When trying to set up face recognition unlock on your PC, are you encountering the error “We couldn’t find a camera compatible with Windows Hello Face?” This means the camera does not meet the requirements for Windows Hello Face, the feature is not installed, or the driver is not updated. This guide will explain how you can resolve the issue.
How To Fix “We Could Not Find A Camera Compatible With Windows Hello Face”
Method 1: Check If The Feature Is Installed
Windows Hello Face is an optional feature on Windows PC. You must first ensure it is activated and installed under the optional features to use it. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings box.
Step 2: Click on the System tab in the left pane and then scroll down in the right section until you locate and click on Optional Features.
Step 3: In the search box labeled Additional Features, type Hello to search whether Windows Hello is installed.
Step 4: If not, click the Add an Optional Feature option, and a new box will appear.
Step 5: Type “Hello” in the top search bar. You will get “Facial Recognition” as a search result. Check the box next to it and click on the Next button.
Step 6: Click the Add button and wait for Windows Hello to be installed on your PC.
Step 7: Restart the PC and check if the Windows Hello Feature works properly.
Method 2: Update Camera Drivers
Running updated drivers is essential. There are four ways to update drivers.
Fix 1) Update Drivers Using Windows Update
Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings.
Step 2: Click on the Windows Update tab on the left side.
Step 3: Click the Check for Updates button in the top right corner.
Step 4: Click Advanced Options on the right side after completing the update process.
Step 5: Next, click on the Optional Updates option.
Step 6: Click on Driver updates, check the box next to the updates you want to install, and click the Download & Install button.
Step 7: Reboot your PC.
Fix 2) Update Drivers Using Advanced Driver Updater
Step 1: Download and install Advanced Driver Updater using the link below.
Step 2: Open the app and click on Start Scan Now button.
Step 3: A list of driver issues will appear on the screen. Click on the Update link next to the Camera and wait.
Step 4: After the driver updater process is over, restart the computer.
Method 3: Install FaceDriver
Step 1: Press Win + E to open the File Explorer.
Step 2: Copy and paste the following path in the address bar of the File Explorer, followed by the Enter key.
C:\Windows\System32\WinBioPlugIns\FaceDriver
Step 3: Locate the HelloFace.inf file, right-click on it to view the context, and select Install.
Note: If you do not find this file in this location, navigate to another folder and type “Hello” in the search box. Double-click on the folder, look for HelloFace.inf, and right-click to choose Install.
C:\Windows\WinSxS
Step 4: Follow the onscreen instructions and reboot your computer.
Read Also: Best Ways to Fix File Explorer is Slow in Windows 11
Method 4: Restart Biometric Service
The Windows Biometric Service oversees the Windows Hello feature and enables client applications to access and manage biometric data. Resetting this service might resolve issues with Windows Hello Face not functioning. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run box and type Services.msc followed by the Enter key.
Step 2: The Windows Service window will now open, and you will have to look for Windows Biometric Service.
Step 3: Make a right click on this service and choose Restart from the context menu.
Step 4: Now, press Win + I to open the Settings box and click on the Accounts tab in the left panel.
Step 5: Click on the Sign-In Options on the right side.
Step 6: Next, click on the Facial Recognition option and click on the Setup button.
Step 7: Follow the onscreen instructions and reboot your PC.
Method 5: Scan Your PC For Errors With System File Checker
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type “cmd.”
Step 2: Press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the Command prompt in admin mode.
Step 3: Copy and paste the following command followed by Enter key.
sfc /scannow
Step 4: Exit the Command Prompt and reboot your PC.
Method 6: Activate Deployment Image Servicing And Management
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type “cmd.”
Step 2: Press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the Command prompt in admin mode.
Step 3: Copy and paste the following command followed by Enter key.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 4: Exit the Command Prompt and reboot your PC.
Method 7: Turn Off Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS)
If your camera works for other tasks but you’re having trouble with Windows Hello, you might want to try disabling the ESS feature to see if it helps. Here’s how:
Step 1. Press the Windows key and the I key simultaneously on your keyboard.
Step 2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
Step 3. Turn off the option for “Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader.”
Step 4. Restart your computer and check if the Windows Hello error message has been resolved.
Method 8: Use The Get Help App
The Get Help app is a built-in Windows tool designed to answer tech support questions, offer solutions, and troubleshoot various computer issues. If previous solutions haven’t resolved your problem, you can try this app for additional assistance.
Step 1: Type “Get Help” into the search box on the taskbar and select it from the results.
Step 2: Describe the issue you’re facing, and you’ll be connected with a virtual agent who will guide you through troubleshooting steps to resolve Hello Face problems.
Read Also: How to Get Help in Windows? A Beginner’s Guide
FAQs
Why does Hello Windows 11 not recognize my camera?
Windows Hello in Windows 11 might not recognize your camera due to outdated or corrupt drivers, incorrect camera permissions, or hardware issues. Ensure drivers are updated, check that camera permissions are enabled in Settings, and verify that the camera functions correctly with other applications. Also, confirm that Windows is updated and review any security software that might block access.
How do I allow Windows Hello to access my camera?
To allow Windows Hello to access your camera in Windows 11, open Settings (Win key + I), go to Privacy & Security, then select Camera. Ensure that Camera access and Let apps access your camera are enabled. Also, check Accounts > Sign-in options to verify that Windows Hello Face is properly set up. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
How to make a webcam compatible with Windows Hello
To make a webcam compatible with Windows Hello, ensure it meets the requirements for facial recognition, such as having an IR (infrared) sensor. Install the latest drivers and firmware updates for the webcam. Configure the webcam by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and setting up Windows Hello Face. If your webcam lacks IR capability, consider using a compatible external camera designed for Windows Hello.
Fixed Windows Hello Face Camera Compatible Problem
We hope you can use the Windows Hello feature to sign into your Windows PC using Facial Recognition. The above-mentioned expert-recommended steps will help you fix this issue once and for all. Do write to us in the comments section to see which method helped you fix this issue.
