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How Do I Set Up Windows Hello Again?

Published in Windows Hello Setup 2 mins read

To set up Windows Hello again, you'll essentially need to reset the existing biometric data and re-register your fingerprint, face, or PIN. Here's how you do it:

Steps to Reset and Reconfigure Windows Hello:

  1. Stop the Biometric Service:

    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services panel.
    • Locate the "Windows Biometric Service".
    • Right-click on it and select "Stop".

  2. Back Up the Old Database (Optional, but Recommended):

    • Open File Explorer.
    • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase.
    • Copy the WinBio.db file to another location (e.g., your desktop or a backup folder). This is a safety precaution in case something goes wrong.

  3. Delete the Old Database:

    • Still in C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase, delete the WinBio.db file. You may need administrator privileges to do this.

  4. Start the Biometric Service:

    • Return to the Services panel (if you closed it, repeat step 1 to open it).
    • Locate "Windows Biometric Service".
    • Right-click on it and select "Start".

  5. Register Your Biometrics Again:

    • Click the Start button, then click the Settings icon (the gear).
    • Go to "Accounts" > "Sign-in options".
    • Under "Windows Hello Face", "Windows Hello Fingerprint", or "Windows Hello PIN" (depending on what you want to set up), click "Set up" or "Remove" (if the old setup is still showing) and then "Set up".
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to register your face, fingerprint, or create a new PIN.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Drivers: Ensure your biometric device drivers are up to date. Visit your computer manufacturer's website to download the latest drivers.
  • PIN Required: You may need to set up or reset your PIN before you can configure Windows Hello Face or Fingerprint.
  • Group Policy: If you're on a corporate network, Group Policy settings might be preventing you from using Windows Hello. Check with your IT administrator.
  • Restart: After completing these steps, restart your computer to ensure the changes are applied correctly.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully reset and reconfigure Windows Hello for fingerprint, face, or PIN recognition.

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