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How to Fix Windows Hello Not Working on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solutions

Windows Hello is a convenient way to sign in to your Windows 10 device using facial recognition, fingerprint, or a PIN. Sometimes, it might stop working due to various reasons like software glitches or hardware issues. Fixing Windows Hello can be straightforward if you follow the right steps.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective solutions to get Windows Hello back up and running. Each step is explained clearly, so you don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

By the end, you should understand why Windows Hello might fail and how to fix it yourself. Let’s get started with a few quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Whether you use a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition, these tips apply to all methods of Windows Hello.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before you start troubleshooting, make sure to do these quick checks:

  • Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix known bugs affecting Windows Hello.
  • Hardware: Check that your fingerprint scanner or camera is properly connected and clean. Dirt or loose connections can cause issues.
  • Account Type: Windows Hello works best with local or Microsoft accounts. Confirm you are logged in with a supported account.
  • Device Compatibility: Your device must support Windows Hello features. Some older hardware may not have necessary sensors.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches in system processes. Restarting refreshes system resources and may resolve conflicts affecting Windows Hello.

How to restart:

  1. Click on the Start menu.
  2. Select the Power button.
  3. Choose Restart.

After the computer restarts, try signing in with Windows Hello again.

Step 2: Check Windows Hello Settings

Windows Hello can be turned on or off in your settings. Sometimes, it might have been disabled accidentally.

To check and enable Windows Hello:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  3. Under Windows Hello, click on your method (Face, Fingerprint, or PIN).
  4. If it says Set up, follow the prompts to add your biometric or PIN again.
  5. If it says Remove, it means Windows Hello is enabled but needs reconfiguration. You can remove and set it up again.

Step 3: Update Biometric Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause Windows Hello to malfunction. Drivers control the hardware, like fingerprint scanners or cameras.

To update drivers:

  1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
  2. Find Biometric devices or Imaging devices (for cameras).
  3. Right-click on your fingerprint scanner or camera and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow any prompts to install updates.

If no updates are found, you can visit your device manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers manually.

Step 4: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common problems.

To run the troubleshooter:

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Find and select Hardware and Devices or Windows Store Apps (sometimes relevant).
  4. Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions.

Step 5: Reset Windows Hello Data

If Windows Hello data is corrupted, resetting it may fix the problem. This step removes existing biometric data so you can set it up fresh.

To reset Windows Hello:

  1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
  2. Under Windows Hello, select your method and click Remove.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Go back to the Sign-in options and click Set up to reconfigure Windows Hello.

Step 6: Check Group Policy Settings (Advanced)

Sometimes, group policies or security settings can disable Windows Hello features. This is more common on work or school computers.

To check Group Policy:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Hello for Business.
  3. Make sure policies like Use Windows Hello for Business are set to Not Configured or Enabled.
  4. If you change settings, restart your computer for them to take effect.

Note: Group Policy Editor is not available on Windows 10 Home edition.

Step 7: Re-register Windows Hello Packages (Advanced)

If the Windows Hello software itself is corrupted, re-registering its packages can help.

To re-register Windows Hello:

  1. Open PowerShell as an Administrator. Search PowerShell, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsHello -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

Restart your PC and check Windows Hello again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Windows Hello say “Something went wrong”?

This error can occur due to driver issues, corrupted biometric data, or recent Windows updates. Restarting, updating drivers, and resetting Windows Hello usually solve this.

Can I use Windows Hello without a PIN?

No. Windows Hello requires setting up a PIN as a backup method for security reasons.

My fingerprint scanner is not detected. What should I do?

Make sure the device is connected properly, update its driver, and check if it’s enabled in Device Manager.

Is Windows Hello available on all Windows 10 versions?

Windows Hello is available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Home but requires compatible hardware.

How secure is Windows Hello?

Windows Hello uses biometric data stored securely on your device, making it more secure than traditional passwords.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix Windows Hello, you can try these last options:

  • Create a new user account: Sometimes your user profile might be corrupted. Create a new account and set up Windows Hello there.
  • System Restore: Restore your computer to a point before the problem started.
  • Contact Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for Windows Hello issues: Microsoft Windows Hello Support.
  • Reset or reinstall Windows: As a last resort, resetting Windows 10 will fix corrupted system files but make sure to back up your data first.

Conclusion

Windows Hello is a great feature that makes logging into your Windows 10 device quick and secure. When it stops working, the issue is often related to settings, drivers, or temporary glitches.

Start with simple steps like restarting your PC and checking settings before moving to driver updates and advanced options. Remember to keep your system updated to avoid future problems.

If you still face issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional support or use official Microsoft resources. With patience and the right steps, you can get Windows Hello working smoothly again.

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