my fingerprint login suddenly stopped working, how do I fix it?

hemant chauhan 0 Reputation points
2026-09-19T15:56:03.6933333+00:00

**my fingerprint login suddenly stopped working, how do I fix it?

**Moderator note: Link removed.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-09-19T15:56:19.4166667+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Sign in with a PIN or password first.
    2. Clean the fingerprint reader with a lint-free cloth to remove dirt or oil. Do not use glass cleaner or other cleaning chemicals.
    3. Make sure the same finger used during setup is being used again, and that the finger is clean and dry.
    4. If the device uses a Fingerprint Power Button, place the finger flat in the middle with light pressure and avoid moving it. If applicable, make sure the LED light is on around the button.
    5. In Settings go to: Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello)
      • Select Add another to register another fingerprint, or
      • Select Remove, then Set up to register the fingerprint again.
    6. If fingerprint sign-in still fails, check for updates:
      • Open the Surface app > Help & support
      • If updates are available, select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install them.
    7. If the fingerprint option is missing or Windows cannot find the scanner, open Device Manager, find the device under Biometric devices, uninstall the device, and restart Windows so the driver is reinstalled.
    8. If biometric authentication still is not working, restart the biometric service:
      • Remove the PIN in Sign-in options first.
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: net stop wbiosrvc && net start wbiosrvc
      • Then test fingerprint sign-in again.

    If the PIN also does not work, sign in with the password and reset the PIN from Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) > I forgot my PIN.

    If fingerprint sign-in worked before and recently stopped, a recently installed app, driver, or update might be the cause. In that case, restoring or resetting the PC is the next step. This can affect installed apps and settings, so use it carefully.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. SD - IA 180K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-19T16:47:42.2466667+00:00

    Hi Hemant,

    Please supply the following Information.

    Right-click the Start button and Choose the Run option

    Type in msinfo32

    Press enter.

    Take a screenshot of the System Summary window and post it in the next reply.

    I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.