registry before proceeding.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftBiometrics.
3. Ensure keys like Enabled are set to 1.

If biometrics are disabled here, Windows Hello won’t function properly.

FAQs About Windows Hello Not Working on Windows 11

Why is Windows Hello not recognizing my face or fingerprint?

Lighting conditions, dirty sensors, or hardware malfunctions can cause recognition failures. Cleaning your camera or fingerprint sensor and ensuring proper lighting can help.

Can Windows Hello work without a PIN?

No. Windows Hello requires a PIN as a fallback sign-in method for security reasons.

Is Windows Hello supported on all Windows 11 devices?

No. Your device needs specific hardware like an IR camera for face recognition or a fingerprint reader.

What if Windows Hello setup is greyed out?

This often means your device lacks necessary hardware or the biometric device drivers are missing or disabled.

How do I reset Windows Hello PIN?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello), and select I forgot my PIN to reset it.

When Nothing Works

If after trying all the above steps Windows Hello still doesn’t work, consider these final options:

• Contact your device manufacturer’s support: There may be hardware faults or firmware updates needed.
• Visit the official Microsoft support page: Windows Hello Support
• Use alternative sign-in methods: Until the issue is resolved, rely on your password or PIN for sign-in.
• Consider resetting Windows: As a last resort, a system reset can fix deep software issues, but make sure to back up your data first.

Conclusion

Windows Hello is a secure and fast way to access your Windows 11 device, but issues can occur due to software glitches, outdated drivers, or hardware problems. By following the steps from restarting your PC to checking advanced settings, you can usually fix the Windows Hello not working error yourself.

Remember to keep your system updated, ensure your biometric devices are clean and functioning, and re-register your biometrics if needed. If problems persist, professional support or official Microsoft resources can provide further help.

With patience and these detailed troubleshooting steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of Windows Hello once again.