Fingerprint reader not working after BIOS update

[JoachymF]

Hi, I recently updated my BIOS, mostly because I wanted to fix a screen flicker problem (I think it worked, but I can't rule anything out because it wasn't constant flicker - but I don't want to take the update back for this reason). After this, my fingerprint reader stopped working - Windows Hello did not notice and it still prompts me to scan my finger, but the reader does not light up or react at all. I tried updating the driver, both automatically in Device Manager and manually (one of the available drivers would not download though). Nothing changed, I contacted Windows support and they recommended refreshing the OS - it hasn't helped. I don't get any error messages and Device Manager says the device works just fine, the Windows person wasn't able to find where the problem is. I don't think it's a hardware thing, because it worked until the update (sometimes more and sometimes less reliably, but the light would always flash). Is it possible the BIOS update somehow disabled the reader? And how can I make it work? I hope I described the problem well, I'll happily answer any questions and I hope I selected the topic right. Thanks in advance for any advice you have.

[Dragon-Fur]

@JoachymF 

It is unlikely the BIOS disabled the fingerprint reader - it is not something one usually finds in a consumer grade computer's BIOS.

HP Software and Drivers

One of the biggest problems you have with an older computer is that virtually all the HP drivers and software, with the exception of that pretty new BIOS update, are "older" versions.  There is no fix for that - the notebook is aging and this happens - no more manufacturer (HP in this case) software and driver updates.

Kudos for persistence.  Smiling.

Most of what I can offer is likely something you have already tried.

It has been a long while since I supported SimplePass - I will try not to mash up the advice.

Be Aware...

For the record, the Driver you have for the fingerprint reader and the version of SimplePass software you have are "it" - there is nothing newer in this arena. 

Worse, the SimplePass software is no longer supported to work in the latest versions of Windows 10 - SimplePass is just old software - I would guess the Softex company (people who wrote this rendition of SimplePass) are long gone.  Their support web page is still around but I doubt there is anything behind it that would help.   (No, I did not check.)

More bad news:  The particular fingerprint reader that is inside your computer has only an older driver to support the hardware.  It may be enough - but there may also now have come a point where the driver, the SimplePass software, or BOTH may just not work in the latest versions of Windows 10.

Even worse news - If you do not already have an Export of your Vault (.opi password database backup file for your websites), it is too late go make one - the Export must be done (of course) when the fingerprint reader and the SimplePass software are working.

Enough bad news...

Try the following

First:

Be Real sure you can log into your computer using your password.

Not your PIN - your password - make sure you can log into your computer using your windows password.

If not, nothing below here will help and, in fact, will make your life much worse.

If you get to the point where you cannot log into the computer, I cannot help you fit that.

Paranoid?

Create an additional account with admin privileges on your computer

Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10

At least you won't get locked out...

Preparation

Recommended / General Information

Create a Backup of your Data

  Create a backup of all your most critical / sensitive files to other than on the computer.  For example, copy your most important folders and files to your Cloud backup. to a USB stick, "Somewhere" you can access the files should the computer become unavailable.

  Create a Restore point before you make changes to your computer's software and setups.

(How to) Create Restore Point

Stop all programs:  Browsers, games, Applications, etc.

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection > 

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

OR

(As available)

Create a restore point now for the drives that have system protection turned on

Create

Windows PIN 

Reminder:  Windows Hello and Fingerprint logon require that you have your Windows PIN set and ready to use.

You may already have a Windows PIN login set up and ready to go.  Should there be a problem with the PIN, in most cases, you will receive a notice from Windows that there is an issue - you can then reset the PIN as needed.

Reference

Microsoft - Fix problems with your PIN

PIN assignment is mandatory to enable fingerprint reader

            Windows key > Settings > Account > Sign-in Options > PIN number

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

Download and Save the driver and the software

Download and Save

HP SimplePass Identity Protection Software

Download and Save

Validity Fingerprint Sensor Driver (Windows 10 v1607)

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Remove SimplePass Software

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Find, Click, and Uninstall the SimplePass Software 

Fingerprint Reader Driver

Download-Save-Install Fingerprint Driver

Important: 

Before making changes to the computer, check that you can log into your computer using your Windows password.

• Download and Save the driver package to your computer
• Open Device Manager > Biometric Devices > Right-Click on the existing fingerprint driver > Uninstall
• If there is an option to do so, also Delete the Driver
•  Restart the computer and log i

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the Driver installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• After the Driver is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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

SimplePass Software

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the software installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Try to set up the operation..

That's all I can think of - If I find I missed something, I will edit the post / message.

Reference and Resources – Places to find help, solve problems, and learn about your Device

Device Homepage

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides / Manuals, Service and Maintenance Guide (Replacement Parts and Procedures), Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP ENVY Notebook - 13-d103nc (ENERGY STAR)

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