Is anyone else encountering a problem on Windows 11 where passkeys and fingerpring sign in are reset after an update?

David Ryan 5 Reputation points
2026-11-12T12:49:15.0666667+00:00

In the past few months every time I install updates on Windows 11 my passkey and fingerpint sign in are erased and I have to register them again. This isn't a major issue but it is very frustrating that this keeps happening. I would like to know if Microsoft are working on a solution that avoids this reset after every update. It creates a situation where people might be reluctant to install updates because it keeps causing these problems.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. Neil D 34,835 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-11-12T13:13:03.5666667+00:00

    I would suggest using the Feedback Hub in windows to pass this to the dev. team.

    This is a user forum and Microsoft don't visit here.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-12T12:49:38.6166667+00:00

    There is evidence of Windows Hello sign-in problems after some Windows 11 updates, but the documented cases in the available information are limited and do not show a general confirmed issue specifically stating that passkeys and fingerprint sign-in are reset after every update.

    What is documented:

    • A Windows Hello issue was identified after the April 8, 2025 update on some devices with System Guard Secure Launch or DRTM enabled, but only after using Reset this PC or Push button reset with Keep my files and Local install. In that case, users could see messages such as "Something happened and your PIN isn't available" or "Sorry something went wrong with face setup".
    • Microsoft also documents general Windows Hello troubleshooting for fingerprint recognition, including removing the fingerprint and setting it up again from Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) > Remove, then selecting Set up.
    • For passkeys, Windows supports them broadly, and Windows 11 version 22H2 with KB5030310 added a native passkey management experience. A documented passkey issue is the orphaned passkey case, where a passkey remains on the device but is no longer registered; the documented fix is to remove the orphaned passkey and re-register a new one.

    Based on the documented information, there is no published confirmation here that Microsoft has identified a broad Windows Update bug that routinely wipes passkeys and fingerprint sign-in on all Windows 11 devices, and there is no documented general fix or ETA in the available material.

    Practical steps supported by the documentation:

    1. Recreate the fingerprint sign-in method:
      • Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) > Remove
      • Then select Set up and enroll the fingerprint again.
    2. If PIN is also affected:
      • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello)
      • Select I forgot my PIN.
    3. If a passkey appears to remain on the device but no longer works after updates or policy changes, remove the orphaned passkey from the device or passkey provider and then register a new passkey.
    4. If Windows Hello worked previously and then stopped after a recent app, driver, or update, Microsoft’s documented escalation path is to consider Restore or reset your PC.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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