fingerprint scanner not working

[JJK1954]

Hello: The fingerprint scanner stopped working about two months ago. Any ideas as to why?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @JJK1954,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand how inconvenient it is when the fingerprint scanner stops working; it’s such a handy feature for quick logins. Here are the most common reasons and recommended steps to fix it:

Why It Might Stop Working

1. Windows Updates or Driver Issues
   Updates can sometimes disable or corrupt the fingerprint driver.
2. Biometric Service Disabled
   The Windows Biometric Service may have stopped running.
3. Hardware Connection or Sensor Fault
   If the sensor is physically damaged or disconnected, it won’t respond.
4. Corrupted Windows Hello Configuration
   Stored fingerprint data can become invalid after updates or resets.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Device Manager

• Press Win + X → Device Manager.
• Expand Biometric Devices.
• Look for Synaptics/Validity Fingerprint Sensor. 
  • If missing or shows a yellow warning, reinstall the driver.
     

2. Reinstall Fingerprint Driver

• Go to Official HP® Support.
• Enter your notebook model.
• Download the latest Fingerprint Sensor driver.
• Install and restart.
   

3. Enable Windows Biometric Service

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
• Find Windows Biometric Service.
• Set Startup type: Automatic and click Start.
   

4. Reset Windows Hello

• Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
• Remove existing fingerprints.
• Restart and re-add fingerprints.
   

5. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics

• Restart and press Esc → F2.
• Run Component Test → Fingerprint Sensor.
• If it fails, note the error code (hardware issue).

Official HP Guide: 👉 HP Notebook PCs - Fingerprint reader troubleshooting (Windows 10) | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[JJK1954]

Thanx for the reply. Nothing worked! I tried all of your suggestions. I give up. 

JJK

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @JJK1954,

Thank you for getting back and letting me know that you still have trouble.

To get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name.  

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support