Having a secure password is crucial, especially in these times. However, when it comes to Windows , having a secure password also means entering it multiple times during the day, each time when you want to log into your PC. Thankfully, Microsoft understands that, and allows you to leverage biometric authentication using Windows Hello. But what exactly is Windows Hello, and why and how should you use it?
Fret not, for we are here to answer all your queries. In this post, we’ll talk about how to set up Windows Hello on Windows, outlining its advantages and guiding you through every step of the process, from the initial requirements to the satisfying moment of effortless login. So, bid farewell to password fatigue and embrace the future of secure and convenient log-in with Windows Hello.
What is Windows Hello and Why To Use It
Windows Hello is Microsoft’s biometric authentication system, allowing you to sign in to your Windows 10 or 11 device using your face or fingerprint. Gone are the days of typing complex passwords – simply look at your webcam or touch the fingerprint sensor, and voila! You’re in. This is similar to using Touch ID on a Mac , except that for Windows you have the option for both face and fingerprint unlocking. This offers enhanced security with the comfort of a faster login to your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
Source:Windows
The seamless login experience offered by Windows Hello translates to increased productivity. No more lost time typing and retyping passwords, no more frustration battling login screens. In addition to that, Microsoft also allows you to use Windows Hello as an added biometric authentication for other apps on your PC. For instance, you can use Windows Hello with Google Chrome to protect your passwords.
Requirements to Use Windows Hello
Before diving into the setup process, let’s ensure that your system meets the requirements for Windows Hello. To take advantage of this cutting-edge feature, you’ll need:
- A compatible device with Windows 10 or 11.
- A camera for facial recognition or a fingerprint scanner for fingerprint authentication.
- The Windows Hello feature should be supported by your device.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s proceed to set up Windows Hello and elevate your device security.
How to Set up a PIN on Windows
Before using either Facial or Fingerprint unlock via Windows Hello on your PC, it’s important to set a PIN first. Setting up a Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the first step towards integrating Windows Hello into your daily routine. A PIN is a numeric code that provides an additional layer of security and serves as a backup authentication method. Here’s how you can set it up.
Step 1 : Press the Windows + I keys to open Windows Settings. Here, select Accounts from the left sidebar. Then, on the right side, scroll down and select ‘Sign-in options’.
Step 2 : Now, under the PIN option, click on ‘Set up’.
Step 3 : You will first have to verify your account password. For that, simply enter your password in the Password field and click OK.
Step 4 : Now, you can enter and confirm your desired PIN. Remember, choose a strong PIN that’s not easily guessable. Once done, click on OK.
That’s it. Once your PIN is set, you should get a window like this, giving you the option to either change your PIN or remove it.
This also means that you’re now ready to set up Windows Hello on your Windows PC.
How to Set up Windows Hello on Windows 11 (Face/Fingerprint)
Now, let’s dive into the core of Windows Hello – biometric authentication. The specific steps may vary depending on your hardware, but the general process remains the same. However, each method requires dedicated hardware. For instance, for facial unlock, you’ll require a Windows Hello-compatible webcam connected to your PC. Alternatively, if you wish to opt for fingerprint unlocking, your device should either have a built-in fingerprint scanner , or you can use a Windows Hello USB fingerprint reader . Once you’ve got the appropriate hardware as per your choice, here’s how to go about it.
Step 1 : Once again, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Here, choose from either ‘Facial recognition (Windows Hello)’ or ‘Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello)’ depending on your preferred method.
Step 2 : In the drop-down screen, select ‘Set up’.
Step 3 : Now, just follow the on-screen instructions. For facial unlock, you will be required to position your face in front of the camera.
Alternatively, for fingerprint unlocking, you will be required to place your thumb on the scanner multiple times.
Once the setup is complete, you can test Windows Hello by locking your device and attempting to log in using your face or fingerprint.
How to Disable Windows Hello
While Windows Hello offers numerous advantages, some users may prefer traditional password logins. Should the need arise to disable Windows Hello, simply follow these steps.
Step 1 : Head over to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Now, click on the Windows Hello method you wish to disable (Facial recognition or Fingerprint recognition).
