Windows 10: Fingerprint & Pin Login Not Working

The backstory here is that I always used to use my fingerprint to logon to Windows, but every now and again when the computer resumed from sleep or hibernation the fingerprint refuses to work unless I reboot the laptop. Unfortunately at this same time I realised that I forgot what my actual password was and could only logon using my fingerprint.

To resolve the password issue I used software (boot from CD) called iseepassword which allowed me to reset my password. This worked but since then my logging on via fingerprint no longer works (it doesn't even show up as an option on the Windows Hello screen).

Did some research and found that it sounds like you must have a pin configured for the fingerprint option to work. At that stage a PIN was configured from previously but this option also doesn't show up on the Windows Hello screen. I removed the pin and tried to add one again but it just silently fails. I've tried a few things like removing the contents of the Ngc folder, changing my password, changing my account to a Microsoft account from a Local account but still no success. Please help?

 

I'm going to assume you're running Windows 10. If not, this information may not be accurate.

When you turn the PC on, are you using a Microsoft Account to attempt logging in? If you can't remember, look at the login screen. If you see your email address on the page it's likely you are.

By clicking "forgot password" Microsoft will attempt to verify your identity. Hopefully when you set up the account/password you a) gave Microsoft your cell phone number, and b) still have this same cell phone number. If this is the case, Microsoft will text you information and a code to reset your password.

If the cell phone thing doesn't work (and you registered an alternate email address you still have access to), it may be possible to do the same thing using the alternate email address.

If neither one of these is possible, it's going to be a long shot. Microsoft will grill you online with a series of security questions. Unless you ace them, they will not reset your password or give you access.

If all of the above fails, you will have no choice but to reset your PC in the Settings section of Windows. A few words of warning if you go this route:

• Choosing "save my files" usually only works for items stored in default Windows locations such as "My Documents," "Photos," etc. If you have folders of stuff saved anywhere else, it may or may not save it. If you think this is the case, you might want to have an expert remove the hard drive and manually transfer the files to a USB or external hard drive before doing the reset.

• A reset will reload/install Windows. That's it. You will have to manually reinstall (and have the license codes for) any and all software (antivirus, MS-Office, etc.) you had installed prior to the reset. If you've lost the codes or already used the maximum number of activations, things may get expensive on replacing the software.

Hope this helps.​