Surface Duo - Fingerprint reader not working

I have the same problem after using my surface for 2 weeks , what is unique in the problem that the fingerprint option disappeared from the setting menu 

-          I have been using the device since 17 Sep and it was working perfectly with the fingerprint

-          Today fingerprint reader suddenly stopped working, and I got a message on the screen fingerprint not working, logged through the pin and went to setting security to add additional fingerprint the option was there but disappeared briefly after that. Now when I log to settings under security I only have the options of Screen lock (None, Swipe, Pin, Password ) and Smart lock, nothing for the fingerprint

-          Since then the fingerprint option disappeared completely from the menu (under security)

-          Troubleshooting done

o   Power on /Power off

o   Factory reset and start as new device (not recovering from backup)

o   Recovery image

-          Unfortunely all my troubleshooting went in vain

I don't even have the fingerprint option in settings.  Also doesn't give me the option to enroll during set-up.

After the phone was fully charged the Fingerprint stopped working. 

It has error message " Fingerprint hardware not available". 

I power it off/back on a few times still no change and the fingerprint option is gone from the security settings again.

Any idea how to get the fingerprint reader working? Out the box the fingerprint sensor below the power button is not registering fingerprints. Perhaps the sensor is a dud. I tried restarting...powering down...powering up...nothing seems to work.

Here's what I did to get the fingerprint reader to work:

 - at first I tried using my left thumb assuming I could press the reader and open the Duo in the same motion. That didn't work.

 - so I switch to my right thumb for the reader and using my left hand to open the device.

 - by the way you do NOT need to perform the open/finger press at the same time. You can open the device and then press your finger.

 - When setting up your finger print press on the sensor, you should feel a small vibration, then remove your finger. Press again, vibration, remove and repeat. The object here is to move your finger a little each time you press. The Duo is attempting to build a copy of your print. Watch the display it will give you feed back as the press and repeat process takes place.

 - When I was given the "sensor dirty" error, I just rubbed the sensor with my finger a little and continued the press and repeat process until finished.

 - In settings, the fingerprint setup is in the Security section if you need to repeat the setup process.

Same problem. Keep getting the message "sensor dirty", please clean?