Windows 10: Biometrics Missing and Not Functioning

Hello,


I have a Dell Inspiron 5558 PC laptop running Windows 10. I have tried to activate Windows Hello, and searched for the fingerprint reader in the Device manager. However, there isn't even a biometrics category! So there isn't a fingerprint or facial recognition driver/reader/device.


I have searched all over the web for a solution, and it makes me mad that this feature is not working. I have tried a number of ways, from enabling the use of biometrics to adding drivers in the device manager. I cannot find any online installations for biometrics for my PC. I have periodically scanned for hardware changes and updates, and have even restarted the device a number of times.


Can I somehow get the driver, or needed software for fingerprints and biometrics? Was there a problem during the manufacturing? I am out of my warranty period already. Is there ANY way I can possibly get this working? Please help!


Thank you in advance to any help and suggestions.

:)

 

biometric devices

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I understand your inconvenience. We will assist you to resolve this issue.

I suggest you to follow the methods provided below and check if it helps.

Method 1: Enable Biometric option.

I suggest you to enable the Biometrics to pick up the Biometrics setting. This option shall be enable by default. However, I recommend you to follow the steps provided below and check if it enable or not.

• Press Windows logo key + R key.
• Type gpedit.msc and press
  Enter key.
• Under Computer Configuration, navigate to.

Administrative Templates Windows Components Biometrics

In the left hand panel of the Windows, double click on the following:

• Allow the use of biometrics
• Allow users to log on using biometrics

Select enable option and click on Apply and
OK button.

Now, restart your computer and follow the instructions provided below.

After restarting the computer, I suggest you to disconnect and reconnect the fingerprint sensor device and check if the drivers are getting detected in Device Manager. If the issue still persist, follow method 2.

Method 2: Reinstall drivers and compatibility mode.

I suggest you to download and install the latest drives for fingerprint sensor device from the manufacture’s website and check if it gets detected.

If the issue still persist, you may also install the drivers in compatibility mode and check.

Follow the steps to install the drivers in compatibility mode.

• Download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
• Right-click on the installer and click on "Properties".
• Click on the ‘compatibility’ tab and check the box "Run this program in compatibility mode for” and select previous Operating System from the drop down.
• Click on ‘Apply’ and click ‘OK’ and run the file to install it.

After installing the drivers in compatibility mode, follow the method 3 and check if you are able to get the sign in option with Biometric.

Method 3:

• Press Windows logo key + I key.
• Click on Accounts.
• Go to Sign in options.
• The fingerprint option will always be visible if there is a WBF-supported fingerprint reader (and its associated driver) installed on the computer.

For more information, refer the following Microsoft help article.

Biometric Devices

Biometric Devices (Windows Drivers)

Hope it helps. Do let us know if your issue is resolved. For any further query, feel free to contact us.

Thank you.

 

Administrator and Biometrics Functionality

"I Upgraded my laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 10. I cannot change existing files or save new files except on the desktop. I get the following errors:

• "This file is read only" when I try to save changes to existing documents; and
  
• "You do not have permission to save in this location. Contact the administrator to obtain permission" when I try to
  

I was forced to change from the name I set up on the laptop to my Microsoft email address and I have lost administrator functionality and as well as the biometric functionality with my fingerprint. I'm not enjoying the benefits of Windows 10. It is such a mess
for me!!!!!!!!

 

biometric devices

I cannot find anything on my computer under biometric devices- it is not listed in device manager. The driver is completely missing.

I recently upgraded from window 8.1 to windows 10- i cannot find the option to sign in with fingerprint. Can someone help me with this?

Can I download this device?