Windows Hello unavailable — can’t change password or fingerprint

Bezaleel Byju 20 Reputation points
2026-01-27T01:47:44.9366667+00:00

In Sign‑in options, my PIN, fingerprint, and other Windows Hello methods all say “currently unavailable.” Because of this, I can’t change my password or set up a new fingerprint. What causes this, and how can I re‑enable these options?

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
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Answer accepted by question author
EmilyS726 266.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-01-27T02:19:43.0933333+00:00

Hello,

Can you go to your Windows Settings > Accounts > Access Work or School (note, it is the briefcase icon, not the envelope icon). Then see if the organization email address is still listed? If so, click on it and then disconnect it.

Restart the computer and see if it works.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-01-27T01:48:53.7066667+00:00

    If your PIN, fingerprint, and other Windows Hello methods are showing as "currently unavailable", it may be due to several reasons related to system settings or configurations. Here are some steps you can take to re-enable these options:

    1. Check Virtualization Based Security (VBS): Ensure that VBS is running on your system. You can check this by opening System Information and looking for Virtualization Based Security listed as Running.
    2. Verify Biometric Services: Make sure that the biometric isolation trust-lets are running. You can find these under System Information > Software Environment > Running Tasks as bioiso.exe and ngciso.exe. If they are not running, your system may not meet the requirements for Enhanced Sign-in Security.
    3. Restart Biometric Service: Remove any existing PIN from the system via Sign-in Options. Then, open a command prompt as an administrator and enter net stop wbiosrvc && net start wbiosrvc to restart the biometric service.
    4. Re-enroll Biometric Data: Go to Settings > Sign-in Options, remove any nonfunctioning enrollment, and re-enroll your fingerprint or face recognition.
    5. Driver Issues: Check Device Manager to ensure that your biometric sensor is listed under Biometrics devices. If not, you may need to reinstall the driver by right-clicking the device name and selecting Uninstall Device. Restart your device, and Windows should attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider filing a feedback item using the Feedback Hub for further assistance.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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