Windows Hello is the biometric authentication system built into Windows 11. It lets you sign in with your face, fingerprint, or a PIN — replacing or supplementing your Microsoft account password. Setup takes a few minutes and sign-in becomes significantly faster and more convenient.
What Windows Hello Offers
- Face recognition: uses your PC’s camera to recognise your face. Works in a fraction of a second on a well-lit PC.
- Fingerprint: uses a fingerprint sensor on your keyboard, laptop, or USB device. Instant and reliable.
- PIN: a short numeric (or alphanumeric) code that unlocks only this device. More convenient than typing a full password and more secure than it sounds — it is tied to the local hardware and cannot be used remotely.
All of these are faster than typing a password and more phishing-resistant. The biometric data never leaves your device — it is stored in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, not in Microsoft’s cloud.
Requirements
- Face recognition: requires an infrared (IR) camera. Standard RGB webcams do not work. Most modern laptops with built-in cameras support this; external USB IR cameras are available if your PC does not.
- Fingerprint: requires a fingerprint sensor — built into many laptop keyboards, some external keyboards, and USB fingerprint readers.
- PIN: available on any PC with TPM 2.0 (standard on all modern PCs running Windows 11).
Setting Up a PIN
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
- Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Set up
- Verify your Microsoft account password when prompted
- Enter and confirm your chosen PIN
By default PINs are numeric. To use letters and symbols, tick Include letters and symbols when setting the PIN — this is worth doing if you want a stronger, more memorable passphrase-style PIN.
Setting Up Face Recognition
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
- Under Facial recognition (Windows Hello), click Set up
- Click Get started and follow the on-screen instructions — look directly at the camera while Windows scans your face
- You can add an improved recognition scan after setup — useful if your appearance varies (glasses, different lighting conditions)
If the Facial recognition option is greyed out, your PC does not have a compatible IR camera.
Setting Up Fingerprint
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
- Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), click Set up
- Follow the prompts — place and lift your finger repeatedly to capture multiple positions
- Add multiple fingers if you prefer (e.g. both index fingers)
If fingerprint is greyed out, your device does not have a fingerprint sensor.
Using Windows Hello to Sign In
Once configured, Windows Hello is the default sign-in method at the lock screen. Look at the camera for face recognition, touch the sensor for fingerprint, or type your PIN. You can always fall back to your password if needed by clicking Sign-in options on the lock screen.
Windows Hello for Business Applications
Beyond device sign-in, Windows Hello works with:
- Microsoft Edge: autofill passwords and biometric confirmation for payment details
- Microsoft 365 apps: some apps prompt for Windows Hello re-authentication for sensitive operations
- Passkeys: Windows Hello is used to authenticate passkeys on websites — a modern, phishing-resistant alternative to passwords
Managing and Removing Windows Hello
To remove a sign-in method, go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options, click the method, and select Remove. You can re-add it at any time. Removing Windows Hello does not affect your Microsoft account password — that remains the fallback.
Troubleshooting
Face recognition not working after time away: Lighting conditions may have changed, or your appearance has changed. Use Improve recognition in Sign-in options to scan your face again with the current conditions.
“Something went wrong” when setting up: Ensure Windows is fully up to date and that your TPM is enabled in BIOS/UEFI settings. Check Device Manager for camera or biometric sensor errors.
Fingerprint not recognised consistently: Re-enrol the finger using the Add another finger option, and try scanning at slightly different angles to capture more positions.
