What is Windows Hello?

Windows Hello is Microsoft's biometric security feature that lets you sign in to your Windows computer without typing a password. Instead, you use your face, your fingerprint or a PIN. This method is not only faster and easier, but also more secure than traditional passwords.

Windows Hello uses advanced technology to verify your identity. Facial recognition works with a special infrared camera that also works in the dark and cannot be fooled with a photo. Fingerprint recognition uses a sensor that reads your unique fingerprint. Both methods store your biometric data securely in a special security chip in your computer.

Benefits of Windows Hello

There are several reasons why Windows Hello is an improvement over passwords:

Security

  • Biometric data is unique to you and cannot be guessed or stolen the way passwords can
  • Your data is stored locally on your device, not in the cloud
  • The data is stored encrypted in a security chip (TPM)
  • Facial recognition works with infrared and cannot be fooled with a photo

Convenience

  • Signing in takes just a few seconds
  • No more passwords to remember
  • Also works for many apps and websites
  • Ideal if you lock your computer often

Requirements for Windows Hello

Before you can set up Windows Hello, your hardware has to meet certain requirements:

For facial recognition

  • A Windows Hello compatible camera with an infrared sensor
  • Many modern laptops have one built in
  • External Windows Hello cameras are also available

For fingerprint recognition

  • A fingerprint scanner that is compatible with Windows Hello
  • Many laptops have a scanner built into the power button or the touchpad
  • External USB fingerprint readers are also available

General requirements

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • A Microsoft account or a local account with a password

Setting up Windows Hello with facial recognition

If your computer has a compatible camera, you can set up facial recognition:

Step-by-step guide

  1. Open Settings with Windows key + I
  2. Go to Accounts
  3. Click Sign-in options
  4. Find Facial recognition (Windows Hello) and click it
  5. Click Set up
  6. Click Get started
  7. Enter your current PIN or password to verify it is you
  8. Look straight into the camera while Windows scans your face
  9. The scan only takes a few seconds
  10. Click Close when the setup is complete

Improving recognition

You can improve recognition, especially if you sometimes wear glasses:

  1. Go back to the facial recognition settings
  2. Click Improve recognition
  3. Scan your face again, this time with or without glasses (the opposite of the first scan)

Setting up Windows Hello with a fingerprint

For computers with a fingerprint scanner:

Step-by-step guide

  1. Open Settings with Windows key + I
  2. Go to Accounts
  3. Click Sign-in options
  4. Find Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) and click it
  5. Click Set up
  6. Click Get started
  7. Enter your PIN or password to verify it is you
  8. Place your finger on the scanner when prompted
  9. Lift your finger and place it again when indicated
  10. Repeat this process until the scan is complete (usually 5 to 10 times)
  11. Click Close

Adding multiple fingers

It is a good idea to register multiple fingers:

  1. Go back to the fingerprint settings
  2. Click Add a finger
  3. Go through the scanning process for another finger
  4. Repeat for any other fingers you want to use

This is handy if you injure a finger or want to use your other hand.

Setting up a Windows Hello PIN

As an alternative to biometric sign-in, you can also use a Windows Hello PIN:

Why a PIN is more secure than a password

  • The PIN is tied to this specific device
  • If someone steals your PIN, they cannot sign in on other devices
  • The PIN is protected by the TPM chip in your computer
  • After a few wrong attempts, the device is locked

Setting up a PIN

  1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
  2. Click PIN (Windows Hello)
  3. Click Set up
  4. Enter your Microsoft account password
  5. Choose a PIN (at least 4 digits, it may also contain letters and symbols)
  6. Confirm the PIN

Using Windows Hello for apps and websites

Windows Hello does not only work for signing in to your computer, but also for:

Supported applications

  • Microsoft Edge and Chrome for autofilling passwords
  • Microsoft 365 applications
  • Many banking and finance apps
  • Websites that support passkeys
  • Apps from the Microsoft Store

Passkeys

Windows Hello also supports passkeys, the new standard for passwordless sign-in on websites. More and more websites offer this option as a more secure alternative to passwords.

Troubleshooting

If Windows Hello does not work as expected, try these solutions:

Facial recognition does not work

  • Make sure the lighting is good (not too dark and no bright light behind you)
  • Clean the camera lens
  • Check that the camera's privacy shutter is not closed
  • Improve recognition by doing a new scan

Fingerprint is not recognized

  • Make sure your finger and the scanner are clean and dry
  • Register the finger again
  • Add multiple fingers as a backup
  • Place your finger fully and flat on the scanner

The Windows Hello option is not available

  • Check that your hardware is compatible
  • Update Windows to the latest version
  • Update the drivers for your camera or fingerprint scanner
  • Check in Device Manager that the hardware is working correctly

Conclusion

Windows Hello makes signing in to your computer faster, easier and more secure. Whether you choose facial recognition, a fingerprint or a PIN, you benefit from strong security without the frustration of passwords. Take the time to set up Windows Hello properly, including backup options, and enjoy easy access to your computer and to the growing number of apps and websites that support this technology.

Frequently asked questions

Is Windows Hello secure?

Yes, Windows Hello is very secure. Your biometric data is stored encrypted in a special security chip (TPM) on your device and is never sent to Microsoft or the cloud. Thanks to the infrared camera, facial recognition cannot be fooled with a photo.

What if my face or fingerprint is not recognized?

You can always fall back on your Windows Hello PIN. Also make sure you have registered multiple fingers and have improved recognition (for example with and without glasses). Clean the sensors and camera for better results.

Can I use Windows Hello on any computer?

No, you need specific hardware. For facial recognition you need a Windows Hello compatible camera with an infrared sensor. For fingerprint recognition you need a compatible fingerprint scanner. Not all computers have these built in.

Does Windows Hello also work for websites and apps?

Yes, more and more websites and apps support Windows Hello for signing in. Microsoft Edge and Chrome can use Windows Hello to confirm passwords and passkeys. Many Microsoft 365 and finance apps also support this feature.

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