Fingerprint sensor stopped working for Windows Hello

Question

Since at least a week the fingerprint reader on several of our companies computers do not work with Windows Hello.

I tried to figure out what is the cause, it seems it is a driver issue with Control Vault 3 and driver versions higher than 6.

On an older Latitude 5430 with different hardware and driver (version 5) it seems to work still, on newer models like 5450 or the Pro Series it stopped working.

Does not recognize the finger at all. No previously saved fingers, no reaction on trying to register new fingers.

I could not find any official news about that, does anyone else have this issue?

We're on Windows 25H2 26200.9106, "Dell Control Vault 3+ with fingerprint" driver 6.4.48.61

anne_droid · Answer

Hi

My AI friend whispered this into my shelllike....

The fingerprint sensor failure on Windows 11 25H2 build 26200.9106 with Dell Control Vault 3+ driver 6.4.48.61 is a known issue tied to the August 2026 cumulative update (KB5121003) and related firmware/driver incompatibilities. Here’s how to fix it: dell+1

Immediate fix sequence

Remove existing Windows Hello fingerprint data
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), click Remove to delete all enrolled fingerprints.itechguides+1
Uninstall the biometric device in Device Manager
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager).
- Expand Biometric devices.
- Right-click Dell Control Vault 3+ with fingerprint (or similar entry) and select Uninstall device.
- Do not check “Attempt to delete the driver software” unless you have the correct driver package ready to reinstall. learn.microsoft+2
Restart the PC
- Windows will attempt to reinstall the biometric driver on boot.itechguides+1
Re-enroll your fingerprint
- After reboot, return to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and set up a new PIN if needed, then enroll your fingerprint again.reddit+1

If the sensor still doesn’t work

Check Device Manager status

In Device Manager, verify the device appears under Biometric devices without a warning icon.
If missing, check View > Show hidden devices and also inspect Universal Serial Bus controllers and Other devices for unknown hardware.itechguides+1

Restart Windows Biometric Service

Open an elevated Terminal or Command Prompt and run:

text

net stop wbiosrvc && net start wbiosrvc

This reloads the service responsible for Windows Hello biometrics.cloudspress+2

Install or roll back the driver

Preferred: Download the latest Dell Control Vault 3+ driver from Dell’s support site for your exact model and Windows 11 version.windowsforum+1
Alternative: If the issue started after a recent update, try rolling back the driver:
- In Device Manager, right-click the fingerprint device > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver (if available).itechguides

Check for optional and firmware updates

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates.
Install any biometric, chipset, security controller, or firmware updates offered.itechguides+2

BIOS/UEFI and hardware diagnostics

Restart and press F12 during boot to access Dell diagnostics; run the embedded fingerprint sensor test.reddit
Ensure the fingerprint reader is enabled in BIOS/UEFI settings (some Dell models allow disabling biometric devices).itechguides

Known context

This issue aligns with broader reports of embedded fingerprint sensors failing intermittently after the 24H2/25H2 updates due to firmware bugs and driver mismatches. The August 2026 Security Update (KB5121003, build 26200.9168+) has been specifically cited in similar failures.

Dell Pro Laptop Computers