The message states that We couldn’t find a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello fingerprint so let’s see how we can resolve this issue.
Why did my fingerprint scanner stop working on Windows?
If the associated drivers are faulty, out of date, or incompatible, then your fingerprint reader will not function properly. In addition, it’s possible that some system files get corrupted, which prevents you from using the fingerprint reader. Moreover, your fingerprint reader software or other software might be causing the Windows fingerprint not working issue. If you have recently reinstalled Windows from Microsoft, be sure to update the chipset firmware for your computer. Not being able to use your fingerprint can be a security risk, and in this article, we’re going to cover the following issues:
Windows 10 fingerprint blocked – The fingerprint reader is completely unresponsive, no matter what actions you may take. Windows Hello fingerprint setup not working – It can be a problem since you won’t be able to use fingerprint login at all. Fingerprint scanner, the reader doesn’t work with Windows 10 – This issue affects both built-in and USB fingerprint readers. Windows 10 fingerprint greyed out – The fingerprint option can become grayed out, and can be fixed by reinstalling your fingerprint reader drivers. Windows Hello isn’t available on this device – This message usually occurs if you don’t have a fingerprint reader or if it doesn’t work correctly. Hello Windows 10 fingerprint without a PIN – It’s impossible to use fingerprint scanning without setting up a PIN or using Windows Hello. Windows 10 fingerprint login not working, not available, missing – If the fingerprint feature isn’t working or missing, be sure to try some of our solutions. Windows 10 fingerprint stopped working – Fingerprint scanning stopped working suddenly, can be fixed by resetting fingerprints. HP, Dell, Lenovo Windows 10 fingerprint reader not working – According to users, a fingerprint reader isn’t working on isn’t related only to these brands and it can appear on almost any PC. Windows 10 fingerprint and PIN not working – Can’t use fingerprint or PIN login, can be fixed by recreating your PIN and fingerprint. Windows fingerprint not working after password change – A faulty driver is the primary cause of the fingerprint scanning feature in Windows not functioning correctly. This option is currently unavailable: Windows Hello fingerprint – Disabling the fingerprint driver has been the solution to this problem for several people. Windows fingerprint not working after update – Remove the Synaptics device from the installed devices in Device Manager. Could not find a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello – Updating your drivers is one possible solution to the problem in which your fingerprint is not available while using Windows Hello.
What can I do if the fingerprint reader is not working in Windows 11?
After updating to Windows 11, many users started complaining on the Microsoft Answers website that their fingerprint reader stopped working and they could no longer use it to log in: As several users with ASUS laptops reported this issue, one might assume that there are some compatibility issues with the drivers for the respective readers. However, one user responded in the same thread that the fingerprint reader from his ASUS laptop works well. Anyway, this doesn’t seem to be an isolated incident since other users complained on the Acer community website with the same problem: In this case, the user managed to update the fingerprint reader’s driver from the Device Manager Biometrics section and solve the problem immediately. We don’t have an official solution, but this is likely a case of driver compatibility issues that will be gradually updated as Windows 11 matures.
Windows Fingerprint not working after update
Speaking about upgrades, you might have noticed that Windows Fingerprint stopped working after installing a particular update. Many users reported the same issue, so it’s safe to declare this does not happen strictly when switching to a new OS. Regular feature updates can trigger incompatibility issues as well. To rule out this possibility quickly, we suggest you revert recent updates and consequently check Windows Hello’s functionality. Here’s how to do that: If the issue is solved, you might want to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter before trying to reinstall the problematic update to avoid triggering the same behavior.
How do I fix my fingerprint on Windows 10?
1. Rollback drivers/use default drivers
1.1 Rollback the fingerprint scanner driver
1.2 Use the default driver from Windows
1.3 Update your drivers
Often, it’s better to use the latest driver optimized for Windows 10, so make sure you visit your fingerprint scanner manufacturer and check for the latest Windows 10 drivers. It’s also worth mentioning that in some instances, older drivers can work better than the latest ones, so you might also try some older drivers. Updating drivers manually is risky, so we recommend you download and install dedicated software to do it automatically. Dedicated software such as DriverFix will protect your system against damage by downloading the corresponding driver versions for your specific hardware.
2. Use a different fingerprint reader
If the issue persists, you can try to use a different fingerprint reader. In rare cases, your fingerprint reader might not be compatible with your computer’s hardware configuration or operating system. SPONSORED Therefore, before buying a new fingerprint reader, ensure the device is compatible with your machine. We recommend getting the Kensington VeriMark USB Fingerprint Key, a tiny fingerprint reader fully compatible with Windows.
3. Switch to a local account/ create a new account
You can try creating a new account and setting up the fingerprint scanner. After that, just delete the latest version and switch back to the old one. If Windows won’t let you add a new account, our expert guide will help you fix the problem and get things back to normal.
4. Prevent your PC from turning off USB devices
Your system may be turning off your USB device to save power. By deactivating this feature, your fingerprint reader will still be active.
5. Update HP Support Assistant
If the fingerprint reader doesn’t work in Windows 10, the problem might be the HP Support Assistant application. If you have this application on your PC, update it to the latest version. You can do that simply by running the application and choosing the update option, or you can download the latest version from HP’s website. After the application is updated, restart your PC, and the fingerprint reader will start working again. Remember that this solution works only if you’re using an HP device. If you have a PC from another brand and you don’t have HP Support Assistant on your PC, then this solution doesn’t apply to you.
6. Uninstall the fingerprint software
After removing the fingerprint software, you need to remove the fingerprint driver from your PC, as shown in Solution 2. Next, restart your PC. Windows 10 will install the default driver, and the issue should be resolved. If you have trouble opening the Setting app, look at our comprehensive article to solve the problem in no time.
7. Remove fingerprint scanning and update the fingerprint driver
7.1 Remove the fingerprint scanning option
7.2 Register new fingerprints
Still not working? Here’s another comprehensive guide that could help you fix the Windows Hello problem once and for all.
8. Remove and recreate your PIN
8.1 Remove the PIN
8.2 Add your PIN again
9. Update your BIOS
The problem might be your BIOS if the fingerprint doesn’t work in Windows 10. However, if your device has a built-in fingerprint reader, you might be able to fix this problem by updating your BIOS. The BIOS update is an advanced procedure; if you’re not careful, you can cause irreversible damage to your PC. In addition, many users are recommending updating your chipset drivers, so make sure you try that too. You can update your drivers using our first two solutions from this guide.
How do I reset my fingerprint reader?
We hope that you managed to fix the fingerprint scanning for your Windows 10 device by using our solutions. If the PIN isn’t working on Windows 10, here’s an excellent guide to help you fix the PIN problem in Windows 10 immediately. If you updated your operating system and need help, check our guide on how to fix the fingerprint sensor error in Windows 11. For more suggestions or questions, reach out to the comments section below. Other users might appreciate your input.
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