[Fix] That Fingerprint has Already been Set up on Another Account. Try a Different Finger Error in Windows 10

PROBLEM SYMPTOM:

If a user tries to register for Windows Hello fingerprint scan using Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in Options page, Windows 10 shows following error message:

Sometimes the same error message is displayed at Sign-in or Login screen when the user tries to sign-in using fingerprint scan.

So the user is unable to add his fingerprints as sign-in options in Windows 10.

PROBLEM REASON:

The problem may occur in Windows 10 due to following reasons:

• The user was previously using the same fingerprints in Windows 10 without any problem. But he formatted or wiped the hard disk and reinstalled Windows 10 and now the problem occurs.
• User was using the same fingerprint for a previous account in Windows 10. He removed or deleted the user account and created a new user account and now the problem occurs.
• User restored Windows 10 using a backup image and when he tried to register fingerprints, he got the error message.

So basically the problem occurs when the same fingerprints were registered for a previous user account in Windows 10 and now the user is trying to register the same fingerprints again for a new user account. Windows finds that the fingerprints are already registered with a different user account and displays the error message.

PROBLEM SOLUTION:

The solution to fix this irritating issue is very easy and simple. You just need to delete a system file containing fingerprints data. Once you delete the file, you’ll be able to register your fingerprints again without any error message.

1. First we’ll need to stop a service called Windows Biometric Service using Services Manager.

Press WIN+R keys together to launch RUN dialog box, type services.msc and press Enter. It’ll open Service Manager.

Now scroll down and look for Windows Biometric Service.

Right-click on the service and select Stop option to immediately stop the service.

2. Now go to following folder in File Explorer or This PC:

In this folder, you’ll see one or more .DAT file having a GUID in its name.

Delete all files present in this folder.

3. Restart the Windows Biometric Service again using Services Manager. Right-click on the service and select Start option to immediately start the service.

That’s it.

Now you can try to register your fingerprints again and you should not face any problem.

PS: If you face any problem in deleting the DAT file, try to take ownership of the file with the help of following tutorial:

[Tip] Add “Take Ownership” Option in Files and Folders Context Menu in Windows

Also Check:

[Fix] Unable to Add and Use PIN Sign-in Option in Windows 10