Step 2 : There should be an option for ‘Remove this sign-in option’. Click on the Remove button next to it.
And that’s it. You might have to enter your PIN or password to confirm. Once done, Windows Hello should be disabled on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
Don’t Struggle To Remember Passwords
Using facial recognition as a password isn’t a new thing. However, with Windows Hello, Microsoft helps you log into your PC with ease. Enjoy the convenience and enhanced security that biometric authentication brings to your daily computing experience. Not only is it easier to use, but it also promotes added security while also boosting your overall productivity. Cheers to a more secure and seamless computing experience with Windows Hello.
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- Update or re-install the biometrics driver using the Device Manager tool on your PC.
- Delete your fingerprint, and register it again in Windows Hello settings.
- Open the Services program, and restart the Windows Biometric Service.
Basic Fixes
- Restart PC: Restart your PC to fix any temporary bugs and glitches.
- Clean your finger and the sensor: The biometrics sensor on your PC will not work if it is dirty, or if your finger isn’t clean.
- Update PC: Update your PC to the latest available version of Windows for a bug-free experience.
- Check for malware: Using Windows Defender , scan for malware that may be causing the problem.
Fix 1: Update or Reinstall the Biometrics (Fingerprint) Driver
The software drivers for the biometrics hardware on your Windows PC may be outdated and are due for an update. The update can fix bugs and problems that you are facing with the Windows Hello fingerprint service. Additionally, if the biometrics driver was installed through a corrupt package, it may cause issues with Windows Hello.
Therefore, updating or reinstalling these drivers will help.
Step 1: Open Device Manager from the start menu.
Step 2: Click to expand Biometric Devices .
Step 3: Right-click on the biometric device and click on Update driver .
Step 4: Choose whether you want to browse the update file locally or, let Windows search the internet for the same.
If you want to re-install the driver, click on Uninstall Device , confirm your action, and restart your PC to automatically install the driver.
Fix 2: Re-Register Your Fingerprints
If the saved fingerprint on your PC is corrupted, removing it and registering your fingerprint once again will help.
Step 1 : Open the Settings app on your PC.
Step 2: Select Accounts in the sidebar and click on Sign-In Options .
Step 3: Click on Fingerprint Recognition .
Step 4: Click on Remove to delete the registered fingerprint.
Step 5: Now, click on Set Up , and register your fingerprints once again.
Fix 3: Start Biometrics Service Automatically
If the Windows Biometric service – a process that is required to activate the fingerprint sensor on your device does not start up every time you boot up your PC, you may encounter problems with Windows Hello.
Step 1: Open the Services application from the Start menu.
Step 2: Scroll down to find, and right-click on Windows Biometric Service .
Step 3: Click on Properties .
Step 4: Open the dropdown menu for Startup type , and click on Automatic . Click on Apply and OK to confirm your changes.
Fix 4: Reset WinBio Database
Your Windows PC stores all the biometrics data in the WinBio database. If any entry is corrupted, it may be responsible for the error message.
Step 1: Open the Services application from the Start menu.
Step 2: Scroll down to find, and right-click on Windows Biometric Service .
Step 3: Click on Stop .
Step 4: Now, navigate to This PC -> Windows (C:) -> Windows -> System32 and open the WindBioDatabase folder.
Step 5: We will have to delete all the files present here.
But we recommend taking a backup . Select all files. Copy and paste them onto a different location.
Step 6: Once you have created a copy of all the files in a different destination – go ahead and delete the files .
Step 7: Now, go back to Windows Services , right-click on Windows Biometric Service , and click on Start .
Once you restart the biometric service, you must register your fingerprint again in the Settings app. Refer to the ‘Fix 2’ section to register your fingerprint.
Fix 5: Edit the Registry
If the biometric login is deactivated via the Registry on your Windows PC, you can enable it by using the registry editor.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor from the Start menu.
Step 2: Select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder.
Step 3: Click on SOFTWARE .
Step 4: Click on Policies -> Windows -> and right-click on System .
Step 5: Click on New -> DWORD (32-Bit) Value .
Step 6: Right-click on the new entry and click on Rename .
