Laptop Fingerprint scanner stopped working Fix

Laptop Fingerprint scanner stopped working Fix

Solution 1: Check the fingerprint scanner

Before addressing the fingerprint reader not working problem, you might want to check the fingerprint scanner for possible hardware issues.

1. Check if there’s any grease or dust on the scanner. If yes, then gently wipe it off with a piece of clean cloth.
2. Check if there’re any scratches on the sensor. If it’s been badly scratched, then send it to a trustworthy computer repair shop or the computer vendor for repair. If the sensor is in good condition but the fingerprint reader doesn’t work, please move on to Fix 2, below.

Solution 2 – Check power management settings

If your fingerprint reader isn’t working after you wake up Windows 10 from Sleep Mode, you might want to check its power management settings. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list.
2. When Device Manager opens, locate your fingerprint reader. It should be located in Biometric Devices section.
3. Right click your fingerprint reader and choose Properties
4. Navigate to Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
5. Click OK to save changes.

Solution 3 – Disable and enable Credential Manager service

Sometimes problems with fingerprint reader can be fixed if you restart certain services.

Users have reported that they have managed to fix this issue by disabling and enabling Credential Manager service, and you can do that as well, if you follow these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run dialog. Type services.msc and click OK or press Enter.
2. When Services window opens, locate Credential Manager service and double click it.
3. Credential Manager Properties window will open. Go to Service status section and click on Stop.
4. After you’ve stopped the service, click on Start to restart the service.
5. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Solution 4 – Download latest drivers for your fingerprint reader

If fingerprint reader isn’t working after you wake up your computer from sleep, maybe it’s time to perform a driver update. To do that, go to the your laptop manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.

Some users are suggesting that you should remove previously installed drivers before you update them, and you can do that by following these steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Locate your fingerprint reader and right click it.
3. Choose Uninstall from the menu. If available, click on Remove driver software for this device.
4. You might also want to remove your fingerprint reader software if you’re installing a newer version. Speaking of software, few users have confirmed that reinstalling fingerprint software has fixed this issue for them.