Service Host: Windows Biometric Service CPU usage stuck at 18% and sensor won't work

[Mack202]

I've got the same problem which also started after the Windows Creator (Win 10) update.  Intially SimplePass didn't work at all.  I had a lengthy chat with Microsoft helpdesk and they ultimately suggested rolling back Windows to the previous version.  The guy assured me that it would not affect any installed programs or files.  But I wasn't so sure so I didn't.

I have seen a "Windows.old" file in my file system so it might actually work.

But what I did do was uninstall SimplePass and reinstall it.  I also uninstalled the Validiy Sensor from Biometrics in Device Manager - which then reinstalled itself on reboot.

Since then SimplePass works quite well most of the time but when it stops working I get the same problem.  Opening Task Manager shows WindowsBiometric Service using 30%+ CPU. I'Ve found clicking the arrow at the side of Service Host to show "Windows Biometric Service" allows you to right click on that and select Stop.  This does stop the service and soon after SimplePass starts working again on its own.  Until next time.

Put a shortcut to Tasker Manager on your desktop, organise Tasker Manager by CPU usage so this item should appear at the top and it is then very easy to put it right again.

[Jeet_singh]

Hi @Mack202,

Thank you for posting on HP Support Forums. It is a great place to find the help you need, from other users, HP experts, and other support personnel.

I understand finger printer sensor is not functioning correctly on your PC.

Don't worry I' love to help you out.

Did you make any software or hardware changes to your PC?

Do you get any error message when you use the fingerprint on your PC?

Please provide the product number of your PC to assist you better.

Try disabling Windows Error Reporting tool, perform the steps discussed below:

Press Win+R to open the Run dialog box.
Type control and press Enter to open the Control Panel Window.     
In the Control Panel window, double-click System and Maintenance.
Click Problem Reports and Solutions to open its corresponding window.
Click Change Settings that is listed in the left panel.
Click Advance Settings.
Click Off to disable Windows Error Reporting.

Go to Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in Options
Create a PIN and HP simple pass should work. 

Also, if the issue still persists uninstall and reinstall the HP simple pass software using HP recovery manager.

Refer this article to know how to install drivers from recovery manager.

Here's related HP Forums post which seems to have helped others: Click here

I hope this helps. Let me know if you need any further assistance. I'll be more than happy to help.

Feel free to post your query for any other assistance as well,

It's been a pleasure interacting with you and I hope you have a good day ahead.

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accepted Solution.

And click on the Purple Thumbs up icon at the bottom of my comment.

Regards,

[Mack202]

Hi Jeet,
thanks for your response.  My answers to your points are :-

Did you make any software or hardware changes to your PC?
Yes, like others, I had the Windows 10 Creator update, which seems to have caused the problem.

Do you get any error message when you use the fingerprint on your PC?
No error messages.  It just doesn't work after waking up from sleep.

Please provide the product number of your PC to assist you better.
I have a HP ENVY Notebook 17-n013na

Try disabling Windows Error Reporting tool, perform the steps discussed below: .......
I tried doing this as you descibe but the menus and options you list are not available.  After doing some research it appears that with my OS you can only disable the Error Reporting tool by editing the Registry - which I don't fancy trying.

Also, if the issue still persists uninstall and reinstall the HP simple pass software using HP recovery manager.
I have already done this and it seemed to sort the problem for a couple of days but then it returned.

Looking at other repsonses through this thread I don't think there is any answer to this issue at present.  It will be a case of us all waiting for an update from Microsoft or from HP which will remidy the problem.

Thanks anyway.

Mark.

[Jeet_singh]

Hi @Mack202,

Thank you for replying,

I appreciate your time and efforts,

As I understand you have followed the steps suggested and still having the issue. I would suggest the next step would be to perform a System recovery using the partition available on your PC.  Depending on the test results, if all the test passes, I would suggest you perform a system recovery. Doing this will wipe off everything and set the computer back to the original factory conditions. So, please remember to back up your data before initiating system recovery. If for some reason the recovery fails. The only other way to install Windows would be to order the recovery media for your laptop and using the recovery media you can install Windows. You can check if the recovery media is available online on www.hp.com/drivers by entering the exact model no. of your laptop. To find the exact model no. click here: http://hp.care/2bygf7l

Link: HP PCs - Performing an HP System Recovery

Link: HP PCs - Obtaining HP Recovery Discs or an HP USB Recovery Drive

Otherwise, you could also reach HP phone support to order the recovery media. If your product is out of warranty, please choose paid options to get the tech support number.

HP Technical Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: http://h22207.www2.hp.com/us-en/?openCLC=true

(1) Once the support page opens please select the country in which you're located. Next, enter your HP model number on the right.

(2) Next, choose the 'Contact Support' tab at the top and scroll down to the bottom of the 'HP Support- Contact' page to fill out the form provided with your contact information.

(3) Once completed click the 'Show Options' icon on the bottom right.

(4) Lastly, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select 'Get the phone number.' A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

If you have any troubles, let me know and I will do my best to help!

Feel free to post your query for any other assistance as well,

It's been a pleasure interacting with you and I hope you have a good day ahead.

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accepted Solution.

And click on the Purple Thumbs up icon at the bottom of my comment.

Regards,

[Mack202]

Hi Jeet,

yes no doubt a System Recovery would get SimplePass working again but the massive inconvience of backing up all files, noting all my settings, performing the time consuming recovery process and then resinstalling all of my programs and resinatating my settings is not worth it. 

Particularly when after having done all that, very soon after Windows 10 will force upon me the same updates that caused the problem in the first place.

So what really is the point of following your advice ?

Maybe you need to re-read the background info given in mine and others queries.

Mark.

[Jeet_singh]

Hi @Mack202,

Thank you for replying,

I appreciate your time and efforts,

I understand performing system recovery will wipe off everything and set the computer back to the original factory conditions. In this scenario, I would suggest here is to perform a Microsoft push button reset without loosing data.

Once you have completed this should help to fix the fingerprint scanner.

Link: HP PCs - Microsoft Push-Button Reset (Windows 10)

I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes for further assistance.

Regards,

[Mack202]

I think you are missing the point Jeet.

Although doing as you suggest will probably get SimplePass working again.  This will only last for a short while until Windows 10 forces the latest update upon me whereupon I will be back with SimplePass not working again.

SimplePass is not properly compatible with the latest version of Windows 10.  Even if I do put my PC back to its original state it will still automatically upate itself again to this incompatible version of Windows 10.

So what is the point of going through all of the hassle of doing what you suggest?  Can you see my point?

Mark.

[Chimney_83 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mack202, I am the @Chimney_83. It looks like you were interacting with @Jeet_singh, but he is out of the office today so I'll take over from here.

Thanks for the reply, I understand that you are not happy with performing recovery or reset on your computer. At this point, those are the options available until a new update is released to work with Creator update. Recommend you keep checking HP Support Assistant on your computer on a regular basis for an update for simplepass. 

Hope this helps.