Fingerprint login

Sign in with your PIN or password, then remove and re-register the fingerprint in Windows Hello.

Re-register the fingerprint

1. At the Windows sign-in screen, select Sign-in options and use your PIN or password.
2. Clean and dry both the fingerprint reader and your finger.
3. Open Start → Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
4. Select Windows Hello Fingerprint or Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
5. Select Remove, then Set up to register the fingerprint again.
6. During registration, place different parts and angles of the finger on the reader.
7. If available, select Add another and register a second finger.

Microsoft recommends re-registering fingerprints, checking the reader, and capturing different finger angles when recognition fails.^1^

Lock the laptop with Windows key + L, then test the newly registered fingerprint.

If the fingerprint option is missing or setup fails

Reinstall the fingerprint-reader driver:

1. Press Windows key + X, then select Device Manager.
2. Expand Biometric devices.
3. Right-click the fingerprint sensor and select Uninstall device.
4. If offered, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then choose Uninstall.
5. Restart the laptop. Windows should attempt to reinstall the device.
6. Return to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options and set up the fingerprint again.

Driver reinstallation is a documented fallback in a closely matching Windows 10 fingerprint case.^2^

If Biometric devices is absent after restarting, obtain the Windows 10 fingerprint driver from the laptop manufacturer’s support utility or support site. Avoid downloading drivers from unrelated third-party sites.

If Windows says the option is unavailable or managed

If the laptop was previously connected to an employer or school, open:

Settings → Accounts → Access work or school

Select an account that should no longer manage the laptop, choose Disconnect, and restart. Do not disconnect an active organization account on a managed device; contact its IT administrator instead. This account-removal approach applies specifically when an obsolete work or school connection is affecting Windows Hello.^3^

Do not clear the TPM, delete biometric database files, or remove policy registry keys as an initial fix. Those actions can affect other sign-in credentials or system policies and are not warranted by the symptoms provided.

References

1. Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips | Microsoft Support
2. How to remove fingerprint .DAT file from WinBIODatabase - Microsoft Q&A
3. Windows Hello not working - Microsoft Q&A