This post features different solutions to try if you see the error message We could not find a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello Fingerprint. The problem is common among users who have recently upgraded to Windows 11. And the worst thing about this error is that it appears in those systems as well that support Fingerprint recognization. The issue also prevents users from modifying the fingerprint settings. Nevertheless, there’s nothing to worry about if you also see the same error message. Just try the solutions below to get rid of the problem.
The latest Windows OS comes with a Fingerprint Reader. You can use this feature to log in to your Windows PC via fingerprint. In laymen’s terms, the feature lets you use biometric credentials to access your Windows PC. You can enable this feature by heading towards Settings > Account > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello). But while accessing this feature, users are reported to face the following message.
We couldn’t find a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello Fingerprint
The problem mainly occurs due to hardware issues or corrupted device drivers.
We couldn’t find a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello Fingerprint
Below is a list of all the effective solutions to try if you face We couldn’t find a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello Fingerprint when you try to set it up.
- Check Windows Services
- Roll Back Driver
- Update the Driver
- Check if Biometric Device is enabled in BIOS
Now let’s check out all the solutions in detail.
1] Check Windows Services
The first solution you can try in the situation is to configure some settings in Windows Services. Here are the steps you need to follow.
- Open the Run dialogue box by pressing the Windows + R shortcut key.
- In the space provided, type services.msc, and press the enter key.
- Locate Windows Biometric Service.
- Righ-click on Windows Biometric Service and choose Properties from the context menu.
- Switch to the Log On tab.
- Select Allow service to interact with desktop option present under Local System account.
- Click on Apply > OK.
Reboot the system to save the changes.
You need to also make sure Windows Biometric Service is running correctly. To do so, follow the below steps.
- In the Services window, double-click on Windows Biometric Service.
- Change the Startup type to Automatic.
- Change Service status to Start.
- Click on Apply > OK.
Check if you’re still facing the problem. If not, you are good to go. But in case the problem continues, try the next solution on the list.
2] Roll Back Driver
There can be a possibility that there is some issue with the current driver update. If this is the case, you will have to roll back the driver to solve the problem. Below are the steps to do it.
- Press the Windows + X key and choose Device Manager from the pop-up menu.
- Double-click on Biometric Devices to expand the option.
- Select installed Fingerprint scanner.
- Switch to the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver.
- Click on OK.
Check if it solves the issue. If not, try the next solution on the list.
3] Update the Driver
The next thing you can try in the situation is to download the latest driver update. You can update the driver by following the below steps.
- Open Device Manager > Biometric Devices.
- Look if there’s any hidden device for Fingerprint Reader.
- If found, right-click on it and choose the Update Driver option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download the latest update.
See: Windows Hello PIN Remove button greyed out
4] Check if Biometric Device is enabled in BIOS
Windows lets you manually enable or disable Biometric Device in the BIOS. If the featured is disabled, you are most likely to face the problem in the question. You will have to enable the option to fix the problem. Here’s how.
- Press the Power button to boot your system.
- During the boot, press the F10 key to enter the BIOS setup utility.
- Locate the Biometric Device option. It will be located under System Configuration.
- Enable Biometric Device.
- Press the F10 key again to save the changes and reboot the system.
Read: Windows Hello not working in Windows
How do I fix Windows Hello this fingerprint is currently unavailable?
One of the best ways to get rid of this fingerprint is currently unavailable problem is to disable the fingerprint driver. You can do it by following these steps: Open Device Manager > Biometric Device > Fingerprint driver. Switch to the Driver tab, and select Disable device. Wait for a few minutes and enable the feature.
What to do if Fingerprint Reader not working in Windows 11/10?
There’s nothing to worry about if Fingerprint reader not working in Windows 11/10. You can try these solutions to solve the problem.
- Clean the Fingerprint reader sensor
- Check if the Fingerprint reader is registered correctly.
- Download the latest driver update
- Check if Biometric Device is enabled in BIOS.