With just a simple swipe or touch, Windows Hello fingerprint lets you sign in to your Windows 10 computer or device.

  • If your Windows Hello fingerprint is not working, there is an issue with your system files.

  • You can use a specialized third-party tool to update your system’s drivers and fix the problem.

  • Make sure you set up your Windows Hello if the fingerprint scanner is unavailable.

  • Other solutions would be resetting your system, or restoring it to a previous point.

  • Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).

  • Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.

  • Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

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Many more devices that can recognize your face and fingerprint are slated to be available in the coming future, but most computers with fingerprint readers are already working with Windows Hello.

Devices with front-facing cameras are able to recognize your face and the iris of your eye, allowing you to sign in without touching the screen or touching your keyboard.

Microsoft modern keyboards with Fingerprint ID let you use the fingerprint reader to sign in. However, some users have reported they got the windows hello is preventing some options from being shown error.

Because of this, they are unable to log in to their devices properly and instead have to use other log-in methods. This issue apparently happens after a Windows update. There are a couple of things you can do to fix it:

Some of these things include:

  • Restarting your device or computer
  • Ensuring Windows Hello is correctly set up
  • Making sure you’re connected to the Internet (or you’re online) because Windows Hello won’t work when you’re offline
  • Turn Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID off, then back on again. This refreshes the Bluetooth connection
  • Check the keyboard battery. If the light just above the Up arrow key flashes in red color, the battery is low. Connect the USB cable that came with the Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID to your keyboard and computer. If the light blinks white, it is charging.
  • Redo your fingerprint. This helps when the fingerprint wasn’t properly recorded or was not read accurately.

Once you have checked the above, try to sign in using Windows Hello again, and see if the error persists. If the above doesn’t bear any fruit for you, then try the solutions described below to fix it.

How can I fix the Windows Hello preventing sign-in options?

1. Set up Windows Hello again

  • Click Start.
  • Select Settings.
  • Click Accounts.
  • Click Sign in options to set up Windows Hello.
  • Under Windows Hello, choose the option for fingerprint (you’ll get either face, fingerprint or iris if your PC supports it).
  • Sign in with a quick swipe.

Note: you may be asked to add a PIN before setting up Windows Hello.

2. Sign in with a PIN or password then set up Windows Hello again

  • Go to the Start Menu.
  • Then select Settings.
  • After, select Accounts.
  • Then, select Sign-in options.
  • Follow the steps for each Sign-in method you wish to set up.
  • Try restarting your PC and see if everything works now.

If windows hello is preventing some options from being shown, your fingerprint didn’t scan correctly, or you used the wrong finger to sign in, you can use the alternative ways to log in.

In this case, use a PIN or password to sign in, and then set up Windows Hello again as in solution 1.

PIN isn’t working on your Windows 10 PC? Find out how you can fix the problem in a couple of simple steps.

3. Check your hardware or software

  • Right-click Start.
  • Select Control Panel.
  • Go to View by option on the top right corner
  • Click the drop-down arrow and select Large icons.
  • Click Troubleshooting.
  • Click View all option on the left pane.
  • Click Hardware and Devices.
  • Click Advanced.
  • Click Run as Administrator.
  • Click Next.

One other cause of the issue could be hardware-related. To fix the hardware issues, run the Microsoft easy fix solution for devices and hardware that checks for commonly occurring issues.

Microsoft also ensures that any new devices are properly installed. Follow the instructions to run the Hardware and Device troubleshooter.  The troubleshooter will begin detecting any issues.

You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.

4. Remove the Windows Hello sign-in option

  • Click Start.
  • Select Settings.
  • Click Accounts.
  • Go to Sign-In options.
  • Under Windows Hello, select Remove.
  • Set up Windows Hello again.

If the IR camera or fingerprint reader are giving you errors, sign in using a PIN or password then redo the fingerprint or scan.

Note: If you’re using the Surface Pro 4, detach and reattach the cover then try to use it again. If reattaching the cover with Fingerprint ID doesn’t fix it, try typing or try using the touchpad.

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.Click here to download and start repairing.

