How to Troubleshoot and Resolve Fingerprint Reader and Security Software Issues

Verify that your computer includes a fingerprint reader. See the documentation of your Dell computer to identify the location of the fingerprint reader.

The fingerprint reader might be located on the palm rest, on the keyboard, on the power button, and so on.

A fingerprint reader on the power button of the Vostro 5502

Fingerprint reader on the back panel of Latitude 12 7202

Fingerprint reader on the power button of Latitude 5410

Fingerprint reader on the palm rest of Latitude E5470

Fingerprint reader on the Dell MS819 mouse

A simple reboot can resolve many issues almost immediately. Restarting the computer clears the memory (RAM) and ensures that any errant processes and services that start are shut down.

Restarting the computer closes all the applications and software running on the computer. This includes applications running on the taskbar and services that are running in the background.

If the fingerprint reader issue persists, go to the next step and perform a hard reset.

To perform a hard reset, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the computer. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter or power cable from the computer and remove the battery (for Dell laptops with removable battery).
   NOTE: For Dell laptops that have a non-removable battery, learn How to Reset Real Time Clock (RTC) to Recover Your Dell Laptop. For Dell laptops with removable batteries, see the documentation for your Dell laptop for step-by-step instructions to safely remove the battery.
   NOTE: On select Dell Latitude laptops, try to recover the laptop using the forced ePSA method from a POST or boot failure. Learn How to Use Forced ePSA to Recover from POST or Boot Failure on Dell Latitude PCs.
3. Disconnect all nonessential devices such as USB drives, printers, webcams, and media cards (SD/xD), except for the keyboard and mouse.
4. Press and hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds to drain residual power.
5. Connect the power cable (for Dell desktops), AC adapter, and the battery (for Dell laptops).
6. Turn on the computer.
7. Try to sign into Windows using the fingerprint reader. If the fingerprint reader issue is not resolved, go to the next step and update the BIOS and device drivers.

Dell Technologies recommends updating the device drivers and BIOS as part of your scheduled update cycle. Device drivers and BIOS updates may contain feature enhancements or changes that help keep your system software current and compatible with other computer modules (hardware and software) and can increase stability.

1. Download, and install the latest BIOS or UEFI update. See our guide to Dell BIOS Updates.
2. Download, and install the latest device drivers. Learn How to Download and Install Dell Drivers. If the fingerprint reader is on non-Dell devices such as mouse, keyboard, or fingerprint scanner, go to the device manufacturers website to get the latest drivers.
3. After installing the latest drivers, restart the computer and try to sign into Windows using the fingerprint reader.

If the fingerprint reader issue is not resolved, go to the next step and run the Windows Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

Windows 11 and Windows 10 include some troubleshooters that can help you resolve various computer issues. You can run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to allow Windows to scan and resolve any common issues with your computer’s fingerprint reader.

To run the hardware and devices troubleshooter in Windows:

1. Press the Windows logo + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press the Enter key.
3. In the Hardware and Devices window, click Next.
4. Wait for Windows to diagnose any issues with your computer. If any issues are detected, follow the on-screen instructions to apply the recommended fixes.
5. Restart the computer and try to sign into Windows using the fingerprint reader.

If the fingerprint reader issue is not resolved, go to the next step and run a hardware diagnostic test on the fingerprint reader.

To determine if the fingerprint reader is experiencing a hardware problem, run a hardware diagnostic test.

1. Go to https://www.dell.com/support/home/home/index/fingerprintreader
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the hardware test.
   NOTE: If SupportAssist is not installed on your computer, follow the prompts to download and install SupportAssist.
3. If the hardware test passes, restart the computer and try to sign into Windows using the fingerprint reader.
4. If the hardware test fails, contact Dell Technical Support for repair options that are available in your region.

If the hardware test passes, but the fingerprint reader issue is not resolved, go to the next step and install the latest Windows Updates.

Windows updates can support your Windows operating system in many ways. Windows updates can solve specific problems, provide protection from malicious attacks, or even add new features to the operating system.

To download and install the latest Windows Updates in Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8 (8.1), follow these steps:

1. In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.
2. Under Windows Update, click Check for updates or Download now.
3. After downloading and installing the updates, restart the computer.
4. Try to sign into Windows using the fingerprint reader.

If the fingerprint reader issue is not resolved, go to next step and perform a system restore in Windows.

System Restore is an integrated Windows tool that is designed to protect and repair the operating system. When something goes wrong with your computer, System Restore should be used before restoring the computer to factory default settings.

Learn How to Use System Restore in Microsoft Windows.

After performing a system restore, restart the computer and try to sign into Windows using the fingerprint reader.

If the fingerprint reader issue is not resolved, go to the next step and try to create a new user account in Windows.

An issue with your current user account can also cause certain Windows features to stop working. This usually happens when your user account files get corrupted. If you suspect that to be the case, you can create and switch to a new user account to fix the issue.

To create a new user account:

1. In Windows, search for and open Other Users.
2. Under Other Users, click Add account.
3. In the Microsoft account window, click I don't have this person's sign-in information and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
4. Set up Windows Hello fingerprint log in for the new user account and check if you can sign in with your fingerprint.
5. If the fingerprint sign-in works, continue to use the new user account and copy your personal files to the new user account.

If the fingerprint issue is not resolved, go to the next step, and factory reset or reinstall Windows.

If the above troubleshooting steps did not resolve the issue, you can try to restore the computer to factory default settings as a last resort.

Dell computers are built with a small amount of hard disk space that is reserved for reinstalling the operating system. This method is the easiest way to restore the computer to factory condition. The restoration process deletes all user data from the computer, so be sure to back up all your files before beginning this process.

Learn how to Factory Reset, Restore, or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell computer.