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‎02-06-2026 10:26 PM

HP Recommended

Hello,

 

I have a HP Notebook 17 with a fingerprint sensor. It works perfectly until a few days ago that the fingerprint reader just suddenly stop working anymore.  An error message " This option is currently unavailable" is shown in Windows Sign-in options!!  I have 4 accounts in my laptop and all fingerprint sign-in are gone. 

 

I have tried the following:

1. Reinstall / delete and reinstall the Biometric Device Driver in Device manager.

2. Configure Windows Biometric Service in to Start Automatically.

3. Update drivers in Windows Update.

4. Update the latest BIOS and all drivers available in official HP website.

5. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics and the fingerprint reader is working normally.

6. I did try to remove my fingerprint in Windows Sign-in options but FAIL.  (Can't choose the Set up or remove option.)

 

BTW, I notice that Windows Biometric Service in #2 is in "STOP" status when I restart the laptop.  

 

Pls help.

 

 

3 REPLIES 3

‎02-08-2026 08:58 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @C_ris_1000,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand your fingerprint sensor on the HP Notebook 17 is not working and shows an error "This option is currently unavailable" in the Windows Sign-in options. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:
 

Ensure the Fingerprint Reader is Enabled:
 

  • Go to Device Manager.
  • Expand the Biometric devices section.
  • Make sure the fingerprint reader device is enabled. If it’s disabled, right-click it and select Enable.

Update or Reinstall the Fingerprint Driver:
 

  • In Device Manager, right-click on the fingerprint device under Biometric devices.
  • Select Uninstall device. Confirm the uninstallation.
  • Restart your laptop, and Windows should automatically reinstall the device. Alternatively, download and install the latest driver from the Official HP® Support for your specific model.

Check Windows Updates:
 

  • Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date by checking for updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Reset Windows Hello Configuration:
 

  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
  • Under Windows Hello Fingerprint, click Remove (if available).
  • Set up the fingerprint reader again by selecting Set up on the same page.

Run Windows Troubleshooter:
 

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • Select Hardware and Devices and run the troubleshooter.

Check for Known Issues:
 

Perform a System or Power Reset:
 

  • Restart your computer and perform a power reset by shutting it down, disconnecting all power sources, and holding the power button for several seconds.

Clean the Fingerprint Scanner:
 

  • Ensure the fingerprint scanner is clean and free of any dirt or smudges that might affect its performance.


    I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!


Jerry_57

HP Support

I'm an HP Employee.


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‎02-09-2026 12:37 AM

HP Recommended

Dear Jerry_57,

 

Thx for your reply.   BTW, my laptop is running on Windows 11.

 

Well, I have already tried and done most of the suggestions (Except for the "Reset Windows Hello Configuration" as it was not available).  It just didn't work and that's why I try to look for help here.  

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

=> From my original email :

 

I have tried the following:

  1. Reinstall / delete and reinstall the Biometric Device Driver in Device manager.
  2. Configure Windows Biometric Service in to Start Automatically.
  3. Update drivers in Windows Update.
  4. Update the latest BIOS and all drivers available in official HP website.
  5. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics and the fingerprint reader is working normally.
  6. I did try to remove my fingerprint in Windows Sign-in options but FAIL.  (Can't choose the Set up or remove option.)

 

BTW, I notice that Windows Biometric Service in #2 is in "STOP" status when I restart the laptop.  

 

Thx

Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎02-09-2026 08:00 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @C_ris_1000,

Thank you for your response.

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with the fingerprint sensor on your HP laptop. Here is a list of steps you may consider to troubleshoot the issue with the fingerprint sensor on Windows 11:
 

Check Device Manager

  1. Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
     
  2. Locate Biometric Devices: Expand the 'Biometric devices' section and ensure your fingerprint sensor is listed.
     
  3. Driver Update: Right-click on your fingerprint device and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers'.

Roll Back the Driver

  1. If a recent update might have caused the issue, you might want to roll back to a previous version by right-clicking the fingerprint device in Device Manager, selecting 'Properties', going to the 'Driver' tab, and clicking on 'Roll Back Driver' if it's available.

Reinstall Driver

  1. Uninstall Device: In Device Manager, right-click the fingerprint device and select 'Uninstall device'. Then restart your computer.
     
  2. Reinstall: Upon restart, Windows should automatically reinstall the necessary drivers. If not, you can also use the HP Support Assistant or visit the HP website to download and install the correct drivers for your fingerprint sensor.

Check Windows Biometric Service

  1. Run Services: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
     
  2. Locate Windows Biometric Service: Ensure it is running. If it’s stopped, right-click and select 'Start'.

Enable from BIOS

  1. Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS settings (typically by pressing Esc, F10, or another key specified by HP, depending on your mode,l during boot).
     
  2. Ensure that the fingerprint sensor is enabled in the BIOS.

Windows Updates

  1. Ensure your system is up-to-date with the latest Windows updates through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

    I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Jerry_57

HP Support

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

Was this reply helpful? Yes No
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