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Fix Fingerprint Reader Code 10 Error (Cannot Start)

How to fix fingerprint reader Code 10 errors by reinstalling biometric drivers and clearing Windows Hello data.

driversfingerprintreadercode10windows

Confirmed working on: Windows 10 · Windows 11

Before you begin

Match the environmentUse this guide only for Windows 10, Windows 11 or a clearly compatible setup.
Protect recoveryBack up important data and save encryption or account recovery keys before changing system state.
Know when to stopMake one change at a time and stop if the result differs from what the guide describes.

Problem overview

You are unable to log into Windows using your fingerprint. In Device Manager, the biometric device (usually a Goodix, Synaptics, or Egis reader) displays a yellow warning triangle. Opening the properties shows “This device cannot start. (Code 10)”.

Common causes

  • A recent Windows Update breaking compatibility with the OEM biometric driver
  • Corrupted Windows Hello biometric cache data
  • TPM or Intel SGX settings being reset in the BIOS
  • Physical dirt or oil on the sensor causing initialization failures

Solution 1: Reinstall the biometric driver

  1. Open Device Manager and expand the Biometric devices category.
  2. Right-click your fingerprint reader and select Uninstall device.
  3. Check the box that says Attempt to remove the driver for this device if it appears, and confirm.
  4. Restart your laptop.
  5. Go to your laptop manufacturer’s support website, download the latest fingerprint driver for your exact model, and install it.

Solution 2: Clear Windows Hello biometric data

If the driver is healthy but Windows Hello is frozen, you need to flush the biometric cache.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
  2. Remove your current fingerprint setup if it allows you to.
  3. Open the Start menu, type services.msc, and open Services.
  4. Find the Windows Biometric Service, right-click it, and select Stop.
  5. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase.
  6. Delete all the .DAT files inside this folder.
  7. Go back to Services, start the Windows Biometric Service, and try setting up your fingerprint again in Settings.
Expert Tip

If the fingerprint reader still won’t start, restart your laptop and enter the BIOS. Ensure that the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is enabled and, if available, Intel SGX is set to Enabled or Software Controlled.

Confirm the result

  1. Repeat the exact action that originally triggered the problem.
  2. Confirm the original error or symptom is gone and no new warning has appeared.
  3. If the guide changed a driver, service, package, or system setting, restart once and test again.
  4. If the result is worse or unexpected, stop. Reverse only the last change using its documented restore option; if none is documented, use your backup or qualified support.

Questions about this fix

Why does the fingerprint reader say Code 10?

Code 10 means 'This device cannot start'. It typically happens when the biometric driver fails to load properly or the Windows Hello service gets stuck.

Does clearing Hello data delete my passwords?

No, clearing Windows Hello biometric data only removes your stored fingerprints and face scans. You will just need to set them up again.

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