Windows hello can't recognize a fingerprint reader on myMy latitude E5540

Click here to troubleshoot and resolve fingerprint reader issues.

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1. Enable and Restart Windows Biometric Service

   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

   • Scroll to "Windows Biometric Service", right-click and select Properties.

   • Set the Startup Type to Automatic.

   • Stop the service if running, then start it again.

   • Ensure the "Allow service to interact with desktop" is checked under the Log On tab.

   • Apply and reboot your PC. This often restores fingerprint recognition functionality.

2. Update or Reinstall Fingerprint Reader Drivers

   • Go to Device Manager > Biometric Devices.

   • Right-click your fingerprint reader device and try to update the driver automatically.

   • If updating fails, uninstall the device and its driver software from both Device Manager and Programs & Features, then download and install the latest Dell fingerprint driver package for Latitude E5540 from Dell support or trusted sources.

   • An older user reported missing driver files that were resolved by manually copying driver files from a working system.

3. Check BIOS Settings

   • Enter BIOS/UEFI during system startup (usually by pressing F2 on Dell).

   • Verify that the fingerprint sensor is enabled. Some Dell laptops allow toggling biometric devices on/off in BIOS.

4. Run System Integrity Checks

   • Use Command Prompt as Admin and run:

     text

     sfc /scannow dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

   • These commands fix system file corruption that may prevent biometric services from working.

5. Remove and Re-enroll Fingerprint in Windows Hello

   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

   • Remove your existing fingerprint data and PIN, then set them up again fresh.

6. Additional Tips

   • Clean the fingerprint reader sensor to remove dirt or smudges.

   • Disable power saving for the fingerprint device from Device Manager > Power Management tab (uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power").

   • Update your system BIOS and Windows Update.

   • Run Dell SupportAssist’s diagnostics (ePSA) if available.

These steps resolve the issue in the vast majority of cases, including Dell Latitude E5540 and other Windows 10/11 systems with fingerprint problems. If problems persist, sometimes creating a new Windows user profile or resetting Windows (with backup) may be required as a last resort.