i did an update and now my finger print scanner wont work

Rob 0 Reputation points
2026-10-04T10:33:51.75+00:00

Finger print scanner wont work after update ..........................................................................................................................

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. Vikki-T 11,975 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-08T12:49:14.9+00:00

    Hello Rob,

    I understand that the fingerprint reader stopped working after a Windows update. Since the existing replies have already covered the general Windows Hello troubleshooting steps, could you please check whether Windows still detects the fingerprint reader?

    At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. 

    Open Device Manager and expand Biometric devices. Please let me know:

    • Whether the fingerprint reader is listed there
    • Whether it shows a yellow warning icon or an error code under Properties > General
    • The exact brand and model of your computer
    • The update shown under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history immediately before the issue began

    If Biometric devices is missing, select View > Show hidden devices and check again. These details will help determine whether the update affected the fingerprint driver or only the Windows Hello configuration.

    Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Contributors do not have access to your device, update records, or back-end diagnostic information, but I can help narrow down the next appropriate step based on what Device Manager reports. Thank you so much for your understanding.     

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  2. TaoLi 115K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-04T11:11:13.9766667+00:00

    Hello,

    First, I need to confirm: did the issue arise after you performed the update mentioned above?

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  3. AI answer

    2026-10-04T10:34:07.96+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Make sure Windows Hello is still configured, then install the latest Surface or Windows updates.
      • Open the Surface app > expand Help & support > check update status.
      • If updates are available, select Check for updates to open Windows Update and install them.
    2. Sign in with a PIN or password instead of fingerprint, then re-register the fingerprint.
      • For Windows 10: Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello Fingerprint.
      • Select Remove, then select Set up to add the fingerprint again.
      • It can also help to select Add another and register the finger from slightly different positions.
    3. Check the finger and sensor.
      • Use the same finger originally enrolled.
      • Make sure the finger is clean and dry.
      • If using a Surface Laptop Go fingerprint power button, place the finger flat in the middle with light pressure and avoid moving it.
      • Wipe the fingerprint reader/power button with a lint-free cloth. Do not use glass cleaner or cleaning chemicals.
      • If the finger has a scar or damage, enroll a different finger.
    4. If the update was recent and it worked before, a recent app, driver, or update may be causing the issue.
      • Try Restore or reset your PC.
    5. If the device upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and uses certain ELAN fingerprint drivers, Microsoft has a validated workaround using:
      • sfc /scannow
      • This applies to ELAN fingerprint driver versions 3.10.11001.10606, 3.10.11001.10502, or 3.10.11001.10801 with affected onnxruntime.dll versions.
      • The troubleshooter for this issue runs automatically and cannot be run manually.

    If PIN sign-in also fails, reset the PIN:

    • Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello PIN > I forgot my PIN.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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