Unable to use fingerprint

Install the latest Insider build available for your channel before repairing Windows Hello, because build 26300.7760 is outdated and the displayed expiration applies to the Windows preview build—not specifically to your fingerprint credential.

1. Update the expiring Insider build

1. Sign in using your PIN or password.
2. Open Settings → Windows Update.
3. Select Check for updates.
4. Install every available Insider build and driver update, then restart.
5. Press Windows+R, enter winver, and verify that the build number is newer than 26300.7760.

Microsoft advises keeping Insider builds current because older flight certificates expire and outdated builds can eventually stop receiving updates.^1^ Build 26300.8289, for example, is newer than the installed 26300.7760 build shown in the screenshot.^2^

If Windows Update finds nothing:

• Open Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program.
• Check that an Insider channel is selected and that the correct Insider account is connected.
• Check Windows activation under Settings → System → Activation.
• Retry Windows Update → Check for updates.^1^

2. Re-register the fingerprint

After updating:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
2. Expand Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
3. Select Remove.
4. Restart Windows.
5. Return to the same page, select Set up, and register the fingerprint again.
6. During enrollment, move the finger slightly between scans to capture different angles. If possible, add another finger.

Keep the fingerprint reader clean and dry. Microsoft recommends re-registering fingerprints, capturing multiple angles, checking driver updates, and registering more than one fingerprint.^3^

3. Repair the biometric driver if Fingerprint recognition is missing

If Settings says that no compatible fingerprint scanner is available:

1. Press Windows+X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Biometric devices. If it is absent, select View → Show hidden devices.
3. Right-click the fingerprint sensor and select Update driver.
4. If Windows cannot find a suitable update, install the Windows 11 biometric driver supplied by the PC manufacturer.
5. Restart the computer and repeat fingerprint enrollment.

Updating or reinstalling the fingerprint device driver is the accepted recovery for this Windows 11 symptom.^4^

If the problem started with the most recent Insider update

If the latest update still leaves Windows Hello broken:

• Check the known issues for the installed Insider build.
• Submit the failure through Feedback Hub, including the PC model, fingerprint-sensor name from Device Manager, current build number, and exact Windows Hello error.
• If the preceding build worked and the update was installed within the last 10 days, use Settings → System → Recovery → Go back. Back up important files first.^1^

To stop receiving previews, open Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program → Stop Insider Preview Builds. Available exit options depend on the channel; some early platform builds require a clean installation, which removes applications, settings, and files.^5^

References

1. Troubleshooting
2. Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8289
3. Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips | Microsoft Support
4. Windows 11 Fingerprint login not working - Microsoft Q&A
5. Deeper look at running Windows Insider Preview Builds