The trending security implemented by Windows is Windows Hello. The feature is an extra lock to your protection and a better alternative to a password. The feature is available on Windows 10 and 8.1. If you want to reset your Windows Hello Biometrics or have issues with the sign-in process, here are five easy ways to bring the feature back to work.
Meanwhile, the feature protects:
- Windows Hello Face
- Windows Hello Fingerprint
- Windows Hello PIN
- Security key
- Password
- Picture password
Windows Hello is accessible only to the administrator’s account and uses the password set by the owner. The feature requires your fingerprint, face ID, PIN, or iris to log in to devices, online services, apps, and networks. However, the feature is an alternative to a password and does not replace it. Restarting the feature is the way out when you have issues with your PIN or login details.
What causes Windows Hello to stop working?
Most problems with Windows Hello result from different issues, but the common cause of the error is Windows updates. Many people, and those using Windows Hello for business, need to keep this in mind. After severe complaints from Windows users, here are some common causes of malfunctioning Windows Hello below:
- Faulty Trusted Platform Module (TPM): this feature enables your access to passwords or PINs, including Windows Hello. Troubleshooting the part may stop the issue.
- Pin login failure: if your PIN is not authorized, you may face this issue. The problem is similar to the TMP problem. All you have to do is enable the feature, and it may stop.
- Outdated biometric or device drivers: another popular because of faulty Windows Hello biometrics is updated drivers. Drivers are like the spirit of your system because they prompt the function of each system aspect. To activate the Windows Hello biometric feature, a Windows device needs up-to-date imaging and biometric device drivers.
How to Fix Windows Hello Biometric
You now know a bit about Windows Hello problems; let’s dive into how to reset Windows Hello biometrics.
Double-Check That Windows Hello Is Enabled
One of the primary reasons your windows Hello might stop functioning correctly is disabled Windows Hello. Many users forget to enable this feature, instead complaining about the feature not working. The feature is sold to you on disable; you must access it, and it will allow for the biometric to function. To enable the feature, you must access the settings and enable or reset it. However, your device must have a password to find the feature on your device. So, here are the steps to set your password.
- Click on settings, scroll to the Accounts area, and Sign-in.
- Click on set password and click on Add.
- Input your desired password and click Next, then Finish.
After the password is set, Windows Hello biometric is ready for use. The next step is setting the fingerprint option. Here are the steps for that.
- Scroll down to the icon close to the Fingerprint recognition icon.
- Locate and click on the Setup button to Start.
- Enter your Pin and click Enter.
- Now, place your finger on the sensor to enable the system to install your fingerprint.
Once the system completes the process, you can close the settings menu, and Windows Hello Biometric will reset.
2. Check the Camera and Fingerprint Reader
Another reason Windows Hello biometrics may not work is a faulty camera or fingerprint scanner. As mentioned earlier, these features must be enabled and working before the security feature will function. Likewise, if the camera is blocked by any privacy feature or the fingerprint recognition system fails, the Windows Hello biometric feature may stop working. So, you have to re-enable the processes of these features before resetting the problem.
3. Sign in to Your Microsoft Account Again
You can also reset your Windows Hello biometric problem from your Microsoft Account. Re-logging into the account might fix the problem. So, try to log out of your Microsoft account and log back in to reset the issue. Here are steps to help.
- Use the Window key to open the Start menu.
- Sign out of your profile.
- The following display will be a Windows lock screen.
- Input the password and click on Sign in.
4. Change the TPM Settings
If your Trusted Platform Module (TMP) is faulty, it may lead to a wrong Windows Hello biometric feature. The feature is a cryptoprocessor that enables every data on the system to be accessible. We may resolve a faulty Windows Hello biometric by troubleshooting your TPM feature. However, you have to allow the TMP’s hardware layer encryption. Here are the steps to help.
- Locate the Run dialog box, type tpm.msc, and click Enter.
- At the top layer, locate the Action dialog box and click. Then, find the context menu and click on Prepare the TPM.
5. Update Biometric Driver
A faulty or outdated driver can result in the feature not working. In essence, you can reset the fault feature by updating your device. Here are some steps to help. First, download the latest biometric driver available.
- Locate the Power menu or hold the Windows key and X hotkeys to open the Device manager.
- Click on the Biometric devices, but for a face recognition user, locate the Update driver by right-clicking on the installed camera.
- Search for drivers.
Windows will display a search bar and locate available latest drivers. When you see the result, click on the driver updater to update and maintain the drivers’ update.
Conclusion
Windows Hello biometric is the extra security for users to keep data safe. The system can become faulty through different features. The steps listed above are a few, among others, ways to reset the issue.
