Some users have been taking to the forums to report an issue with the fingerprint setup. They say that after resetting their fingerprint settings and trying to set it again, they see an error message – The fingerprint looks too similar to the one that is already set up. While it works with a different finger, when you reinstall Windows, the error shows up for both fingers.
What causes The fingerprint look too similar to the one that is already set up error?
The fingerprint looks too similar to the one that is already set up error may arise when the system notices that the fingerprint you scanned just now in Windows Hello is very close to the one that’s already stored. This can then lead to the error, assuming it’s a duplicate scan. Besides, if the previously stored data is not completely removed, it can mess with the new data.
The fingerprint looks too similar to the one that is already set up
Based on our research we found some effective solutions that can help you to fix the fingerprint error.
- Preliminary suggestions
- Enable the Biometric device
- Register a new fingerprint
- Clear fin gerprint from BIOS
- Delete the Biometric data
- Reinstall the fingerprint driver
1] Preliminary suggestions
If you are trying to register a scan, ensure your fingers are clean and dry so the sensors can detect a clear scan. If it fails to work, you may need to remove any traces of the previous fingerprints and try the scan again.
At the same time, if you have used your fingerprint with another account and forgot to clear it, make sure you obliterate it. But if all fails, you can move on to try the primary troubleshooting methods below.
2] Enable the Biometric device in BIOS
The first thing you should check is whether the Biometric device is enabled in the BIOS. If it is disabled, it can cause errors with fingerprint registration. If it is disabled, you must enable it.
Read: We couldn’t find a fingerprint scanner compatible with Windows Hello Fingerprint
3] Register a new fingerprint
Once you have successfully enabled the biometric device, you must set up a new fingerprint if you have not already.
For this, launch the Settings app (Win + I) > Accounts > Account settings > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) > Set up.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the fingerprint setup.
4] Clear fingerprint from BIOS
If the fingerprint is already associated with another account and you tried deleting it, it may still leave traces. Since the PC manufacturer stores the fingerprint in the BIOS, you won’t be able to reuse it even after you delete it from the associated account.
Therefore, in this case, try removing the fingerprint from the BIOS. For this, you must download the security software based on the PC manufacturer and that should help you delete it.
Read: Fingerprint Reader not working in Windows
5] Delete the Biometric data
If the sensor fails to register the fingerprint, you must clear the Biometric data, which will remove all traces of fingerprint history from your PC.
To do this, launch the Run console (Win + R), type in services.msc, and hit Enter to open the Service Manager.
In the Services window, go to the right and under the Names column and look for Windows Biometric Service.
Right-click on the service and select Stop.
Next, open the File Explorer window and navigate to the below path:
C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase
Now, right-click on the DAT file, select Open With, and select Notepad.
Press Ctrl + A to select all content in the Notepad and hit Delete.
Next, click on the File tab, and select Save as.
Now save this DAT file on the desktop.
Repeat the same process with any other DAT file in the WinBioDatabase folder and save it on your desktop instead of simply saving the file.
Now, instead of deleting the existing DAT files in the WinBioDatabase folder, go to the desktop, and copy both the DAT files that you just saved.
Now, go to the WinBioDatabase folder and paste these copied files. Since you have not deleted the existing DAT files, it will ask you if you want to Replace the files in the destination.
Select it and the new files will replace the existing DAT files.
Now, open the Windows Service Manager again, look for Windows Biometric Services, right-click on it and select Start.
6] Reinstall the fingerprint driver
If all of the above methods fail to fix the error, we recommend you uninstall and reinstall the Biometric driver.
- For this, launch the Run console (Win + R), type in devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
- Go to Biometric devices, expand it, right-click on the device, and select Uninstall.
- Press Uninstall again in the prompt to confirm the process.
- Once done, reboot your PC, visit the manufacturer’s website, and reinstall the latest Biometric software.
Now check if you can add your fingerprint and if you still encounter the The fingerprint looks too similar to the one that is already set up error.
Read: Your device is having trouble recognizing you error in Windows 11
Why is my fingerprint scanner not compatible with Windows 11?
The fingerprint scanner on your Windows 11 may not be compatible and that can be fixed by checking the Biometric Devices in Windows Settings. Launch the Settings app (Win + I) > Bluetooth & Devices > Devices > Biometric Devices to confirm your scanner is listed. If not, you must add the Biometric scanner to your device for it to be detected.
How do I reset my fingerprint on Windows?
To reset your fingerprint on Windows, go to Settings (Win + I) > Accounts > Sign-in options. Next, go to Fingerprint Recognition (Windows Hello), and click on Remove. Now, click on Set up to register a new fingerprint. This action will clear and reset fingerprint data for all registered users on the device.
