Fingerprint reader not working on Windows 11: "This option is currently unavailable"

Reported
Anonymous
2021-11-28T21:29:19+00:00

I recently got a Dell Inspiron with Windows 11 preloaded. The fingerprint reader was working fine at first, but now it appears to not be working with windows hello. The option to add a finger or remove the fingerprint are greyed out and not clickable.

I've seen posts about this issue in Windows 10, but the fixes aren't working for me.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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208 answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-07-12T16:04:08+00:00

    this is the problem iam faceing

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-07-14T23:40:08+00:00

    Thank you Robin_Ben! That worked perfectly for me. I have windows 11 running on an HP Envy with a built-in fingerprint reader.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-07-15T10:47:12+00:00

    HI, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.

    I tried the following steps but it didn't work out. how can I download a new driver?

    my laptop is a Microsoft surface and go.

    thank you

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-07-15T14:58:30+00:00

    Along multiple Windows updates, the "Hello Sign-in Option" is disabled. It no longer allows the user to update/change sign in options. See picture below and do not keep suggesting the enable/disable driver will fix the problem. This is an issue that affects every Windows 10/11 machines that I owned. I am sure I am not the singular case.

    DOES NOT WORK

    Many post about "enable/disable" driver, but it is not addressing the issue that in Windows 10/11 Hello option, the ability to update/add fingerprint is not functioning.

    KNOWN WORKING SOLUTION (Not my findings, but gathered from other users' discovery)

    1. reset PC tends to bring computer back to original condition and thus works!!

    We should not have to reset the PC/re-install windows. This is clearly a Windows 10/11 bug.

    1. reinstall windows 11
    2. Adding a new user had Windows Hello fully functional for fingerprint. Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Other users > "Add account"

    Folks, this is a Windows 10/11 known issues. Please take it up to Microsoft. They should fix it ASAP as it affects countless Windows users.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-07-18T17:14:29+00:00

    Good Day Samuel(26),

    My name is Carlo, I am also using Windows 10 pc and community member like you. Let us work together to sort this out.

    Here's the steps you can try.

    -Go to Device Manager
    -Expand the Biometric driver or Human Interface Device
    -Look for Fingerprint driver that was installed
    -Right click and Update
    -Look for "Browse my computer for driver
    -Let me pick drivers available drivers
    -Choose an old driver and use it.

    Restart your computer and check the fingerprint.

    If issue persist, let's download the updated driver.
    What is the exact model of your computer?

    To check the system model proceed with these steps.
    -Press Windows key + R
    -Type msinfo32 and hit enter.
    -Look for the system model and manufacturer and post it here.

    I hope the information above helps. Please let me know how it goes.
    Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

    Sincerely,
    Carlo T.

    Hi Sir Carlo, I am using RedmiBook 15. I also have this error saying currently unavailable for the fingerprint. Also i dont have this Biometrics in the device manager. Please advise.

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