Fingerprint scanner issue on Asus UX331UN laptop

You update both bios and all drivers from asus, there should be a shortcut on your system to their update utility

You do NOT update from any other source including Device Manager

Do NOT install win 11 optional updates that include drivers

Hi Francesco. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

1) Do you know about when this began? If so see if you can System Restore to a point before the problem began following this guide: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here which I would install now so it's ready:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...

2) Try these fixes for Windows Hello Fingerprint in Windows 11:

https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-hello-fingerp...

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tro...

https://www.gigxp.com/how-to-fix-windows-hello-...

https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-windo...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnJvrUknCas

3) Update your drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model. While there check for the latest Chipset, BIOS, Sound, Network, USB3, Bluetooth and all other drivers to compare with the version/date installled for that device in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

If the drivers are not present or not working for Facial Recognition or Fingerprint then contact your PC manufacturer's Support.

4) Expedite install of all Windows Updates (including Optional) in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, watching for needed restarts, then go back to check again until no more are offered.

Then go into Microsoft Store app > My Library > Get Updates and expedite all Store app Updates, too, until no more are offered.

5) Establish a Clean Boot to turn off Startup Freeloaders that can conflict and cause issues:
https://www.makeuseof.com/clean-boot-windows-11/

6) Test for account corruption by creating a new Local Admin account to see if the problem goes away:
https://pureinfotech.com/create-local-administr...

Sign into the new account, test it works correctly, if so move files over, test all apps work or reinstall any that don't. Then when ready delete the old account in Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.

You can change it to your Microsoft account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Microsoft Account Instead.

7) Download, install and run a full scan with free Malwarebyes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ after enabling Root Kit scan in Scan Settings. Clean Up anything it finds and then run again. Turn off Real Time trial in Control panel to keep as on-demand scanner.

8) Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11 to find and fix any broken System files:
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...

9) If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...


Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hi, Greg, thanks for your kind help. I really appreciated how thorough you've tried to be. Unfortunately, none of what you suggested has worked, so I think I'm going to just give up on it and reinstall Windows (once again) when I'll feel like it.

It's pretty frustrating because it was a fresh install. I had to perform one on my sister's computer (same as mine) and she's lost the use of the fingerprint scanner, too!

Have a nice weekend!

Update - Solution:

I want to give users who experience the same problem what has worked for me to fix this mischievous issue.

First, I installed Windows 10 afresh. From a "blank" installation, I let Windows Update install all pending updates. In the meantime, I downloaded all drivers from ASUS' website, one for each category.

I painstakingly installed each and every one of them, rebooting in between installations, to make sure everything went smoothly and cleanly.

How to gain back the fingerprint scanner

1. From ASUS website, download the second to last fingerprint driver (the version number shall end in 600);

2. Install the driver (just double-click on the icon with Windows Security shield on);

3. Reboot.

4. You won't likely see the fingerprint scanner in the Device Manager, yet, if you do, then congrats, otherwise, keep on reading.

5. From Windows Update, open the list of optional updates. You should see four named "Intel Corporation - System - 6/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - 30.100.1823.1". Check the box for each on of them and click on "Download and Install".

6. Reboot.

7. Now, you will have a working fingerprint scanner. You can make sure by going to Device Manager and/or by activating Windows Hello authentication method.

I'm not sure this will work on Windows 11, too.

PS: Do not update the fingerprint scanner driver! You will se an optional Windows Update for Goodix fingerprint scanner, just ignore it!