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Windows Hello is Preventing Some Options: 11 Solutions to use
Tested and proven fixes to get Windows Hello working again
8 min. read
Updated onMarch 26, 2024
updated onMarch 26, 2024
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Key notes
With Windows Hello, signing into PCs has become easier than ever. Unfortunately, this feature is not without flaws, as some users have reported that Windows hello is preventingsome options from being shown.
Because of this, they cannot log in to their devices properly and instead have to use other log-in methods. If you also face this issue, be at ease, as this guide will show you how to getWindows Hello workingquickly.
Why is Windows Hello preventing some sign-in options?
The Windows Hello preventing some sign-in options from showing can be caused by one of the following factors:
How can I fix the Windows Hello preventing sign-in options?
Below are some of the preliminary troubleshooting steps to try before delving into the solutions in this section:
If these do not solve the problem, you can now proceed to the solutions below:
1. Set up Windows Hello again
The first thing to do if Windows Hello is preventing some options from being shown is to set up the whole thing again. This will clear up any roadblocks that may be causing the issue.
You may be asked to add a PIN before setting up Windows Hello.
2. Sign in with a PIN or password
If Windows Hello is preventing some options from being shown, your fingerprint didn’t scan correctly, or you used the wrong finger to sign in, you can use an alternative way to log in.
In this case, use a PIN or password to sign in and set up Windows Hello again, as in solution 1.
3. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
Another cause of Windows Hello is preventing some options issues that could be hardware-related. To fix the hardware issues, run the Microsoft easy fix solution for devices and hardware that checks for common problems.
4. Remove the Windows Hello sign-in option
If the IR camera or fingerprint reader gives you errors, sign in using a PIN or password, then redo the fingerprint or scan.
If you’re using the Surface Pro 4, detach and reattach the cover, then try to use it again. Should reattaching the cover with Fingerprint ID not fix it, try typing or using the touchpad.
This should fix the Windows Hello is preventing some options issues on your Surface Pro 4.
5. Update your PC
An outdated operating system can lead to different issues, including Windows Hello preventing some options from showing. Hence, you must ensure that the latest updates for your device and Windows Updates are installed.
6. Reset your system
If the solutions above prove abortive in fixing this issue, you might need to reset your PC to default. This is because you might have made some changes to your PC affecting the feature, leading to Windows Hello preventing some options from showing issue.
7. Perform a System Restore
If Windows Hello is preventing some options from showing on your PC, it might be due to some factors that are to trace. In this case, the best thing to do is restore your system to a point where everything works well.
Apart from manually performing a system restore, you can also usededicated repair softwareto replace malfunctioning or corrupt system files with healthy parts after its in-depth scanning procedure.
8. Check if Biometrics is enabled
In some cases, Windows Hello prevents some options issuesbecauset the biometric setting is disabled. For example, this prevents your PC from registering your fingerprint.
You must enable the Group Policy Editor feature to get past the issue.
9. Update the fingerprint hardware driver
Drivers serve as an essential linking block between your hardware and software. Hence, when your fingerprint sensor driver is outdated, you might get Windows Hello, which is preventing some options error.
Updating the driver to the latest version should do the trick here. If the Windows update can not get the latest driver, you can search for it on the manufacturer’s website.
Alternatively, you can use a specialized tool inOutbyte Driver Updater. This tool automatically updates your driver to make sure they never cause problems.
10. Perform a Clean Boot
If you’re still unable to get the Windows Hello fingerprint error fixed, eliminate any software conflicts that may be causing the issue.
Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces software-related conflicts that can bring up the root causes of the Windows Hello fingerprint reader not working.
These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that start up and run in the background whenever you start Windows typically.
11. Install drivers in compatibility mode
With this, we can end this guide on the Windows Hello is preventing some options issues. You only need to follow the steps carefully, and things will return to normal.
Similarly, if you need a list of thecommon Windows Hello issues and how to fix them, check our detailed guide.
Were you able to get the Windows Hello fingerprint reader to work again using any of these solutions? Leave there any other suggestions or questions you may have, as well.
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.
