How to Set Up Fingerprint Login on a Laptop (Windows Hello)

Set up fingerprint login with Windows Hello on your laptop in a few steps, plus fixes when the fingerprint option is missing or stops working.

10 November 20262 min read

To set up fingerprint login with Windows Hello, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition and follow the prompts. You’ll need a PIN first, and the whole setup takes about two minutes.

Before you start

Find the reader: a small square sensor near the touchpad, or built into the power button on some models. Many EliteBooks, Latitudes and ThinkPads have one.
Set a PIN: Windows Hello needs one as a backup. See set a password on a laptop.

Steps

Press Windows + I and open Accounts > Sign-in options.
Click Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) > Set up.
Enter your PIN.
Touch the sensor repeatedly, lifting and shifting your finger slightly each time, until it’s 100%.
Click Add another finger and register a second finger (for example the other index finger).

Now you can unlock the laptop, approve some app sign-ins and confirm Microsoft Store purchases with a touch.

If the fingerprint option is missing

Driver missing: open Device Manager > Biometric devices. If the reader isn’t listed, install the fingerprint driver from HP Support Assistant, Dell SupportAssist or Lenovo Vantage.
Reader disabled in BIOS: some office laptops have it switched off. Check the security section of the BIOS.
No reader at all: not every configuration has one. Check the model on the maker’s site.

If it stops working

Clean the sensor with a dry cloth; dry, cracked or wet fingers read badly.
In Sign-in options, click Remove under Fingerprint, then set it up again.
Update the driver and restart.
Use your PIN in the meantime. Forgot it? See forgot laptop password.

On a used laptop

Remove any fingerprints and accounts left by the previous owner. A fresh Windows install is the cleanest option; then set up your own fingerprint and change the password on any old accounts you keep.