Windows Hello not working in Windows 10 can be caused by missing hardware support, drivers, settings, or system problems — but in most cases you can fix it without reinstalling Windows. If your issue is that Windows Hello doesn’t work in Windows 10, this guide explains the common causes and gives clear, step‑by‑step fixes to get biometric sign‑in (face, fingerprint, PIN) working again.
You’ll learn the quick fixes, detailed troubleshooting steps for each cause, extra tips, and when to escalate to support.
Key Takeaway
The most effective single approach is to verify hardware compatibility, update drivers/Windows, ensure biometric services and policies are enabled, and then reconfigure your Windows Hello credentials (remove and re-add PIN/biometrics); this resolves most failures of Windows Hello doesn’t work in Windows 10.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Hardware not compatible or missing biometric device | Confirm your PC has an IR camera or fingerprint sensor and check the manufacturer specs. |
| 2. Outdated or missing drivers | Update the camera/fingerprint drivers via Device Manager or the OEM website. |
| 3. Biometric device disabled in Device Manager or services | Enable the device in Device Manager and start the Windows Biometric Service (WbioSrvc). |
| 4. Windows Hello options missing due to Group Policy | Enable biometric sign-in in Group Policy Editor or the registry under Windows Components > Biometrics. |
| 5. PIN problems or corrupted PIN configuration | Remove the PIN under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and then add it again. |
| 6. Camera privacy settings blocking access | Allow camera access at Settings > Privacy > Camera and enable apps to use the camera. |
| 7. Outdated Windows version or missing updates | Install the latest Windows Updates from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. |
| 8. TPM or security device issues | Check Device Security and run tpm.msc; clear or reinitialize TPM only after backups. |
| 9. Corrupt system files | Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth from an elevated Command Prompt. |
| 10. Third‑party security or account conflicts | Temporarily disable/uninstall security software and confirm account type (Microsoft, local, Azure AD) compatibility. |
Detailed Fixes for “Windows Hello doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Hardware not compatible or missing biometric device
Why this causes the problem:
Windows Hello requires specific hardware: an IR camera for facial recognition, a fingerprint sensor for fingerprints, or compatible external USB devices. If your PC lacks these, Windows Hello cannot work.
Step-by-step solution:
- Check your PC’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website for terms like IR camera, Windows Hello camera, or fingerprint reader.
- If you have a USB fingerprint reader, ensure the device is supported on Windows 10 (check OEM compatibility).
- If hardware is missing, buy a Windows Hello-compatible device (look for “Windows Hello certified” or compatible with Windows 10).
- After installing a new device, connect it, install any vendor drivers, and reboot.
Tip: Some webcams support Windows Hello only with specific drivers; stock webcams may not be compatible.
2. Outdated or missing drivers
Why this causes the problem:
Biometric hardware depends on drivers; outdated or missing drivers make the device unrecognized or unstable.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager).
- Expand Imaging devices, Cameras, or Biometric devices and find your device.
- Right-click the device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- If Windows can’t find drivers, download the latest driver from the PC or peripheral manufacturer’s website and install it.
- Reboot the PC after installing drivers.
Tip: For laptops, prefer OEM drivers rather than generic drivers from Windows Update.
3. Biometric device disabled in Device Manager or services
Why this causes the problem:
The device may be disabled in Device Manager or the Windows Biometric Service may be stopped, preventing Windows from using biometrics.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager and make sure the biometric device is enabled (right-click > Enable device if disabled).
- Open Services (services.msc) and locate Windows Biometric Service or search for WbioSrvc.
- If the service is not running, right-click and choose Start; set Startup type to Automatic.
- Reboot and test Windows Hello.
Command option:
- Open an elevated PowerShell or Command Prompt and run:
- sc query WbioSrvc (to check status)
- Start-Service WbioSrvc (to start it)
Note: If the service won’t start, check Event Viewer for errors under Windows Logs > System.
4. Windows Hello options missing due to Group Policy or registry restrictions
Why this causes the problem:
System administrators may disable biometric sign-in using Group Policy or registry, especially on domain-joined machines.
Step-by-step solution (Group Policy):
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open Local Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics.
- Ensure Allow the use of biometrics is set to Not Configured or Enabled.
- Also check Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Hello for Business; ensure policies don’t disable Hello.
Step-by-step solution (Registry):
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Biometrics.
- If there’s a DWORD Enabled, set it to 1 or delete the restricting key (back up the registry first).
- Reboot.
Caution: On corporate devices, contact your IT admin before changing policies.
5. PIN problems or corrupted PIN configuration
Why this causes the problem:
Windows Hello often depends on a working PIN; corruption or boot-time issues can break sign-in options.
Step-by-step solution:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Under Windows Hello PIN, choose Remove (you may need to confirm with your password).
- Reboot the PC.
- Return to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click Add under Windows Hello PIN to set a new PIN.
