Windows 10: I am unable to use my laptop's fingerprint reader from past few weeks.

I tried all the ways I could find on Google to resolve this, I even cleared my old fingerprint data but now it is not allowing me to set up the new fingerprint here.I already checked for the Driver/windows update manually as well as through system software.Re-installed the drivers.

:)

 

How do I re-activate the fingerprint reader on my laptop?

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

If you're unable to log into your Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 because the fingerprint reader isn't functioning, and you don't have a PIN or password set up as alternative login methods, you'll need to explore a few options to regain access to your device. Here's what you can do:

Use Safe Mode to Bypass the Lock

First, try to access Safe Mode, which might bypass the fingerprint reader:

1. Restart your computer. As soon as the screen turns off, press the power button again to interrupt the boot process. Repeat this step three times. On the fourth restart, Windows should enter the Automatic Repair environment.
   
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and then Restart.
   
3. After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select 4 or press F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
   

If you can get into Safe Mode, you might be able to set up a PIN or password from there, or troubleshoot the fingerprint reader issue.

Use a Microsoft Account to Change Your Password

If your laptop is linked to a Microsoft account (which is often the case with Windows 11), you can reset your password online:

1. Go to the Microsoft password reset page:https://account.live.com/password/reset
   
2. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
   
3. Once reset, try logging in with the new password.
   

Restore Your Laptop

If you cannot access Safe Mode and don't have a Microsoft account linked, you might need to restore your laptop to factory settings. Note that this will erase all data on your laptop, so it should be a last resort.

1. Access the Lenovo Recovery System by following the steps to enter the Automatic Repair environment mentioned above.
   
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. You can select "Keep my files" to preserve personal files, but apps and settings will be reset. For a complete clean slate, select "Remove everything."
   

Contact Lenovo Support

If you're unable to resolve the issue through the above steps, contact Lenovo Support for further assistance. They might provide additional solutions or require you to send the laptop in for repair if there's a hardware issue with the fingerprint reader.

Preventive Measures for the Future

Once you regain access to your laptop:

• Set up a PIN and password: It's a good idea to have multiple authentication methods in case one fails.
  
• Keep your drivers updated: Ensure that your fingerprint reader's drivers are up to date to avoid future issues. You can update drivers through the Device Manager or Lenovo Vantage software.
  
• Regular backups: Regularly back up your important data to an external drive or cloud storage to prevent data loss in situations like this.
  

While fingerprint readers provide convenience, having a backup login method is crucial for situations where the biometric authentication fails.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Unable to use Fingerprint Reader

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are unable to use Windows Hello Fingerprint on your HP ProBook 6470b. I’ll certainly help you with the issue.



However, please let us know:

• What happens when you try to setup fingerprint?
  
• Do you receive any error message/code? If yes, what is the error message/code?
  
• Were you able to use fingerprint on your computer earlier?
  

I would suggest you to refer the section Setting up a fingerprint reader from the HP article

HP PCs - Set Up Sign-in Options for Windows Hello (Windows 10).



For additional information, see Windows 10 sign-in options and privacy
and Learn about Windows Hello and set it up.



Please reply with more information on the issue to help you further with the issue.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Fingerprint Reader not working on Windows 10

Hi Kayleigh,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

As you are facing issues with accessing Fingerprint reader on Windows 10, do let us know the following to assist you better:

• What is the make and model of your device?
• What is the device status in Device Manager along with exclamatory mark?

I suggest you to try few of the below troubleshooting steps and check if it helps.

Method 1: Run Hardware troubleshooter as it will help in resolving the issues with hardware and resolve any simple issues found.

• Press Windows key from the keyboard, click on
  Control Panel.
• In the Control Panel window, select Category and then select
  Large icons.
• Click on Troubleshooting, click on
  view all option on the upper left corner.
• Select the Hardware and Device
  options from the list.
• Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 2: I suggest you to update the drivers for Fingerprint Reader in Device Manager:

Steps:

• Right click on Windows key from the desktop and click on
  Device Manager.
• Expand Human Interface Devices, right click on the
  Fingerprint driver and select Update Driver Software
• Check if you are able to access the device.

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with the required information and updated status of this issue for further assistance.