Using biometrics (fingerprint or face) aka Windows Hello to log into your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer can be much more convenient and secure than using a password, more so when used as part of multi-factor authentication. If you have encountered the issue whereby Windows Biometric Service has stopped working on your system, the solutions provided in this post are intended to help you fix the issue.
The most likely culprits to this issue include;
- Incorrect Windows Hello settings
- Corrupted system files
- Software conflicts
Windows Biometric Service stopped working
If the Windows Biometric Service has stopped working on your Windows 11/10 PC, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order to resolve the issue on your device.
- Enable Windows Biometric Service
- Run SFC scan
- Reset Windows Hello Biometrics
- Reset Windows 11/10
Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.
Before you try the solutions below, check for updates and install any available bits on your Windows 11/10 device and see if the Windows Biometric Service starts working. On the other hand, if the error started after a recent Windows update, you can perform System Restore or uninstall the update – but if you prefer not to do neither, you can roll up your sleeves and proceed with the solutions below.
1] Enable Windows Biometric Service
You can begin troubleshooting to fix the Windows Biometric Service stopped working issue on your Windows 11/10 PC by making sure Windows Biometric Service is enabled on your system.
To enable Windows Biometric Service via the Services manager, do the following:
- Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and hit Enter to open Services.
- In the Services window, scroll and locate the Windows Biometric Service.
- Double-click on the entry to edit its properties.
- In the properties window, click the drop-down on the Startup type and select Automatic.
- Next, make sure the service is started by clicking the Start button under Service status.
- Click Apply > OK to save changes.
- Restart PC.
If after performing this task but the issue in hand persists, you can check if Biometrics is enabled in Group Policy. Here’s how:
- Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
- Inside the Local Group Policy Editor, use the left pane to navigate to the path below:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics
- On the right pane, double-click on the following entries one after the other and set the radio button to Enabled for all policies.
- Allow the use of Biometrics.
- Allow users to log on using Biometrics.
- Allow domain users to log on using biometrics.
- Click Apply > OK to save the changes.
- Exit Local Group Policy Editor.
- Restart your computer.
For Windows 11/10 Home users, you can add Local Group Policy Editor feature and then carry out the instructions as provided above.
Try the next solution if the issue in hand persists.
2] Run SFC scan
This solution requires you to run SFC scan to repair corrupt or damaged system files which can be potential culprits to the issue in hand.
If this action didn’t work for you, you can proceed with the next solution.
3] Reset Windows Hello Biometrics
To reset Windows Hello Biometrics on your Windows 11/10 PC, do the following:
- Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Create a new folder WinBioBackup at any location on the local drive on your computer.
- Next, navigate to the directory path below:
C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase
- At the location, back up the DAT file(s) in the folder by copy and pasting the files into the new folder you created.
- Now, delete the original files in the WinBioDatabase folder.
- After the deletion, restart Windows Biometric Service.
- Finally, re-register your biometrics. If the machine has multiple users, everyone will need to re-register.
4] Reset Windows
If at this point none of the solutions presented above didn’t work for you, you can reset Windows 11/10 with the option to keep your personal files. This reset option will reinstall Windows operating system and keep your personal files, such as photos, music, videos or personal files. However, it will remove apps and drivers you installed, and also remove the changes you made to the settings.
Hope this helps!
Related post: Biometric missing or Uninstalled Biometric device using Device Manager
Why did my Windows fingerprint stop working?
If the Windows fingerprint scanning is not working on your Windows 11/10 device, it is most likely due to a problematic driver; worst-case scenario, a faulty fingerprint reader. A possible solution for the Windows Hello fingerprint not available issue is to update your drivers. You can also try to use another fingerprint reader to secure your device.
Why did my Windows Hello stop working?
If Windows Hello stopped working, there may be hardware driver updates that are available or pending a restart. Updating your system might fix issues you’re having with Windows Hello. To check for updates, select Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any updates that you need.