- If removal fails, use an elevated Command Prompt to run:
- del /F /Q “%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Ngc” (you may need to take ownership of the folder first; use with care).
Warning: Deleting the Ngc folder is a more advanced step and may require administrative permissions; backup before proceeding.
6. Camera privacy settings blocking access
Why this causes the problem:
Windows privacy settings can block apps (including system features) from accessing the camera.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Privacy > Camera.
- Make sure Allow apps to access your camera is On.
- Scroll down and ensure Allow desktop apps to access your camera is On.
- Also check Settings > Privacy > Microphone if voice features are involved.
- Test the camera in Camera app to verify it works.
Tip: Some OEM privacy switches or camera covers physically block the camera — ensure it’s open.
7. Outdated Windows version or missing updates
Why this causes the problem:
Windows Hello improvements and bug fixes are delivered through Windows Update; old versions may have known issues.
Step-by-step solution:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install all available updates.
- If feature updates are pending, consider installing the latest Windows 10 feature update.
- Reboot after updates and retry Windows Hello.
Tip: Also check optional updates (drivers) under View optional updates.
8. TPM or security device issues
Why this causes the problem:
Windows Hello relies on secure hardware like TPM to store keys; a malfunctioning TPM can break sign-in.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Windows Security > Device security and check Security processor (TPM) status.
- Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter to open the TPM Management console.
- If TPM shows errors, try clearing it only after understanding consequences: back up keys and follow manufacturer guidance.
- Update the system BIOS/firmware (check OEM site) because firmware updates can fix TPM issues.
- If TPM is missing or disabled in BIOS, enable it in the BIOS/UEFI settings (look for TPM or ME settings).
Warning: Clearing TPM will remove keys for BitLocker and other services; back up data and keys first.
9. Corrupt system files
Why this causes the problem:
Damaged system files or Windows Hello components can prevent biometric services from functioning.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run: sfc /scannow and wait for completion.
- If issues persist, run:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Reboot and test Windows Hello.
Tip: If DISM reports problems it can sometimes repair component store; repeat sfc /scannow after DISM if instructed.
10. Third‑party security software or account type conflicts
Why this causes the problem:
Security software or domain/Azure AD policies can block biometric access; also certain account types have differing behaviors.
Step-by-step solution:
- Temporarily disable or uninstall third‑party antivirus/security tools and test Windows Hello.
- Verify account type: go to Settings > Accounts > Your info to see if you’re using a Local account, Microsoft account, or Work/School (Azure AD) account.
- For domain-joined or Azure AD devices, confirm with IT that Windows Hello for Business is configured correctly.
- If using a local account and Hello is problematic, try switching to a Microsoft account temporarily to test (Settings > Accounts > Sign in with a Microsoft account).
- Re-enable security software after testing or configure exceptions for biometric services.
Note: Corporate devices often have enforced policies; coordinate with IT.
Additional section — Preventive measures and support resources
- Keep Windows and device drivers up-to-date: schedule regular Windows Updates and check OEM sites for driver/firmware updates.
- Create recovery options: set up a backup sign-in (password, PIN, or security key) before relying solely on Windows Hello.
- Record warranty/support info for OEM devices; if a built-in sensor fails physically, contact the manufacturer to arrange repair.
- If problems persist after all software fixes, test hardware on another PC (if possible) or try a known-good USB biometric device to isolate hardware vs. software.
Resources:
- Microsoft Support pages for Windows Hello and Windows Hello for Business.
- OEM support pages for camera/fingerprint drivers and BIOS updates.
FAQ
Q: Can I use Windows Hello with a local account?
A: Yes — Windows Hello PIN works with local accounts; facial and fingerprint features are available if your device supports them and local policies allow biometrics.
Q: Does Windows Hello store my biometric data in the cloud?
A: No — biometric templates are stored locally and protected by the TPM; Windows does not upload raw biometric data to Microsoft.
Q: Can I use a generic USB webcam for Windows Hello face sign-in?
A: Only Windows Hello-compatible IR cameras work for secure face recognition; standard webcams usually won’t support Windows Hello facial recognition.
Q: Will resetting Windows fix Windows Hello issues?
A: A Windows reset can resolve deep system corruption but is a last resort; try driver, policy, TPM, and system-file repairs first and back up data before reset.
Q: How do I remove all stored facial/fingerprint data before selling or giving away my PC?
A: Remove all Windows Hello credentials under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, disable PIN and biometric sign-ins, clear user accounts, and consider clearing TPM (after backing up keys) in tpm.msc.
Conclusion
Most failures of Windows Hello doesn’t work in Windows 10 are caused by hardware compatibility, drivers, disabled services/policies, TPM issues, or system corruption — and can be fixed by checking hardware, updating drivers/Windows, enabling biometric services/policies, clearing and re‑adding credentials, and repairing system files. Following the steps above will resolve the majority of Windows Hello problems and restore secure biometric sign-in.
