The last 2 times I have updated my laptop, Windows hello and pin have broken

Kev Wiltshire 5 Reputation points
2026-08-29T12:22:16.3166667+00:00

A few weeks ago a routine Windows update required a restart.
I did this, and then both Windows Hello and my pin were unavailable to me on login.
I was able to log in using my pw, and was asked to set up hello again. But when I tried, after entering my pin to initiate the process, all I got was a blank screen, no error. In the end I had to delete the contents of the Ngc folder, and that was not a smooth process.
I just restarted after another update and exactly the same thing has happened.
I'm now left with no hello or pin login, no hello in apps, and facing the process of trying to empty that Ngc folder, which I recall was problematic with me having to stop services, grant admin access, cascade folder permissions, etc - which was long winded and a bit stressful as I'm not a tech user.
Anyone able to offer any insight?
Thanks in advance

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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Kev Wiltshire 5 Reputation points
2026-09-02T12:28:11.0833333+00:00

I carried out a Windows repair leaving apps and files in place, and this resolved the issue as described.

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  1. Thomas4-N 21,535 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-30T07:04:09.7766667+00:00

    Hello Kev Wiltshire,

    I understand why repeating the difficult Ngc reset after every update is concerning.

    Please provide:

    • Your Windows version and build from winver
    • The latest KB under Settings > Windows Update > Update history
    • Laptop model
    • Whether Hello uses face recognition or fingerprint
    • Any TPM warning under Windows Security > Device security

    For now, continue using the password rather than deleting Ngc again.

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