
Windows Hello is a feature in Windows 10 that uses biometrics, including facial recognition for fast login to your PC. You can access your settings through the Winx menu > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
If you see a Windows message that says “Windows Hello is not available on this device”, here are some things you may be able to do to fix it.
What is Windows Hello?
First announced in 2015, “Windows Hello” is Microsoft’s name for the Windows 10 login security options.
Several of these login options are biometric, meaning they use an aspect of your body for identity verification.
That includes scanning your face or fingerprint using methods similar to Apple's Face ID and Contact ID to gain access to your Windows account.
Windows Hello also allows you to use a PIN (personal identification number) as an alternative to a password or for times when biometric login methods fail.
Why would you want to use Windows Hello?
If you're tired of using a password to log into your Windows account (or have trouble remembering it), a biometric alternative might be better.
Biometric logins also offer an additional level of security, as you must be physically present during login.
To use Windows Hello, your machine must include Built-in support for biometric logins or you will need to install a compatible biometric login device, such as a webcam or fingerprint reader.
If you enable Windows Hello, Windows 10 password login will be disabled, although your account password may still be required to access some system features.
Despite offering a high level of security, there are times when users see a message that Windows Hello is not available on this device, which causes major problems when logging in.
How to fix Windows Hello is not available on this device
Microsoft's Windows Hello feature is one of the most advanced security features on personal computers. Every security system has some flaws that are fixed with There, and Windows Hello is no exception.
Several users are reporting that they are seeing the “Windows Hello is not available on this device” error quite often. We have come up with some of the best and significant ways to fix this issue.
1.- Turn off fast start
One of the many reasons that can cause the error “Windows Hello is not available on this device” is the quick start.
As the name suggests, a quick start is used so that your computer starts as early as possible through all boot checkpointsThere is a high chance that Fast Startup is not working in harmony with Windows Hello. As a result, you may see the Hello window error. To eradicate this error, just follow the steps below:
- Go to Home, Open the setting, Select System and go to POWER & SLEEP.
- Click on Additional power-on settings. And select «Choose the option to do what the power buttons do.
- Toca «Change settings that are currently unavailable».
- En «Shutdown settings», uncheck «Turn on fast startup (recommended)».
2. Update device drivers
On drivers obsolete are a common problem that most people ignore at first. From time to time, device manufacturers update their drivers/software to increase the reliability and performance of their components. The same goes for the security sensor used by Windows Hello.
If the appropriate device drivers are not updated, Most likely your device is not communicating properly with other components, in this case, Windows Hello. To fix the error “Windows Hello is not available on this device”, update the drivers for any devices linked to the hardware security features such as the IR camera or fingerprint sensor.
- Go to Control panel, Select Device administrator.
- Right click on the driver that needs to be updated, choose "Scan for hardware changes". And the driver will be reinstalled automatically.
- After updating the drivers, restart your computer and check if the problem still persists.
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3. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
Among the list of solutions to “Windows Hello is not available on this device”, the easiest and most effective is to run the troubleshooter. The sDevice and hardware troubleshooter It is a solution that every amateur computer user can try. Often, some settings cause some action to not happen.
Follow these steps:
- Go to setting, Click on Update and Security and choose problem solving or Troubleshoot.
- Click on the drive you are having problems with, the button will appear "Run the troubleshooter", click on it.
- A dialog box will appear that will automatically begin diagnosing the problem. Once the problem has been resolved, it will prompt for a reboot.
- restart the computer and check if the problem is resolved.
Most of the time, the troubleshooter helps the user to find the problem; however, there is nothing to worry about if it is not resolved. There can be many other reasons for the Windows Hello is not available on this device issue, the solutions of which you will see later.
4. Update Windows to the latest version
This is one of the most common issues of various hardware components not working on the computer and one of the consequences is the “Windows Hello is not available on this device” error. It is necessary to keep Windows updated to support the latest versions of installed system software at all times. Follow these steps to check if Windows is up to date.
- You can check for your Windows updates at enter settings and then the section «Update and Security».
- En "Windows Update", Click on «Check for updates». The computer will check for any newer updates and install them automatically once they are downloaded.
Windows updates are the most common reason for errors with Windows Hello so there's a good chance this will fix your problem.
5. Enable biometrics
If the above options don't work, and the Windows Hello is not available on this device error keeps appearing, there is another option you can check that may be affecting your computer's biometrics. There is a slight chance that the biometric scanner on your device is turned off; However, it's always a good thing to check that it's safe.
Follow the steps below to ensure that your biometric system is not deactivated.
- Write "Local Group Policy Editor" in the search box and open it.
- Click on "Computer Configuration", choose "Administrative Templates" And find "Windows Components" on the list.
- double click on «biometrics». In the right panel, choose «Allow the use of biometrics».
- Look for the option Enable and Disable. Once you find it, mark “Enable” and save.
If the biometric scanner is not available, you will not be able to communicate with Windows. As a result, you get the error “Windows Hello is not available on this device.”
Final words
Considering that Windows Hello is the Windows security system, receiving the error Windows Hello is not available on this device It may seem terrible. However, you don't have to worry because the cause is probably very easy to detect and solve.
In case this message appears on your device, just follow these steps to fix whatever issue is causing it.
My name is Javier Chirinos and I am passionate about technology. Ever since I can remember, I have been interested in computers and video games, and that passion has turned into a job.
I have been publishing about technology and gadgets on the Internet for over 15 years, especially in mundobytes.com
I am also an expert in online marketing and communication and have knowledge in WordPress development.