Swift SFX14-42G Fingerprint reader no longer working

mar19346
mar19346 Member Posts: 3 New User
edited April 2023 in Swift and Spin Series

Hi,

My fingerprint reader on my Swift SFX14-42G stopped working suddenly. I'm on Windows 11.

Device manager doesn't show any biometric devices but it does show a USB controller with an error which after looking at other posts I am pretty sure is the fingerprint reader.

[Edited the thread to add model name to the title]

I have tried uninstalling this device, then reinstalling the driver from the Acer website, After a restart it just shows up again.

Edition Windows 11 Home
Version 22H2
Installed on ‎24/‎12/‎2022
OS build 22621.1485
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22639.1000.0

Answers

  • Jack22
    Jack22 ACE Posts: 4,200 Pathfinder
    Click on 'Yes' if the comment answers your question!
  • mar19346
    mar19346 Member Posts: 3 New User

    Unfortunately I have already tried everything there.

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,944 Trailblazer

    Open the USB devices section and do an uninstall on the root hubs, then reboot to force a reinstall. When they get confused one of the more common symptoms is garbled data on a port, and yoour fingerprint sensor is on an internal USB port.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • Emma_
    Emma_ Moderator, Member Posts: 226 Moderator

    Hello!!!

    @mar19346

    If your fingerprint reader on your Acer Swift SFX14-42G stopped working suddenly and Device Manager doesn't show any biometric devices but does show a USB controller with an error, it's likely that there is a problem with the fingerprint reader driver. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

    1.Restart your laptop: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve driver issues. Try restarting your laptop and see if the fingerprint reader works after that.

    2.Update the fingerprint reader driver: Go to the Acer support website and download the latest fingerprint reader driver for your laptop model. Install the driver and see if the fingerprint reader works after that.

    3.Uninstall and reinstall the fingerprint reader driver: Go to Device Manager, right-click on the USB controller with the error, and select "Uninstall device". Check the box next to "Delete the driver software for this device", and then click on "Uninstall". After the driver is uninstalled, restart your laptop and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver. Check if the fingerprint reader works after that.

    4.Check for Windows updates: Check if there are any Windows updates available and install them. Sometimes updates can include fixes for driver issues.

    Regards,

    LunaNova14

  • mar19346
    mar19346 Member Posts: 3 New User

    @billsey

    Just to be clear; should I be uninstalling the 2 devices in my screenshot labelled "USB Root Hub (USB 3.0)"? If so then doesn't seem to work.

    When I uninstall them the errored USB device does disappear but it reappears after reboot, or after I reinstall the drivers manually.

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,944 Trailblazer

    Yes, those are what I was suggesting. Often they get confused and garble data to and from the internal USB ports, and a reinstall can clear that up. If they didn't fix it then it's likely a hardware issue with the reader itself, or corrosion on the connector between it and the motherboard. If you are in warranty then it's appropriate to get together with Acer support to fix it. If out of warranty and if you are comfortable opening things up, you can try reseating the cable at both ends:

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.