Biometric Device Test: Windows Hello Face and Fingerprint
How to test a biometric device on a laptop. Check Windows Hello fingerprint and face recognition, find the IR camera, and fix sign in that stopped working.
Published by LaptopTestOnline Editorial Team
Biometric Device Test: How to Check Windows Hello Face and Fingerprint
Quick answer: to test a biometric device on a laptop, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options to confirm Windows Hello is set up, then run our free online biometric fingerprint test. For face recognition, check that the infrared camera appears under Biometric devices or Cameras in Device Manager, then lock the laptop (Windows key + L) and sign back in with your face.
Windows Hello supports two kinds of biometric sign in on laptops: fingerprint readers and infrared (IR) face cameras. Each one fails in its own way, so it helps to test them separately.
How to tell which biometrics your laptop has
Open Device Manager (right click Start, then Device Manager) and look for:
- Biometric devices: fingerprint readers show up here, usually named Synaptics, Goodix, ELAN or Validity.
- Cameras or Biometric devices: an IR face camera often appears as "IR Camera" or a Windows Hello face driver.
In Sign-in options, a fingerprint reader shows as Fingerprint recognition and an IR camera as Facial recognition. If one of them says "This option is currently unavailable", Windows can't find working hardware or a driver for it.
Testing the fingerprint sensor
- Set up a fingerprint in Sign-in options if you haven't already.
- Open the online fingerprint scanner test and click Start.
- Touch the sensor when the Windows Security prompt appears.
A pass means the sensor, its driver and Windows Hello all work together. For a full walkthrough, including Mac Touch ID, read how to test a laptop fingerprint scanner.
Testing Windows Hello face recognition
A normal webcam can't do Windows Hello face sign in. It needs an IR camera. An easy way to spot one is a small dark window next to the webcam lens that glows faint red when Windows looks for your face.
- Set up Facial recognition in Sign-in options.
- Press Windows key + L to lock the laptop.
- Look at the screen. You should be signed in within about two seconds.
Our webcam test checks the regular camera picture. It won't show the IR feed, and that's normal, because Windows keeps the IR camera for Hello only.
Why biometric sign in stops working
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Currently unavailable" after an update | Driver replaced by a generic one | Reinstall the maker's driver |
| Fingerprint misses often | Dirty sensor or poor enrolment | Clean it and re-enrol at several angles |
| Face not recognised in sunlight | Strong IR light from the sun | Use "Improve recognition" or move out of direct sun |
| Both options missing | Biometrics turned off by policy or BIOS | Check BIOS and work or school account settings |
| Works at login, fails in the browser | Old browser or private window | Update the browser and use a normal window |
Reset Windows Hello when nothing else works
- Remove the fingerprint and face data, then remove your PIN.
- Restart the laptop.
- Add a new PIN first, then add face and fingerprint again.
If Hello still fails, delete the stored biometric data. Go to C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase, take ownership of the folder, delete the files inside, restart, and enrol again. Only do this if you're comfortable changing file permissions.
Is biometric testing online private?
Yes. Browser biometric checks use the same passkey system as online banking sign in. Your fingerprint or face data stays in the laptop's secure hardware, and the website only gets a yes or no answer.
Common questions
Can I test biometrics on a laptop I'm buying used?
You can confirm the hardware exists and has a working driver in Device Manager. You can't enrol your own finger or face until the laptop is reset to factory settings.
Does Windows Hello work with an external fingerprint reader or camera?
Yes, as long as the device is Windows Hello certified. Test it the same way as a built-in sensor.
Why does Windows ask for my PIN instead of my fingerprint?
Windows Hello always needs a PIN as a backup. When the biometric sensor doesn't answer, Windows falls back to the PIN.