Fix: Fingerprint Reader Not Working on Windows 11 [Verified]

Do you know fingerprints vary from one another? So there are currently 8 billion variations of fingerprints available right now.

That’s why it is the most secure and authentic medium of security. And when your fingerprint reader does not function on Windows 11, it’s natural to be anxious. But this article represents all verified fixes that can cure your issue.

Therefore navigate through the methods, and surely you will find the one you seek.

Let’s move in!

How to Fix the Fingerprint Scanner Not Working in Windows 11

Computer types differ from person to person. As a result, the fix that works on one device may not work on another. But generally, the key fixes are uninstalling the biometric device, installing an updated biometric driver, enabling and disabling the biometric settings and creating a local account.

I investigated the issue closely and bundled up 11 working fixes for you. It doesn’t matter if you are a Dell, HP or Lenovo user; try out the adjustments one by one, and definitely, your issue will dissolve.

Here are the methods to fix the fingerprint reader not functioning in Windows 11:

1. Uninstall the Biometric Device and Restart

After shifting from Windows 10 to Windows 11, several users claimed their fingerprint scanners were not working. The sole reason is that the old fingerprint became defective during the updating process, so you can try the following procedure to resolve the issue.

Here’s the process to uninstall the biometric device and restart the computer: 

• Right-click on the Windows Start icon.
• Select the Device Manager program.
• Expand the Biometric devices option.
• Right-click on the available biometric fingerprint option. For Dell, it will be Goodix. For Lenovo, it will be Lenovo Fingerprint and for HP Synaptics.
• Choose the Uninstall device option.
• Restart your computer.

Now check the issue, and you’ll find that the problem is gone from your system. But when it persists, try the following fixes to solve the complication.

Also read how to delete Windows 11 file explorer address bar history.

2. Install Updated Biometric Driver from the System Manufacturer

When you uninstall your existing biometric driver and still face the same fingerprint reader not functioning problem. Then you must install the recent biometric drivers from the system manufacturer. The procedures for doing so are stated below.

Here are the steps to install the updated biometric driver from the manufacturer: 

• Navigate to your manufacturer’s support website:
• Choose your device type.
• Download the updated fingerprint driver.
• Install the driver to your Windows 11 system.

Several users stated that uninstalling the biometric driver and installing the new ones fixes their issue, so it’s a must-try solution for you.

3. Uncheck Power Management Checkbox

Tweaking a checkbox from Power Management can give you a hand in your fixing journey. Follow the instructions to accomplish that.

Here is the procedure to uncheck the Power Management checkbox:

• Open the Run program by pressing the Win+R keys.
• Type devmgmt.msc and hit OK to launch the Device Manager.
• Double-click on the Biometric devices and right-click on your fingerprint drive.
• Choose the Properties option.
• Move to the Power Management section.
• Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power box.
• Press OK.

When this process is complete, go ahead and check your fingerprint.

Read more on how to password protect a file or folder in Windows 11.

4. Set Credential Manager and Windows Biometric Services to Automatic

The entire services that a computer runs are stored in the Services app. And when the Credential Manager and Windows Biometric Services become manual, the fingerprint scanner issue arises. To solve this, make them both automatic.

Here’s how to set Credential Manager and Windows Biometric Services to Automatic:

• Open the Search box and type services.
• Select the app.
• Find and double-click on the Credential Manager option.
• Choose Startup type to Automatic.
• Move to the Log On section.
• Check Allow service to interact with desktop.
• Hit Apply and OK.
• Select Restart to reboot the program and test whether the fingerprint issue is gone.
• Double-click on Windows Biometric Services and change its Startup type to Automatic when the problem is still bothering you.
• Choose Apply and OK, then Restart the app.

You will instantly notice that your adjustment works, and the problem is gone. But don’t lose hope if that still exists. Just read on, and eventually, you will find your fix.

5. Disable and Enable Biometric Device

Sometimes small modifications can solve big problems. Keeping that thought in mind, you can simply Disable and Enable the Biometric devices, which resolves this fingerprint issue in many cases.

Here are the steps to Disable & Enable the Biometric device to solve the fingerprint error: 

• Search for the Device Manager and click on the app.
• Click on the View tab and select Show hidden devices.
• Expand Biometric devices.
• Right-click on your fingerprint device and choose the Disable device option.
• Right-click on the fingerprint device again and select Enable device.

This simple adjustment can fix your fingerprint scanner not functioning issue.

6. Delete Your Fingerprint and Set up a New One

Deleting your existing fingerprint and setting up a new one can help you in the fixing process. Let’s look at the method from down below.

