Why Windows hello fingerprint scanner is not working on local default Administrator account in windows 11 pro OS

Question

Why Windows hello fingerprint scanner is not working on local default Administrator account in windows 11 pro OS

Jordan Tianes (ASPH) 0

Hi,

My name is Jordan, and I would like to request assistance regarding a Windows Hello fingerprint registration issue.

I am unable to register the fingerprint scanner on my ASUS device when using the built-in local Administrator account on Windows 11 Pro. The fingerprint registration works properly on newly created user accounts, whether they have administrator privileges or standard user permissions. However, it does not work on the default Administrator account.

Below are the steps I performed:

Step 1

Completed the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) Windows setup.

Bypassed OOBE using the command start ms-cxh:localonly.

Created a local user account.

Step 2

Opened Local Users and Groups and navigated to Users.

Located the Administrator account, which was disabled by default.

Enabled and activated the Administrator account for primary use.

Assigned a password and configured a PIN.

Step 3

Attempted to register a fingerprint through Windows Hello.

During the registration process, I received the following error message:

"Sorry, something went wrong."

Troubleshooting Performed

Created additional user profiles (both administrator and standard user accounts) and successfully registered fingerprints.

Verified and reviewed relevant Group Policy settings (GPEDIT).

Checked applicable Registry policies.

Restarted the Windows Biometric Service.

Re-tested the fingerprint registration multiple times.

Despite completing the above troubleshooting steps, fingerprint enrollment still does not work when using the built-in Administrator account.

I would greatly appreciate any assistance, recommendations, or clarification regarding whether this behavior is expected for the default Administrator account in Windows 11 Pro.

Thank you for your time and support.

Kind regards,

Jordan

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1 answer

Your answer

Answer 1

Allan Solomon Mejia 10,225

Hi @Jordan Tianes (ASPH) ,

This doesn’t appear to be a fingerprint-reader issue. The problem is that you’re using Windows’ built-in Administrator account. Windows normally keeps this account disabled and creates a separate user with administrator privileges instead.

I recommend creating a regular local account, changing its account type to Administrator, and then setting up the Windows Hello PIN and fingerprint from that account. Since the fingerprint works with another profile, there’s no reason to reset the TPM, driver, or biometric service.

No supported policy or registry change enables Windows Hello on the built-in Administrator account.

References:

Local accounts

Manage user accounts in Windows

Help make this community better for everyone: If this answer helped or resolved your issue, please accept it or upvote it. If not, share more details in a comment so we can continue the discussion and find the right solution. Thank you.

Jordan Tianes (ASPH) 0 Reputation points

2026-09-28T03:55:09.2966667+00:00

Hi @Allan Solomon Mejia Is there any reason why the build-in administrator account is prohibited in using fingerprint scanner? is there any way to enable and use the fingerprint?
Allan Solomon Mejia 10,225 Reputation points

2026-09-28T03:58:17.46+00:00

The built-in Administrator account is a special system account with unrestricted local access. Windows normally disables it during setup and creates a separate user in the Administrators group instead. This reduces the security risk of using a well-known, highly privileged account for everyday activity.

Microsoft doesn’t document a supported way to enable Windows Hello fingerprint or PIN enrollment specifically for the built-in Administrator account. Changing Group Policy or the registry won’t provide a verified solution.

The supported approach is to create a regular local account, assign it the Administrator account type, and enroll Windows Hello under that account. You’ll retain administrative access while being able to use the fingerprint scanner.
Jordan Tianes (ASPH) 0 Reputation points

2026-09-28T05:09:27.0166667+00:00

Hi @Allan Solomon Mejia , thank you for your informative answer.
Allan Solomon Mejia 10,225 Reputation points

2026-09-28T13:09:48.8633333+00:00

Hi @Jordan Tianes (ASPH)

Please let me know if you need any further assistance. Otherwise, if the information provided helped/resolved your issue, please click “Accept Answer” to help others who may encounter the same problem. Thank you.