We couldn’t find a camera compatible with Windows Hello Face

Windows Hello is an excellent feature. It lets Windows users use fingerprint, facial recognition, and other biometric details to login into Windows devices. Still, users can experience issues at times. For example, one common error that users encounter while using Windows Hello is ‘We couldn’t find a camera compatible with Windows Hello Face’.

Most Windows 11/10 devices (including Surface Book and Surface Pro) that come with a camera that can capture two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and a fingerprint scanner are supported to use Windows Hello. However, even if you have a compatible device, you may face the problem of setting up and using Windows Hello unless you have installed the required features like the Windows Hello Face.

We couldn’t find a camera compatible with Windows Hello Face

There can be many reasons for the feature failing to work. You can try the methods listed below to fix the problem and get the Windows Hello Face working again on your Windows 11/10 computer.

Installing the Windows Hello Biometric files
Resetting Windows Hello Biometric Database
Install Windows Hello Face Optional Feature

Let’s cover the above methods in a bit of detail. Before you begin, please create a system restore point first.

1] Installing the Windows Biometric Files

Open File Explorer and navigate to the following address –

C:\Windows\System32\WinBioPlugIns\FaceDriver.

Here, you should find two files namely-

HelloFace.inf
HelloFaceMigration.inf

Right-click them and select the ‘Install’ option.

Later, restart our PC, and the Windows Hello Face feature should be working again.

2] Reset the Windows Hello Biometric Database

Please be aware, that this method will reset Windows Hello for every user registered on the PC. If you’re OK with it, go ahead.

Press Windows key + R, to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and click on OK.
Look for Windows Biometric Service, double click on it, and click on Stop.
Now, navigate to the following address – C:\Windows\System32\WinBioDatabase.
Create a backup of all the files inside the WinBioDatabase folder.
Once done, delete all the files and restart the Windows Biometric Service.
Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and register the Face data again.

3] Install Windows Hello Face Optional Feature

Launch Windows Settings and go to Apps > Apps & features.
Here, click Optional features.
Then, under the list of Optional features, already installed, look for the Windows Hello Face entry. If it is there, there is nothing you need to do.
If you cannot spot it, chances are its disappearance might be causing the issue. Click on Add a feature, search for it, and install it.
When done, restart your PC to allow the changes to take effect.

How do I enable Windows Hello face we couldn’t find a compatible camera?

As explained in this post, you have three ways to do this – Install the Windows Hello Biometric files, Reset Windows Hello Biometric Database or Install Windows Hello Face Optional Feature

How do I make my camera compatible with Hello face?

Most recent cameras work with Windows Hello and while you should ensure that your camera has the latest drivers installed, you also need to install Windows Hello Face Optional Feature and the Windows Hello Biometric files.