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Fingerprint reader not working after sleep in Windows 10/11
7 min. read
Updated onApril 19, 2024
updated onApril 19, 2024
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Key notes
One of the best ways to protect yourWindows 10device from unauthorized access is to use a password, or better yet – afingerprint.
Unfortunately, few users have reported that thefingerprint reader is not workingafterWindows 10wakes up from sleep, so let’s fix that.
This issue is particularly common on the following manufacturers’ devices: HP, Lenovo, Asus, Dell.
What can I do if the fingerprint reader is not working?
1. Download the latest drivers for your fingerprint reader
If the fingerprint reader isn’t working after you wake up your computer from sleep, maybe it’s time to perform a driver update.
To perform this task, you basically need to go to your laptop manufacturer’s website, look for the most recent drivers, and download them.
If you’d like to avoid the hassle of searching for drivers on your own, you can use adedicated tool that will do this for you automatically.
After the scan is complete, you get a report on all drivers that need your attention, so feel free to update only the fingerprint reader drivers or the complete driver’s batch.
2. Check power management settings
If your fingerprint reader isn’t working after you wake upWindows 10from Sleep Mode, you might want to check its power management settings. To do that, follow the above steps.
3. Disable and enable Credential Manager service
Sometimes problems with fingerprint readers can be fixed if you restart certain services.
Users have reported that they have managed to fix this issue by disabling and enabling the Credential Manager service, and you can do that as well if you follow the above steps.
4. Disable and enable your fingerprint reader
Certain problems with the fingerprint reader can be fixed simply by disabling it and enabling it back again. To do that, follow the given procedure.
5. Lock your device manually
This is a simple workaround if your fingerprint reader isn’t working after sleep mode.
In order to avoid any problems with the fingerprint reader, just lock your laptop (by pressingWindows Key + Lon yourkeyboard) before you close the lid.
Users have reported that using theWindows Key + Lshortcut on the lock screen fixes the problem with the fingerprint reader.
However, we have to mention that you’ll have to use this shortcut every time you put your computer to sleep. This might not be the most practical solution, but users are reporting that it works.
6. Switch to local account / create a new account
Some users reported that switching to a local account resolves this issue. And that’s exactly what we’re going to try now. Use the above steps to switch from your regular Microsoft account to a local account.
7. Prevent your PC from turning off USB devices
There’s a chance your computer is set to automatically disable USB devices. If that’s the case, you’ll have to change that.
8. Uninstall fingerprint software
Reinstallation is a good old solution for just about any problem. And we’re going to give it a try. Uninstall your fingerprint software by following the above procedure.
9. Remove and recreate your PIN
After removing fingerprints, you need to remove your fingerprint driver. Now you need to download and install the latest driver for your fingerprint reader.
Lastly, you need to register two new fingerprints. To do that, follow these steps:
10. Update your BIOS
And finally, if none of the solutions above resolved the problem, one final thing you can try is updatingBIOS.
But remember, this should be your last resort, because updating BIOS is a risky business, and one wrong step can basically render your computer unusable.
If you want to find out more about updating BIOS, check out the link below. But still, if you’re not sure in what you’re doing, ask a professional for help.
Although the fingerprint reader provides the best security for yourWindows 10device, some problems, such as this one, can occur.
If you have any problems with the fingerprint reader and sleep mode, feel free to try some of our solutions.
As always, for more suggestions or questions, Don’t hesitate to reach out for the comments section below.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
