Windows 11 doesn't accept your fingerprint in administrator permissions: How to fix it

Last update: 17/11/2025

Windows 11 doesn't accept your administrator fingerprint.

Using your fingerprint for administrator permissions on your PC is very useful. It's like having a master key that only you can use. The problem comes when Windows 11 doesn't accept your fingerprint in administrator permissions.Why does this happen? How can you fix it? Next, let's look at the possible causes and solutions for this problem.

Why Windows 11 doesn't accept your fingerprint in administrator permissions

Windows 11 doesn't accept your administrator fingerprint.

Why doesn't Windows 11 accept your fingerprint in administrator permissions? This could have several reasons. On the one hand, it might be due to a security configuration combinationIt could also be because the biometric drivers or services are outdated. Another reason is that the scanner or your fingers are dirty.

On the other hand, It is possible that fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) is disabled on your PC. It's even possible that the feature has been disabled in your PC's BIOS and needs to be modified. In any case, let's take a closer look at possible solutions to your problem and some tips that will be very useful if Windows 11 doesn't accept your administrator permissions.

Clean the scanner

The first solution is very simple: clean the fingerprint sensor. If the sensor is covered in dirt or grease, it may not be able to read your fingerprint. Therefore, Clean it with a soft cloth slightly moistened with waterDo not use glass cleaner or chemicals to clean the sensor. Wait until it's completely dry and try the recognition again.

Adjust security policies to allow biometric authentication

Windows 11 24H2

But what if the fingerprint detection problem is only related to administrator permissions? In that case, you need to change local security policies to allow biometric authentication. will help you confirm administrator actions, install apps or change settings with your fingerprint.

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Now keep in mind that The following procedure is only available in Windows 11 Pro or EnterpriseThe steps to adjust security policies are as follows:

  1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor: press Windows + R and writes gpedit.msc and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the biometrics policy: Computer Configuration – Administrative Templates – Windows Components – Biometrics. Double-click on Allow the use of biometric data and choose Able - Accept.
  3. Right there, locate the policy “Allow users to use biometrics to log in as administrators”. Double-click and select Enabled – OK.
  4. Finally, Restart your computer for the changes to take effect correctly.. Then, perform an administrative action and check that your fingerprint is ready to use.

Reset Windows Hello Fingerprint

Windows Hello

If Windows 11 doesn't accept your fingerprint in administrator permissions, then you can reset your fingerprint in Windows Hello. This means that You have to delete the fingerprint you already have registered and reconfigure it.The steps to achieve this are below:

  1. Opens Configuring Windows (Windows key +I).
  2. Go to Accounts - Login Options.
  3. Choose Windows Hello Fingerprint and click Delete to erase your registered fingerprints.
  4. Click Get Started and follow the instructions to set up your fingerprint again.
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Remember that in Windows 11 you can register up to 10 fingerprints for each user. This is useful if you're having specific issues with one of your fingerprints. A good idea is register multiple fingers and thus reduce the likelihood of problems when using the fingerprint when logging in or making changes or adjustments as an administrator.

Update and Enable the Device in Device Manager

If Windows 11 still doesn't accept your fingerprint in the administrator permissions, you can check Device ManagerThere you'll see if you need to update the driver for your biometric devices. To do this, do the following:

  1. Right click on the Windows start button and select Device administrator.
  2. Expand Biometric devices.
  3. You will see the tool “Fingerprint sensor”. If you see a warning sign, right-click on the option and tap on Update controller.
  4. Now, if the device is disabled, select Enable.
  5. If it doesn't work, try Uninstall the device and restart your PC to automatically reinstall it.

Check BIOS settings if Windows 11 doesn't accept your fingerprint as administrator permissions.

Checking whether the fingerprint reader is enabled in the BIOS can make a difference. When Windows 11 doesn't accept your fingerprint for administrator permissions, follow these steps to enter the BIOS/UEFI on your PC:

  1. Turn off your PC completely.
  2. Turn it back on and when the brand logo appears, repeatedly press the Esc, F2, F10, F12 or Delete keys (depending on the manufacturer).
  3. You'll see a blue or black screen with advanced options. There, look for an option like Integrated devices (can be Fingerprint Reader, Biometric Device, Embedded Security Device, etc.).
  4. If you see that the fingerprint reader is disabled (Disabled), change it to Enabled (Enabled).
  5. Save the changes and restart your PC. You can do this by pressing F10 or Save & Exit.
  6. Your PC will restart and Windows should now correctly accept your fingerprint.
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Make sure Windows 11 is up to date

If you've done all of the above and Windows 11 still doesn't accept your fingerprint in the administrator permissions, there's still one possible solution: Check that Windows has no pending updates. Your PC may not be working properly due to a lack of an update. To do this, go to Settings – Windows Update and run any available updates.

Windows 11 won't accept your fingerprint for administrator permissions: Additional tips

Windows 11 24H2

When Windows 11 does not accept your fingerprint in the administrator permissions, when turning on your PC or to log in, there are some extra steps you can takeThese suggestions might help:

  • Remember to use the same finger you used when you originally set up fingerprint recognition.
  • Make sure your finger is clean and dry.
  • Place the flat finger on the sensor, don't move your finger in the meantime.
  • If you have very dry skin, consider applying a little moisturizer, but not too much.
  • If you have or have had a scar on that finger, it's best to use another one.