Outdated drivers or windows versions may prevent Windows Hello from working properly, but you can easily update them. However, internal causes such as an outdated biometric database or corrupted files may need internal fixes. Luckily, we have compiled different ways to fix Windows Hello not working in this article.
How to Fix Windows Hello Not Working?
When trying to fix Windows Hello, you should first try simple fixes like account verification or hardware repair to avoid modifying the system files. If they do not work, you can move to other solutions mentioned below.
Fix Hardware Issues
The hardware devices required for facial or fingerprint recognition may sometimes be at fault for issues in Windows Hello. You need to individually check if they work on your computer before you use them for Windows Hello configuration. If they don’t, repair or replace them with devices that are functional.
Check Windows Hello Installation
It is essential to check if you have Windows Hello installed on your computer before you apply any fixes. So, follow the method mentioned below to check and add Hello on your computer. If the Windows Hello Face option appears after step 4, you have it already installed on your device. In such a case, you can skip the rest of the steps and try a different solution.
Verify Your Microsoft account
Logging into your desktop with a Microsoft account with an unverified identity on your PC may cause Windows Hello not to work correctly. So, follow the steps mentioned below to verify your account.
Perform Windows Update
Error in Windows update may cause Windows Hello on your computer to not function properly. Furthermore, you may be using an outdated version of your Windows. In such cases, updating Windows would fix your Windows Hello issue. So, follow the steps mentioned below to do so.
Fix Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files relating to Windows Hello can cause issues while trying to use it. You can run a cleanup command to scan and fix such files. Here’s how you can run the system file checker and DISM scan.
Install Hello Face Driver
Windows Hello Face requires an Infrared Camera to function and a computer that supports such cameras. If you still cannot access Hello despite having both, you may need to install drivers for the camera. You can install drivers for your webcam or camera by following the steps mentioned below. If you do not see the FaceDriver folder in step 3 or HelloFace.inf on step 4, your computer may not be compatible with IR cameras. If your computer is compatible, yet, you cannot find the driver installation file, visit your PC manufacturer’s website to download the required driver.
Update Outdated Drivers
Even if you have the drivers necessary for Windows Hello to work, they may be outdated. Outdated drivers can result in malfunctioning cameras or fingerprint sensors. Updating drivers help fix such issues relating to Windows Hello not working. So, follow the steps mentioned below to do so.
Enable Trusted Platform Module
TPM allows you to use your computer to store or create encryption keys to protect your system. It is responsible for creating encryption for local security (PIN, fingerprint, and Facial id) to separate from the internet. You can enable TPM by following the method mentioned below. After you finish the process mentioned above, close all windows and restart your device to check the fix.
Reset Biometric Database
If your device does not identify biometric logins such as your face or your fingerprint, Windows Hello will not work. This can happen even if your Biometric logins are set up, but they’re outdated. In such cases, you can follow the steps mentioned to reset Biometric Database.
Enable PINlogon Value Data File via Registry Editor
You can create a PinLogon registry file for Windows through the Registry Editor. By enabling that data file via the Editor, you may be able to fix issues on Windows Hello. So, follow the steps mentioned below to do so.
Enable Login Pin via Group Policy Editor
If the Convenience PIN sign-in function is unavailable in your computer configuration, it can cause issues with Windows Hello. So, you can enable and authorize it using the Group Policy Editor. So, follow the steps mentioned below to do so.