Biometric Authentication Fails at Windows Login

Problem:

When attempting to log into Windows using Secure Windows Login with fingerprints enrolled, biometric authentication fails after swiping a fingerprint.

Possible error messages include:

There are no fingerprints enrolled for this user
Credentials have failed

Solution:

There are several reasons that biometric authentication may fail:

User has no Windows Password or changes their Windows Password
The computer name is changed
Hardware changes including a new/formatted hard drive or a replaced fingerprint reader
Domain change for domain users
Biometric Authentication for Windows Login is not supported on roaming profiles
Some domain policies do not allow biometric authentication

Typically this error can be resolved by re-enrolling new fingerprints. Log into Windows and re-enroll fingerprints for Windows Login from within EMBASSY Security Center.

If you are unable to log into Windows because you have your Authentication Type set to either “Biometric Only” or “Password AND Biometric” you will need to disable Secure Windows Login from within Safe Mode. To do so, please use the following instructions:

Boot into Safe Mode by pressing F8 during boot up. Be sure to choose Safe Mode, not Safe Mode with Networking.
You will be able to log into Safe Mode using your standard Windows username and password.
Note: If you cannot remember your Windows username or password, please contact your IT Administrator for assistance in recovery.
Once you can access your Desktop, open EMBASSY Security Center.
Navigate to the Windows Login tab.
Remove the check mark next to “Enable Secure Windows Login” and select Apply.
Exit and Reboot into Windows normally.

Article ID: ESC-023
Last Reviewed: October 8, 2009