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5. Make sure you have the latest drivers

  • Click on Start.
  • Select Settings.
  • Then, select Update & Security.
  • Click on Check for updates.
  • Let Windows finish searching for newer versions.
  • Let Windows install the updates if it finds any.

The first thing to do is ensure you have the latest updates for your device and Windows Updates installed.

6. Reset your system

  • Click Start.
  • Then click Settings.
  • Select Update & Security.
  • Click Recovery on the left pane.
  • After, click Reset this PC.
  • Click Get started and choose an option either Keep my files, Remove everything, or Restore factory settings.

You can also restore or reset your PC to a state when it was working properly because a recently installed app, driver or update may be the cause of Windows Hello fingerprint not working.

The we could not find a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello fingerprint can be easily fixed by performing a system reset. In addition, the reset allows you to choose which files to keep or not.

Note: all your personal files will be deleted and settings reset. Any apps you installed will be removed, and only pre-installed apps that came with your PC will be reinstalled.

Need more info on how to factory reset your PC? We have just the right guide for you, containing all the information you need to do it safely.

7. Perform a System Restore

  • Click Start.
  • Go to the search field box and type System Restore.
  • Click System Restore in the list of search results.
  • Enter your administrator account password or grant permissions if prompted.
  • In the System Restore dialog box, click Choose a different restore point.
  • Click Next.
  • Click a restore point created before you experienced the issue of programs disappearing by clicking Next.
  • Then, after the restoration is done, click Finish.

If you experience the issue of Windows Hello, try and restore the system and see if it helps. Use System Restore to create restore points when you install new apps, drivers, or Windows updates.

Note: Restoring doesn’t affect your personal files. It, however, removes apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was created.

If you’re interested in more info on how to create a restore point and how that would help you, take a look at this simple article to find out everything you need to know.

8. Check if Biometrics is enabled in BIOS

  • Right-click Start.
  • Select Run.
  • Type gpedit.msc.
  • Click OK.
  • The Local Group Policy Editor box will open.
  • On the left pane, expand Computer Configuration.
  • Expand Administrative Templates.
  • Expand Windows Components.
  • Select Biometrics.
  • Double click Allow the use of biometrics.
  • Choose Enabled.
  • Click Apply.
  • Then click OK.
  • Double click Allow user to log in using biometrics.
  • Choose Enabled.
  • Click Apply, then click Ok.

Computers that allow biometric login usually store fingerprint data in the BIOS. Therefore, if the biometrics setting is disabled, your fingerprint won’t be recognized, thus you won’t be able to set up Windows Hello.

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If biometrics is enabled in BIOS, you’ll get an option to reset the fingerprint data. Learn how to edit the Group Policy like an expert with the help of this useful guide.

9. Update the fingerprint hardware driver

  • Right-click Start.
  • Select Control Panel.
  • Choose Device Manager.
  • Click Biometric Devices to expand the list.
  • The fingerprint sensor is listed as Synaptics FP Sensor (based on the model of your system).
  • Right-click on the device.
  • Select Properties.
  • Select the Driver tab.
  • Click on Update Driver.

10. Perform a Clean Boot

  • Go to the search box.
  • Type MSConfig.
  • Select System Configuration.
  • Find the Services tab.
  • Select Hide all Microsoft services box.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Go to the Startup tab.
  • Click Open Task Manager.
  • Close Task manager then click OK.
  • Reboot your computer.

If you’re still unable to get the Windows Hello fingerprint error fixed, eliminate any software conflicts that may be causing the issue.

Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes of the Windows Hello fingerprint reader not working.

These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that start up and run in the background whenever you start Windows normally.

Note: In order to successfully perform a clean boot on Windows 10, you have to be logged on as the administrator.

11. Install drivers in compatibility mode

  • Download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
  • Save it on your local disk.
  • Right-click on the setup file of the downloaded driver.
  • Click Properties.
  • Click Compatibility tab.
  • Check the box next to Run this program in Compatibility mode.
  • Select the Operating System from the drop-down list.
  • The driver will install, then check its functionality.

Were you able to get the Windows Hello fingerprint reader to work again using any of these solutions? Leave there any other suggestions or questions you may have, as well.

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