Can I remove the fingerprint reader from my Envy 15?

[jd896]

Lately, I've been running into issues with my fingerprint reader. Not so much that it doesn't work, but it takes a long time to initialize when I first boot the computer, if at all. If the fingerprint reader doesn't start flashing white and/or I'm not prompted the option to sign-in to Windows with my fingerprint in the top left, I can't log-in to my notebook. I click the "clock screen" when I first boot to show me the log-in and it either gives me a blank screen or my account info shows up, but I get a throbber where I would input my password. 

Basically, I want to know if I can remove the fingerprint board from my notebook without it causing performance issues/bricking the computer. I'd imagine not, but I'd rather be safe than sorry by asking 🙂 

[Dragon-Fur]

@jd896

You can disable or uninstall and delete the fingerprint reader BIOMETRIC driver in the Device Manager.

Before you do that, and before you remove any fingerprints from the Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, I strongly suggest you create an extra local administrator account that you can use to log into your computer.  Why?  Because even when you do everything right, sometimes your main account can lock up, fail the login, or otherwise become unusable.

Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10

Be sure to give your new admin account a decent (good) password.  Do not lose the password or it defeats the purpose of having created the account.  If you have to, write down the password and save it somewhere safe (store is where thieves and the local kids won't find it - be clever:  All the usual hiding spots are well known.)

After you create the local admin account, log in to the new account using the password -  let Windows initialize the environment.  Do not add anything to the account, at least not now - the point of the account is to provide you a "back door" in case you do something to your main account that results in it not letting you into the computer.  Once you have established that the new admin account works, log out.

Log into your main account.

If your SimplePass software is new enough to support the option, open it and find the Settings / Tools to set the option to log in using your Windows Password.  This step is not terribly important except as a reminder of the fact it exists - also, if you manage to mess up the fingerprint driver without managing to disable / remove it, you should still be able to log into the account.  If you cannot find the option, ignore it.  You are removing the software in a few minutes so it matters very little what you do with it.

Disable the fingerprint reader driver.  Disable may be enough and it leaves the option to retry things later.

OR

Know that if you simply uninstall the fingerprint reader, it will reinstall itself when the system is booted (which might actually fix the problems).  If you really want the fingerprint reader to stop, you must disable it OR you must uninstall AND delete the driver.

After you uninstall-delete or Disable the fingerprint software, 

Uninstall the HP SimplePass software from Programs and Features

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in using your Windows password.

For Later - Optional:  Install fingerprint reader driver and SimplePass software

1.  Install the fingerprint reader software

NOTE: If you don't have the driver package downloaded already, download-save,install the driver from your Software and Drivers Website > Driver-Keyboard, Mouse, and Input Devices > Validty Fingerprint Sensor Driver

After the Driver is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If you ONLY intend to use the fingerprint reader to log into the computer, you do not need to install the SimplePass software.  Windows 10 provides a fingerprint logon feature which will likely work once you add fingerprints.

SimplePass is primarily needed (in most cases) if you want to manage websites / passwords with the fingerprint reader access.  (I realize you know this - it is just review for those reading).

2.  If your SimplePass Software is out of date, update it to a later version.

sp86959 HP SimplePass V8.01.92 W10 32-64bit.exe

In most cases, this version of SimplePass can be overloaded (on top of) any previous Series 8.x version of the software.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Open the software or Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options and add fingerprints

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