Here are the measures to take to delete your old fingerprint and set up a new one:

• Press the Windows+I keys to launch the Settings app.
• Navigate to the Account section.
• Scroll down and choose Sign-in options.
• Select the Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) option.
• Remove the existing fingerprint.
• Set up a new fingerprint.

Now check whether your issue remains or not. According to a survey creating a new fingerprint removes 37% of fingerprint-related problems.

7. Update Biometric Driver

It’s common knowledge that an update can come in handy when you face bugs or severe glitches. Therefore the fingerprint reader issue can be solved by an update. So let’s check out how you upgrade your Biometric driver.

Here are the steps to update your biometric driver:

• Right-click on the Start icon.
• Choose Device Manager.
• Select View and choose Show hidden devices.
• Expand Biometric devices.
• Right-click on the fingerprint driver. It will differ according to your manufacturer, such as Goodix fingerprint for Dell, Asus fingerprint, Synaptics for HP, Lenovo fingerprint etc.
• Choose the Update driver option.
• Click on Search automatically for drivers.

When the upgrade is done, check out your fingerprint reader not detected on Windows 11 issue. You will notice the problem is gone.

8. Create a Local Account

Windows Hello Fingerprint: this option is currently unavailable error can baffle your mind. Creating a local account can ease your pain by resolving the issue in those crucial times.

Here is the process to create a local account to fix the fingerprint scanner not working issue: 

• Launch the Settings app from your Windows 11.
• Move into the Account tab.
• Choose the Your info section.
• Click Sign in with a local account instead from the Account settings section.
• Hit Next and provide your password.
• Enter your local account information.
• Press Next and complete the process.
• Select Finish when you are done.

After forming a new local account, try the fingerprint, and you will find that the problem is cured. You can also create a guest account on your Windows 11 system to tackle the issue. So, feel free to try it.

But for now, move into the next working method to solve the fingerprint scanner not detected error.

9. Modify Local Group Policy Editor

Enabling the biometric policy can cure your fingerprint error. And you can very easily conclude the task via Local Group Policy Editor.

Here is the procedure to modify the Local Group Policy Editor:

• Hold the Windows+R buttons to start the Run app.
• Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
• Go to:
  • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics
• Enable all the policies available in the Biometrics folder. To do that, double-click on each and choose Enable.
• Restart the system.

Turning on the policies fixes several user problems. But when this is not the case, follow on because there are still some adjustments.

10. Adjust the Registry Editor

Key information of your system is stored at your Registry Editor. So changing some value from here, you can settle your dispute with your fingerprint scanner.

Here are the steps to adjust the Registry Editor:

• Open the Run program.
• Write regedit and press OK.
• Move to the following location:
  • Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
• Place your cursor in the blank space and right-click.
• Choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Set the Value name to AllowDomainPINLogon.
• Double-click on the newly added entity and change the Value data to 1.
• Restart the device.

For some users, this modification alone saves them from their fingerprint conflict.

11. Use Command Prompt

Due to faulty installation of Windows files or Biometric drivers, the fingerprint scanner cannot function. To fix that problem, you can run some cleaning commands on CMD, which will eradicate the issue and return your computer fingerprint scanner to its original form.

Here’s how you complete Command Prompt’s SFC and DISM commands:

• Search for cmd and right-click on Command Prompt.
• Choose the Run as administrator option.
• Copy and paste the following command to scan your PC and fix it.
  • sfc /scannow
• Wait until the process is complete, and when it’s done, check the fingerprint.
• Run the following command when the issue remains.
  • dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
• Restart the computer when the clean-up ends.

You will instantly see that your fingerprint reader problem has been removed from your Windows 11.

However, even after all the stated fixes, if the fingerprint reader doesn’t work, you must apply a clean boot on your Windows 11. That will make your device good as new and solve your issue.

Why does Fingerprint Recognition Not Work in Windows 11?

When your fingerprint driver becomes faulty, bugs and glitches hamper the Windows system files and upgrading your system from Windows 10 to 11 can cause the fingerprint recognition not working error. This issue also can appear when fingerprint driver updates fall into a problem.

In those certain cases, updating your BIOS can assist you to resolve your problem. Navigate to your manufacturer support website and select your PC model. Then download the BIOS file and install it to your Windows 11. And you will find your fingerprint issue is nowhere to be found.

Sometimes due to improper updates, several problems can occur in your system. So it is always best practice to upgrade your Windows whenever possible. To do that, Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Apply the mentioned fixes efficiently and resolve your fingerprint dispute.

Final Notes

This article covers every aspect and possible solutions for your fingerprint reader problem. Therefore your issue is already gone after trying the stated fixes.

However, if it still exists, check whether your fingerprint scanner is OK. Because when your fingerprint reader button is damaged, then it will not work. In that manner, take your PC to a support center.

Let me know in the comment which adjustments from this content cure your issue.