If the fingerprint sensor of your Windows laptop is malfunctioning after a recent update or without any obvious reason, you have arrived at the right spot to resolve the issue and bring this pivotal feature back on track. The good thing is this issue has been haunting a good many PC users. So, you shouldn’t feel like being left out or dealing with a dreading problem. Having done thorough research and testing, I’ve jotted down the 15 most reliable tips to fix the fingerprint sensor not working on Windows 11. Keep reading to…
How to Fix Fingerprint Not Working in Windows 11
While some PC folks have reported that the fingerprint sensor has become altogether unresponsive, others have complained that its consistency has gone down drastically. There are many reasons why it goes haywire and begins to malfunction including –
- Outdated drivers
- Windows update issues
- Corrupt fingerprint data
- Hardware malfunction
- Misconfigured settings
- Dirty fingerprint sensor
- Power management settings
- Biometric service disabled
- Conflicting third-party software
- Windows Hello glitches
- Corrupt user profile
- Sensor compatibility issues
Keeping these roadblocks in mind, let’s look for ways to get rid of the issue and restore the full functionality of the ill-functioning fingerprint sensor.
1. Clean the Fingerprint Sensor
Before moving any further, I would recommend you clean the fingerprint sensor. There is a decent chance that the dirt, oil, or moisture on the fingerprint sensor could be hurting its functionality.
- To begin with, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the fingerprint scanner.
- Make sure your finger is dry and clean before scanning.
- Be sure to avoid pressing too hard, as it may distort the print.
2. Check if the Fingerprint Reader is Enabled
Another important thing that you should do right off the bat is to ensure that the Fingerprint reader is active on your Windows 11 device.
- To do so, press Win + I to open Settings on your PC and head over to Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), check if it’s enabled.
- If it’s disabled, make sure to set it up again by clicking Set up.
3. Restart Your Computer
Temporary glitches or greedy background processes might be in direct conflict with the fingerprint scanner. Restarting your PC can help you resolve these roadblocks.
- To get it done, click Start > Power > Restart.
- Once your PC has rebooted, try using the fingerprint scanner again.
4. Update Windows 11
Bear in mind that a persistent bug in Windows 11 could be causing the fingerprint scanner to misbehave. Hence, updating the OS will likely resolve the issue.
- Open Settings on your PC > navigate to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates > install any available updates > restart your PC after updating.
5. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Windows comes with a robust hardware and devices troubleshooter that works reliably in detecting and fixing hardware-related issues.
- Press Win + R to open Run dialog > type
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and press Enter. - Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
- If any issues are found, apply the recommended fixes.
7. Update Fingerprint Sensor Driver
Note that an outdated driver may be incompatible with Windows 11, resulting in unexpected fingerprint issues.
- Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
- Now, expand Biometric devices > right-click your fingerprint reader.
- Then, select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- If an update is found, install it and restart your PC.
6. Reinstall the Fingerprint Driver
It’s worth highlighting that the corrupted fingerprint driver could also be causing the recognition failures. But fret not! Reinstalling the fingerprint driver can help you restore proper functionality.
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- After that, expand Biometric devices and right-click the fingerprint sensor.
- Now, select Uninstall device and restart your PC.
- Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
8. Rollback Fingerprint Driver
If the fingerprint scanner stopped working after a driver update, rolling back to a previous version might fix the issue.
- Open Device Manager > Biometric devices.
- Right-click the fingerprint reader and select Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab and click Rollback Driver (if available).
- Restart your computer after rolling back.
9. Reset Windows Hello Fingerprint
Corrupt fingerprint data can prevent proper recognition, and resetting Windows Hello can resolve it.
- On your device, launch the Settings app > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Click Remove under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
- Restart your PC, then go back to Sign-in options and click Set up to register your fingerprint again.
10. Check Windows Biometric Service
Do you know that the Windows Biometric Service is required for fingerprint recognition? If this pivotal feature is disabled on your PC, the scanner won’t work.
- To do so, press Win + R, type
services.msc, and hit Enter. - Next, scroll down and find Windows Biometric Service.
- Next up, right-click it and select Restart.
- However, if it’s disabled, double-click it, set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Start.
11. Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup may be at variance with the biometric authentication, preventing the fingerprint scanner from functioning with the desired efficiency.
- First off, launch Control Panel > Power Options.
- Then, you need to click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup, then click Save changes.
12. Check for Optional Updates
No luck as yet? Now is the right time to check the additional Windows update which might be equipped with a permanent fix for this annoying problem.
- On your device, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Now, click Optional updates > install any available biometric driver updates and restart your computer.
13. Modify Group Policy Settings (For Enterprise Users)
Is your PC managed by an organization? If you are nodding in the affirmative, Group Policy settings may be blocking fingerprint authentication.
- To do so, press Win + R to fire up the Run dialog > type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics.
- Double-click Allow the use of biometrics > set it to Enabled and restart your PC for changes to take effect.
14. Create a New User Account
It’s also important to reiterate that if your Windows user profile is corrupted or malicious, the fingerprint authentication may struggle to work. Therefore, creating a new account can help get rid of this issue.
- Open Settings on your Windows device > Accounts > Other users.
- Now, click Add account > choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Next, select Add a user without a Microsoft account and follow the prompts.
- Up next, log in with the new account and try setting up the fingerprint scanner.
15. Reset Your PC – Last Resort
If all else fails, resetting Windows can resolve deep system issues affecting the fingerprint scanner.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
- Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows without losing personal data.
- Follow on-screen instructions and set up the fingerprint scanner after resetting.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! I hope the fingerprint sensor has come back on track and begun to work with the needed consistency. Now, let us know what has done the trick for the sensor and restore it.
