How to Fix Windows Hello Stopped Working on Windows 11?

Windows Hello is one of the most convenient security features in Windows 11. It allows you to sign in using facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN instead of typing a password every time. When it works smoothly, it saves time and improves security. However, many users face a frustrating issue where Windows Hello suddenly stops working. You may see messages like “Windows Hello is not available on this device” or find that fingerprint or face recognition fails repeatedly.

Common reasons for this issue include outdated or corrupted drivers, disabled biometric services, recent Windows updates causing conflicts, damaged system files, or incorrect sign-in settings. In some cases, the issue is linked to hardware problems with the fingerprint scanner or camera.

This guide explains how to fix Windows Hello if it stopped working on Windows 11 in a clear and practical way. 

How to Fix Windows Hello Stopped Working on Windows 11?

To fix Windows Hello stopped working on Windows 11, start by checking whether your device supports Windows Hello and confirm that biometric options are enabled in Settings. Update Windows and device drivers, especially biometric and camera drivers. If the issue continues, reset Windows Hello sign-in options, restart related services, and repair system files using built-in tools. These steps usually resolve most Windows Hello errors without reinstalling Windows.

Step 1: Check Windows Hello Compatibility and Hardware Support

The first thing you should do is confirm that your device supports Windows Hello. Not all PCs and laptops are compatible with facial recognition or fingerprint scanning.

Open Settings in Windows 11 and go to Accounts. Select Sign-in options and look under Windows Hello. If you see options for Face Recognition, Fingerprint Recognition, or PIN, your device supports Windows Hello. If these options are missing or greyed out, your hardware may not be detected.

If you use fingerprint recognition, make sure your fingerprint scanner is clean and free from dust. For face recognition, ensure the camera lens is clean and not blocked. External fingerprint scanners or cameras should be properly connected and recognized by the system.

If Windows does not detect your biometric hardware at all, the problem is likely driver-related, which is addressed in later steps.

Step 2: Make Sure Windows Hello Is Enabled in Settings

Sometimes Windows Hello stops working simply because the feature is turned off or partially configured.

Open Settings and navigate to Accounts, then select Sign-in options. Under Ways to sign in, check that Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN options are enabled. If you see a message saying that Windows Hello is unavailable, click on Set up again if the option is available.

Also, ensure that you have a PIN set up. Windows Hello requires a PIN as a backup sign-in method. If the PIN is missing or corrupted, Windows Hello may fail. Try removing the PIN and adding it again. Restart your computer after resetting the PIN and test Windows Hello.

Step 3: Restart Windows Biometric Services

Windows Hello depends on background services to function correctly. If these services stop or fail to start properly, Windows Hello will not work.

Press Windows and R together to open the Run dialog. Type services.msc and press Enter. In the Services window, locate Windows Biometric Service. Double-click it and check the service status. If it is not running, click Start. Set the Startup type to Automatic.

Also, check related services such as Credential Manager and Windows Camera Frame Server. Make sure they are running and set to automatic startup. Restart your computer after making these changes and check if Windows Hello starts working again.

Step 4: Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version

Outdated Windows versions often cause compatibility issues with Windows Hello. Microsoft regularly releases fixes and improvements through Windows Update.

Open Settings and go to Windows Update. Click Check for updates and install any available updates. Pay special attention to optional updates, as they often include driver and security fixes related to biometric features.

After installing updates, restart your system even if Windows does not prompt you to do so. Once the system restarts, test Windows Hello to see if the problem is resolved.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Biometric and Camera Drivers

Driver issues are one of the most common reasons why Windows Hello stops working on Windows 11. A corrupted or outdated driver can prevent the fingerprint scanner or camera from functioning properly.

Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager. Expand the Biometrics section if you use a fingerprint scanner. For face recognition, expand Cameras or Imaging devices. Right-click the relevant device and choose Update driver. Select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find updates.

If updating does not help, try reinstalling the driver. Right-click the device again and choose Uninstall device. Restart your computer, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically. After reinstalling, go back to Sign-in options and set up Windows Hello again.

Step 6: Reset Windows Hello Sign-in Options

If Windows Hello settings are corrupted, resetting them often fixes the issue.

Open Settings and go to Accounts, then Sign-in options. Remove all Windows Hello sign-in methods, including Face Recognition, Fingerprint, and PIN. Restart your computer once everything is removed.

After restarting, return to Sign-in options and set up the PIN first. Once the PIN is working, set up fingerprint or face recognition again. This clean setup often resolves persistent Windows Hello errors.

Step 7: Check Group Policy and Registry Settings

In some cases, Windows Hello may be disabled by system policies, especially on work or school computers.

Press Windows and R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Biometrics. Ensure that Allow the use of biometrics is set to Enabled.

If you do not have access to the Group Policy Editor, check the Registry settings carefully. Incorrect registry entries can disable Windows Hello. It is recommended to back up the registry before making changes. If you are not comfortable editing the registry, skip this step.

Step 8: Run System File Checker and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can break Windows Hello functionality. Windows 11 includes built-in tools to repair these files.

Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete. If it finds and fixes errors, restart your system.

Next, run DISM by typing DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and pressing Enter. This tool repairs Windows image files. Restart your computer after the process finishes and check Windows Hello again.

Step 9: Check Camera and Privacy Permissions

For face recognition to work, Windows Hello needs access to your camera.

Open Settings and go to Privacy and security. Select Camera and make sure Camera access is turned on. Scroll down and ensure that Windows Hello Face and related system apps are allowed to access the camera.

If camera access is blocked, Windows Hello face recognition will fail even if the hardware is working correctly.

Step 10: Test with a New User Account

Sometimes the issue is limited to a specific user profile.

Create a new local user account in Windows 11 and sign in using that account. Set up Windows Hello from scratch and test it. If Windows Hello works on the new account, the issue is likely related to your original user profile. In that case, migrating to a new profile may be the most stable long-term solution.

FAQs

Why did Windows Hello stop working suddenly?

Windows Hello can stop working after a Windows update, driver update, or system configuration change. Corrupted system files, disabled services, or hardware detection issues are also common causes.

Can I use Windows Hello without a PIN?

No, Windows Hello requires a PIN as a backup sign-in method. If the PIN is missing or broken, Windows Hello features will not function correctly.

Does reinstalling Windows fix Windows Hello issues?

Reinstalling Windows usually fixes Windows Hello problems, but it should be a last resort. Most issues can be resolved by updating drivers, resetting sign-in options, and repairing system files.

Is Windows Hello safe to use?

Yes, Windows Hello is considered secure. Biometric data is stored locally on your device and is not sent to Microsoft servers. It provides stronger protection than traditional passwords.

What if my device does not support Windows Hello?

If your device lacks compatible hardware, Windows Hello will not work. In that case, you can continue using a PIN or password for secure sign-in.