The Windows operating system includes a convenient and secure tool called Windows Hello, which allows you to unlock your PC using biometric features. However, signing into a Windows PC still requires your account password. To enhance security, it’s advisable to create a strong password, especially if you share your computer with others.
Many users prefer Windows Hello over traditional passwords for their convenience. However, remembering a password at all times can be challenging. This is why Microsoft offers Windows Hello as an alternative. Despite this, many users are unaware of the best way to configure Windows Hello on their PC. In this guide, we will discuss how to setup Windows Hello on a Windows 11 PC.
What is Windows Hello?
Windows Hello is one of the most convenient and useful tools for quickly unlocking your Windows operating system. It allows you to access your computer through fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, or a PIN.
You can easily access the Windows Hello program on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, as it is compatible with both. You can choose from various sign-in methods, including fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, or a PIN.
While a PIN is generally available to everyone, facial and fingerprint recognition depends on your computer’s hardware. Make sure to check whether your computer supports these features. If your computer isn’t compatible with facial or fingerprint recognition, you might consider using an external fingerprint reader or camera.
How to Setup Windows Hello in Windows 11
Setting up Windows Hello on the Windows operating system is straightforward. You can easily configure Windows Hello by following the steps below.
Before you begin, you need to set up a PIN to enable other sign-in options, such as facial recognition and fingerprint recognition. If you already have a PIN set up on Windows 11, follow the steps below to configure Windows Hello on your computer.
1. Facial Recognition (Windows Hello)
To configure facial recognition (Windows Hello) on your Windows computer, you first need to create a Windows Hello PIN. After that, you can set up facial recognition.
To set up facial recognition on your Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows + I keys together on the keyboard to open Settings.
2. Click on the Accounts tab on the left pane.
3. Then, click the Sign-in options on the right side.
4. Under the Ways to Sign In section, click the Facial Recognition (Windows Hello) option.
5. Here, you’ll see the Set up button, click on it.
6. After that, click the Get Started button.
7. Confirm it by entering your password (PIN).
8. Focus on the camera to create a facial recognition profile of your face.
Once you have created facial recognition on your Windows 11 computer, close the settings and then lock your computer by pressing Windows + L keys together on the keyboard. Now you’ll be able to unlock your Windows 11 computer quickly with facial recognition.
2. Fingerprint Recognition (Windows Hello)
If you want to set up fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) on your Windows 11 PC, you can easily configure this by following the steps below.
However, the steps we’ve outlined must be followed regardless of whether you’re using a USB fingerprint scanner or a built-in fingerprint reader on your Windows computer.
To set up fingerprint recognition on your Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on the Accounts tab on the left pane and click the Sign-in options on the right side.
3. Under the Ways to sign in section, click the Fingerprint Recognition (Windows Hello) option.
4. Here, click on the Set up button on the right side.
5. Next, you will get the Windows Hello setup window for fingerprint recognition. Here, click the Get Started button.
6. Here, you will have to enter the Windows PIN that you have created before.
7. Place your finger on the fingerprint reader.
8. Swipe the finger across the fingerprint reader until it registers completely. Once done, you’ll get all set screen.
9. Finally, click the Close button.
10. Alternatively, you can register a second fingerprint with Windows Hello on your PC. The second fingerprint is more useful when your first fingerprint fails to recognize most of the time.
11. To register a second fingerprint, head over to the Windows Hello setup section. Next, click on the Add a finger button, next to Set up another finger.
12. After that, you can set up another fingerprint by following the same procedure.
3. PIN (Windows Hello)
You cannot register facial recognition or fingerprint recognition on your computer without first setting up a PIN. If you’re unsure how to create a PIN (Windows Hello) on your Windows 11 computer, don’t worry.
You can easily set up your PIN or follow the steps below to change your Windows Hello PIN.
1. Open Settings on your computer.
2. Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options
3. Under the Ways to Sign In section, click the PIN (Windows Hello) option.
4. Click on the Set up button.
5. Enter the password or PIN you want to set.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a PIN (Windows Hello) and click on OK.
7. Alternatively, if you already have a PIN setup then you can also change it from the same settings page. Click the PIN (Windows Hello) and click on the Chagne PIN button.
8. Enter the old PIN and then enter the new PIN you want to set and click on the OK button.
How to Disable Windows Hello
In Windows OS, Windows Hello is a useful and secure way to access your computer using facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a PIN. However, there might be situations where you want to disable Windows Hello for various reasons. In such cases, it’s best to disable Windows Hello on your computer.
To do so, follow these steps:
1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options
3. Here, you will see the Window Hello option you have previously set up.
4. Click on the Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello). You can select the one you want to remove.
5. Finally, click the Remove button.
If you’re using an external USB fingerprint reader or camera, make sure to connect it before disabling Windows Hello on your computer. Also, you can’t remove the Windows Hello PIN from your computer. However, you can change it.
Conclusion
Windows 11 has introduced a convenient and seamless tool for protecting your computer through Windows Hello. Setting up Windows Hello using biometric authentication and a PIN is straightforward and enhances the overall security and functionality of your computer.
By carefully following the steps to set up biometric authentication and a PIN, you can enjoy a more efficient and secure experience with your computer. If you have any questions or concerns related to this, please let us know in the comments section.