[Full Repair Guide] Windows Hello Is Not Working

Hello is a biometric authentication feature developed by Microsoft for Windows. It uses facial recognition, fingerprint, and iris scanning to unlock devices, applications, websites, and networks. Windows Hello eliminates the need for passwords, allowing more secure access to user accounts and ensuring users can easily sign in without remembering multiple complicated passwords.

Windows Hello makes it easier to securely access data by protecting malicious actors who may attempt to steal sensitive information. With this feature, users can be sure they can only access their accounts and data.

Facial recognition makes more sense on a laptop or desktop than on a smartphone. In contrast to your phone, you are typically situated in the center of your laptop to complete verification. Microsoft’s Windows Hello biometric is standard on the majority of premium laptops.

It can also be utilized with third-party webcams on a PC. So what if Windows Hello stops working? You won’t be able to log in until you have a password. Here are some solutions to the problem of Windows Hello not working on Windows 11.

Fix Windows Hello Not Working on Windows 11

When Windows Hello stops working, you must revert to unpleasant authentication methods, such as a PIN login or your Microsoft account password. Follow the tips below to resolve Windows Hello on your laptop.

Make Sure You Haven’t Covered Camera

This is the first step you must take. To function in a private setting, some users employ a privacy shutter to block the webcam on their laptops. This prevents unwanted access to others while also disabling the Windows Hello functionality. During the sign-in procedure, you should remove the tape and allow the webcam to scan your face.

Don’t Sit Too Far

Windows Hello cannot scan your face if you are seated far away from your laptop or desk. You should attempt Windows Hello authentication again, sitting in an optimum position (not too distant or close) to your laptop.

Check Lighting Conditions

If there is a lot of light behind you, Windows Hello may have trouble distinguishing your face from the exposed background. We’ve been in this predicament before and shut the windows behind you or move to a location without light.

Improve Facial Recognition

1. Press Win + I to open the settings app.

2. Click on Accounts.

3. In the Account settings, select the Sign-in options.

4. Expand the Facial recognition (Windows Hello) menu.

5. Click Improve Recognition button.

6. Click on Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions.

Update Imaging and Biometric Devices

If you have malfunctioning biometric drivers installed on your laptop, Windows Hello will not work.

1. Right-click on Windows and select Device Manager.

2. Expand Biometric devices.

3. Right-click on Facial Recognition (Windows Hello) Software Device and select Uninstall Device.

4. Restart your laptop, and the system will reinstall the necessary drivers while rebooting.

Reinstall Windows Hello

1. Press Win + I to open the settings app.

2. Click on Apps and select Optional Features.

3. Type Windows Hello.

4. Click the Facial Recognition menu and select Uninstall button.

5. From the same menu, Click the View Features button.

6. Search for Windows Hello and check the box beside it.

7. Click Next, then the Install button.

Run Camera Troubleshooter

Any problem with your webcam can cause Windows Hello to stop operating on Windows 11. To address such issues, the system includes a camera troubleshooter.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot.

2. Click Other troubleshooters.

3. Scroll down and locate Camera.

4. Click the Run button.

Let Windows resolve the issue before attempting Windows Hello authentication again.

Run Windows Security Scan

You may have infected your computer with dangerous files if you habitually download files from untrustworthy websites. These damaged files may interfere with your laptop’s Windows Hello functioning. You must utilize Windows Security to remove corrupt files.

1. Press Windows and search Windows Security.

2. Click Virus & threat protection and click the Quick Scan button.

Reset the Hello Facial Recognition Settings

1. Open Settings > Accounts.

2. Click on Sign in options to locate facial and Fingerprint recognition.

3. Click on the Remove button.

4. Click the Setup button for a new facial recognition or fingerprint scan.

5. Follow on-screen instructions and restart your PC after.

Set Up TPM on Your Device

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is intended to perform hardware-based security operations. TPM is important for Windows Hello, and if it is turned off due to an update, a Windows reset, or any activities you’ve performed, Windows Hello will not work. In this instance, we recommend verifying TPM on your device and ensuring it is properly configured.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type tpm.msc and press enter.

3. Click on Action and select Prepare TPM.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows 10 and 11 include several troubleshooters to help you resolve various system issues. You can run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to allow Windows to scan and resolve common issues with your computer’s fingerprint scanner.

1. Press Win + R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, then press Enter.

2. In the Hardware and Devices window, click Next.

3. Let Windows diagnose any problems with your PC. If any problems are found, follow the on-screen instructions to implement the suggested solutions, then check if the error message is gone.

Turn on Convenience PIN Sign-in via Local Group Policy Editor

Another reason why Windows Hello fingerprint authentication may fail is if the feature is deactivated in the Local Group Policy.

1. Press Win + S and gpedit.msc in the search box, then press Enter.

2. Navigate to the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics

3. Verify that all the policies in the Biometrics folder are turned on. If not, double-click each policy and toggle it to Enabled.

Update Windows to the Latest Version

Microsoft provides software updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11 regularly to bring new features, enhance speed, and, most importantly for our purposes, resolve bugs. If the problem is caused by a system bug, updating Windows to the most recent version should help.

Go to the Windows Update tab in the Settings app to check for new updates. Install any pending updates on your computer. Hopefully, this will address the problem.

Why Does My Fingerprint Scanner Not Work on Windows 11?

• Hardware concerns: Carefully inspect your fingerprint reader for any possible hardware faults, such as scratches on the sensor or grease or dust on the scanner.
• Corrupted device drivers: If the drivers for your fingerprint reader are corrupted, outdated, or incompatible, it will not work.
• Chipset firmware: If you recently reinstalled Windows from Microsoft, make sure to update your computer’s chipset firmware.
• Improper Configuration: Your Windows Hello may not be configured correctly.
• Corrupted system files: Certain files may get corrupted, prohibiting you from utilizing the fingerprint reader.
• Software conflicts: The Windows fingerprint not functioning issue is caused by your fingerprint reader program or other software.

Regain Access to Windows Hello: A Comprehensive Repair Guide

In conclusion, this comprehensive repair guide has provided various troubleshooting methods to resolve the Windows Hello not working issue. Following these steps, you can regain access to the convenient and secure Windows Hello feature. Whether it’s updating drivers, resetting configurations, or checking for system updates, the solutions outlined here aim to help you overcome any issues and get Windows Hello up and running smoothly again. Take control of your biometric authentication and enjoy a hassle-free login experience on your Windows 11 device.

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows Hello Not Working