minecraft launcher - failed sign in

Question

I can't log into my minecraft launcher, it takes me as far face, fingerprint, PIN or security key window and then stops

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your question. I understand how frustrating it is to get all the way to the Windows Hello window face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key only for the login process to stop without moving forward.

Microsoft’s guidance explains that this usually happens when Windows Hello sign‑in is stuck, when the Microsoft account authentication token is corrupted, or when the Minecraft Launcher is unable to complete the sign‑in handoff from Windows Hello back to your Microsoft account. Resetting the Windows Hello sign‑in method, clearing cached credentials, or re‑authenticating your Microsoft account can restore the launcher’s ability to sign in smoothly. Microsoft also notes that switching temporarily to your Microsoft account password (instead of Windows Hello) or removing and re‑adding the account often allows the launcher to complete authentication successfully.

To move forward, may I ask whether Windows Hello still works normally when signing into Windows or other Microsoft apps on your device? Once I know this, I can guide you step‑by‑step to get your Minecraft Launcher signing in again. Feel free to follow up I’m here to help you get back into the game.

I hope this helps.

 

Best Regards,

Noel

Answer 2

The Minecraft Launcher is using Windows sign-in (Windows Hello). The issue is with Windows sign-in, not the launcher itself. Use these steps on Windows to get past the face/fingerprint/PIN/security key screen and fix the problem:

1. Try an alternate sign-in method
   • On the Windows sign-in screen, choose Sign-in options.
   • Select Password instead of face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key, and sign in with the account password.
   • Once signed in, open the Minecraft Launcher and try signing in again.
2. If Windows Hello (face/fingerprint) is not recognizing you
   • Sign in with PIN or password first.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
   • Under Facial recognition (Windows Hello) or Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello):
     • Use Improve recognition or remove the existing setup and configure it again, following the tips about lighting, camera cleanliness, and scanning from multiple angles.
   • Try signing in again in the launcher.
3. If fingerprint specifically fails
   • Clean the fingerprint reader and make sure it is dry.
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) and select Add a finger or re-register fingerprints.
   • Ensure device drivers are up to date.
4. If PIN is the problem
   • On the Windows sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN and follow the reset flow.
   • If that fails, sign in with password, then follow the guidance in Change or reset your PIN in Windows (linked from the Windows Hello troubleshooting article) to reset the PIN from within Windows.
5. If biometric sign-in (face/fingerprint) is completely not working
   • Sign in with password.
   • Open System Information and confirm Virtualization Based Security is Running.
   • In Device Manager, under Biometric devices, uninstall the biometric sensor and restart so Windows reinstalls the driver.
   • In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, remove the non-working Windows Hello Face/Fingerprint enrollment and re-enroll.
6. If still stuck at sign-in
   • Restart the device; if updates are pending, choose Update and restart.
   • If necessary, boot to Safe Mode and sign in with the account password (PIN/biometrics are not available there). If sign-in works in Safe Mode, update drivers and Windows, then reboot normally and try again.

Once Windows sign-in (password/PIN/Hello) works reliably at the OS level, the Minecraft Launcher sign-in should complete normally when using the same Microsoft account.

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References:

• Windows Hello common issues and troubleshooting tips
• Troubleshoot problems with Windows Hello on Surface
• Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• User Account Access in Windows