How To Set Up Windows Hello On Your PC

Fingerprint readers and facial recognition make it easier to unlock your PC. Here’s how you can set up Windows Hello to get started.

With security being a primary concern in this day and age, Windows 11 includes several measures to safeguard your PC. This includes Windows Hello, an amazing feature that lets you sign in to your Windows 11 PC using biometric data, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, making your device more secure than ever. If you’re not sure how this facility works, we’re here to help.

Best webcams in 2024

With remote work and learning becoming so common over the past few years, you probably need a good camera. Here are the best webcams you can get.

What you’ll need

Windows Hello requires one of the following to work:

A fingerprint reader
An IR camera for facial recognition
A physical FIDO2 security key

Most high-end laptops, and even some cheaper ones, include either a fingerprint reader or an IR camera these days. You can also buy external devices to add Windows Hello support. You’ll also need to be signed in with a Microsoft or enterprise account.

Lenovo Performance FHD Webcam
Kensington VeriMark
GoTrust Idem Key

Set up Windows Hello on your PC

If you just got a brand-new PC and you haven’t set it up yet, the easiest way to set it up is during the initial Windows setup process. After adding a Microsoft account, you can add a PIN, which is required for Windows Hello. Then, if your computer has Windows Hello hardware, you’ll be able to use your fingerprint or your face to set up Windows Hello.

If you’ve already set up your PC without Windows Hello, you can follow these steps to set it up:

Open the Settings app and go to the Accounts page.
Click Sign-inoptions.
Select the type of Windows Hello device you have, then click Set up to begin.
If you haven’t set up a Windows Hello PIN, you’ll have to do that first.
Follow the instructions on screen to set up Windows Hello for your device.
1. For facial recognition, simply look directly at the camera for a few seconds.
2. For fingerprint recognition, you’ll need to repeatedly tap your finger on the fingerprint sensor in different positions to register your fingerprint.
  
  Can’t find your fingerprint reader? Many laptops have it built into the power button, while others might have it on the touchpad or below the keyboard.
Once you’ve set up one face, you can go through the setup again to improve recognition. You can also register multiple fingerprints.

And that’s it! You can now use your fingerprint or face to unlock your PC. You can press the Windows key + L to go to your lock screen and test out Windows Hello. Tapping your finger on the fingerprint reader or simply standing in front of the camera should unlock your PC automatically from now on.

How to disable Windows Hello

If you’re not comfortable using Windows Hello for one reason or another, you can easily disable it with these steps:

Open the Settings app and go to the Accounts page.
Click Sign-inoptions.
Choose the sign-in option you’re currently using, then click Remove.

From now on, you’ll be able to sign in using your PIN instead of using Windows Hello.

Keeping your Windows 11 machine safe with Windows Hello

Windows Hello face recognition on Surface Pro

That’s all there is to know about setting up Windows Hello. If you’re looking to buy a new PC, and you’re not sure whether it supports this secure sign-in facility, be sure to consult our list of the best laptops with Windows Hello facial recognition. Alternatively, you can also invest in a Windows Hello-supported peripheral if you want an affordable way to sign in to your system without compromising on the security front.