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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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-28T05:53:03+00:00

    mine System Model Vostro 3480

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-03-30T15:24:44+00:00

    I was having this same issue since last update and did what someone suggested in replies

    Go to device manager

    under Biometrics right click the one with the yellow triangle with exclamation point

    disable device then turn around and re-enable it

    Instantly fixed my problem and my finger scanner works again

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-30T15:25:40+00:00

    go to device manager

    right click the option under biometrics that has a yellow triangle with !

    disable device then re-enable..I just did this and it works again

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-04-09T08:23:01+00:00

    There could be a few different reasons why your fingerprint reader is not working on Windows 11 and displaying the message "This option is currently unavailable." Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

    1. Check if your device has a compatible fingerprint reader and if it is enabled in your computer's BIOS settings.
    2. Ensure that your fingerprint reader driver is up to date. You can check for updates in the device manager by right-clicking on the device and selecting "Update driver."
    3. Restart your computer and check if the fingerprint reader starts working again.
    4. Disable and re-enable the fingerprint reader in the device manager.
    5. Check if there are any pending Windows updates and install them if there are any.
    6. If none of the above steps work, try resetting your PC to its default settings or performing a clean install of Windows 11.

    If the issue persists, it may be a hardware problem, and you should contact the manufacturer for further assistance or a replacement.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-04-15T20:30:59+00:00

    I have a similar issue.

    Refer to this case. https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/fingerprint-reader-not-working-on-windows-11-this/d77ff521-062d-468a-95fd-2e577e897501

    The description of the problem and my current workaround is the last post on the thread.

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