Enter the new name as AllowDomainPINLogon .
Step 7: Double-click on the new entry.
Step 8: Enter 1 in the value data. Click on OK .
Fix 6: Troubleshoot Hardware Devices
Running the hardware troubleshooting service on your Windows PC can fix issues with the fingerprint scanner.
Step 1: Open the Run window on your PC.
Step 2: Enter the following command, and click on OK to open the hardware diagnostics service.
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostics
Step 3: Click on Next , and the troubleshooting will begin. Once it is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to take the relevant actions.
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A Windows Hello USB fingerprint reader can make the mundane task of logging in to your Windows PC an easy and convenient affair. If you want to save time, here are some of the best external fingerprint readers you can buy for your PC.
Arcanite USB Fingerprint Reader
Arcanite USB Fingerprint Reader
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The Arcanite fingerprint reader is small, compact and resembles the dongles for wireless mouse or keyboard. It plugs into a USB-A port and protrudes slightly with the scanner on top. The sensor is positioned at the top of the reader, so it’ll work best only on vertically oriented USB ports.
Registering the device with Windows Hello allows you to store up to ten fingerprints. So, if multiple users access your PC, each can log in using their biometrics. While the Arcanite fingerprint reader works straight out of the box, you may have to download the device driver from Arcanite’s website if prompted.
What We Like
- Small and tiny
- Affordable
- Stores up to 10 fingerprints
What We Don’t Like
TEC Mini Fingerprint Scanner
TEC Mini Fingerprint Scanner
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While Arcanite’s fingerprint reader should work fine for most people, it only unlocks your PC. TEC’s mini fingerprint, thanks to its proprietary software, goes one step ahead by allowing you to unlock locked files and folders.
The TEC fingerprint reader draws parallels to the one from Aracnite in the design department. It has a sensor on the top portion of the dongle for easy access. However, it has an ordinary build quality and may disintegrate after a few months. As such, we’d recommend against repeatedly plugging the dongle in and out of the USB port to extend the scanner’s life. On the upside, it’s affordable and won’t drain your pocket.
What We Like
- Small and portable
- Unlock files and folders
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Poor build quality
Yoidesu Fingerprint Reader
Yoidesu Fingerprint Reader
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Yoidesu’s offering comes with a side-mounted scanner, unlike the fingerprint readers from Arcanite and TEC. This design makes it a better choice for those who use a laptop over a PC. You can leave it plugged into a USB port on the side and use it like a built-in scanner.
Above all, it has a better build quality, thanks to the metal construction. At the same time, the Yoidesu fingerprint reader has a larger footprint compared to the devices above. At the same time, you can register up to ten fingerprints. Moreover, the scanner boasts snappy unlocking speeds, so you should be able to unlock your laptop in the blink of an eye.
What We Like
- Faster response time
- Excellent build quality
- Larger footprint
- Stores up to 10 fingerprints
What We Don’t Like
- N/A
Verifi P2000
Verifi P2000
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The Verifi P2000 is also compatible with some popular apps and password managers. So, if you use LastPass or 1Password, you can access all your credentials using just your fingerprint.
What We Like
- Reliable
- Works with apps and password managers
What We Don’t Like
- Works with older versions of Windows
Kensington VeriMark
Kensington VeriMark
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Kensington is synonymous with security. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, secure solution for Windows Hello, the VeriMark fingerprint reader is the best option. In fact, it’s being deployed in U.S. Federal Government institutions and organizations, and has some of the best acceptance rates for a fingerprint reader.
That said, it doesn’t work on a plug-and-play basis with Windows 11. As such, you may need to download the drivers manually. But, if you can get past this step, we highly recommend VeriMark for professional users who want to keep their accounts secure.
What We Like
- Reliable
- Able performer
- Practical design
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Not plug-and-play
A fingerprint reader is arguably more secure while a webcam is more convenient since you just have to look into it. You can pick either of them depending on your preference.
A long and difficult password can be harder to crack and might just be safer than using a fingerprint reader. But most of the time, a fingerprint reader is good enough since it’s both secure and convenient.
You can use Windows Hello on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.
