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How to delete or at least reuse existing fingerprint data that isn't being used on an account on Windows 11 with a TPM module

Anonymous
2024-02-12T01:48:07+00:00

I started getting frustrated with the inaccuracy of my fingerprint reader, so when I went to redo my fingerprint it gave the error that it was to similar (why is this even a thing for 1 account, let me add multiple so there's a better likelihood of one succeeding) so I disabled the fingerprint sign in assuming this would remove my fingerprint and now it will not let me use that fingerprint at all because it claims its too similar to one that is already set up when I don't have any currently setup.

I've tried reinstalling the fingerprint reader drivers and disabling the windows biometric service to delete the .DAT files at C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase but these files reappear after the service starts again. They had the Dell Support Assist icon so I assumed that was the culprit but I uninstalled that and disabled Dell Support Assist OS Recovery from my bios and that didn't help at all and I did numerous reboots between all these steps. I assume this issue is related to the TPM module as I saw people mention that this solution does not work with it enabled so I attempted to disable it in the bios and the steps above still did not work.

The drivers and bios also do not seem to have any option to clear saved fingerprints.

If there is a way I can reuse the saved fingerprints and edit them that would be great too. I can use new fingers just fine but using my right index finger is the most convenient as the reader is on the power button.

I only have one account on this laptop and as you can see below, it says the fingerprint recognition isn't set up yet the fingerprint is still to similar.

The device is a Dell Inspiron 5515 if relevant.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-04-03T16:51:05+00:00

    This is an issue which most of the DELL users are getting.

    But don't worry , I have got the solution to this problem. And you don't need to waste your time in updating and reinstalling the fingerprint drivers . Or following CMD commands.

    what you have to do patiently is just to watch out this video without skipping it .

    Here is the video link CLICK HERE.

    And I am pretty sure that this video will resolve this issue in your PC.

    IF it helps your, kindly mark this as answer

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-13T02:49:28+00:00

    I tried all of those options and none worked, like I said earlier, there was no option related to biometrics in my computer's BIOS. Step 4 was the only step I haven't tried previously but that didn't remove the saved fingerprint as well.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-13T12:18:30+00:00

    Thank you for your feedback!

    Based on current information, it is possible that fingerprint data is stored in BIOS, so it is necessary to try clearing the data in BIOS.

    Reminder: Back up important personal data before operation, just in case!

    Please refer to the following steps:

    1. Refer to the motherboard manual and backup the BIOS settings file to a USB drive or hard drive
    2. In BIOS, check if "reset fingerprint on restart" is selected, then save and exit. Skip the following steps (you must set the BIOS password to enable this option)
    3. If the motherboard BIOS does not have the "reset fingerprint on restart" option, choose to clear BIOS data

    The first method is to boot up and press the Delete key to enter the motherboard BIOS settings menu interface. Find the Load Optimized Default option, then press the Enter key, select Yes, press the Enter key again, click Save&Exit setup, select Yes, and press Enter. At this time, the system will restart and the BIOS will successfully restore to the factory settings.

    The second method is to remove the button battery on the motherboard and keep it at least 15 yuan when the power is turned off, and then install it to eliminate BIOS information and restore it to factory settings.

    The third method is to shut down the computer, unplug the power cord, and short circuit the 2-3 pins of the CLR CMOS jumper for 30 seconds to restore the default BIOS settings and achieve the function of eliminating BIOS information. (Refer to the motherboard user manual)

    1. Restart and verify if the fingerprint can be reset

    Addendum: Another solution is to use software to clear fingerprint data (someone succeeded), refer to the link:

    https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo-Yoga-Series...

    Disclaimer: This is a non Microsoft website. This page seems to provide accurate and secure information. Pay attention to advertisements on the website, which may promote products that are often classified as PUP (potentially unwanted products). Before you decide to download and install, please thoroughly study any products advertised on the website.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-13T02:40:00+00:00

    Thank you for your feedback!

    Have you tried all the above suggestions? Is there a different prompt after execution? If possible, please provide more feedback or screenshots

    I will continue to study this issue and if there are any further suggestions, I will reply to you immediately

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-02-12T04:11:47+00:00

    Hi AaronGhiurau, I am a Microsoft user like you, try to help you solve this problem together!

    To this question, I would like to add one more suggestion:

    1、 If you log in to your Microsoft account now, it is recommended to log in locally.

    2、 BIOS Reset Fingerprint Service (if supported by BIOS):

    (Tips: friends unfamiliar with BIOS, please consult the motherboard brand customer service assistance)

    ①. Enter the BIOS setting interface (different brands of machines enter differently, please consult the equipment brand customer service)

    ②. Select Security-Fingerprint> Reset Fingerprint Data> YES

    ③. Save exit, restart computer

    3、 Delete cache data

    ① Open Services console (Windows key + R and type Services.msc). Stop the service called Windows BioMetric Service (WbioSrvc)

    ② Open folder location in file explorer: C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase. On this location, there will GUID.dat files. Find the one with date you recognized you register the fingerprint. If not, just delete all DAT files.

    ③ Start the service Windows BioMetric Service again.

    ④ Restart your Device and try setting up the new fringer.

    4、Press the win key, enter CMD in the search bar, select the best match, right-click the administrator mode "→ Enter：

    certutil -deletehellocontainer

    and rebooting the machine

    5、recommend uninstalling all the drivers under Biometric devices in Device Manager and install again， Restart your Device and try setting up the new fringer.

    Hope the above advice helps you! If not resolved, please click "Reply" to feed back relevant information and pictures

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