What is Windows Hello

In the early days of the Internet, logging into your email account, social media page, or bank was pretty easy. You could get away with a simple password like “12345” or “QWERTY”, or even your name.

Nowadays, you must come up with a good password that’s long and sophisticated. Additionally, you must try to have separate passwords for each account backed by two-factor authentication to stop hackers and other cybercriminals.

Microsoft knows that we dislike passwords. That’s why with Windows Hello, Microsoft is making a bold move towards a password-less future. But like any new technology, Windows Hello has had its share of issues.

What is Windows Hello and why do I need it?

Windows Hello is a new optional way from Microsoft to sign in to your computer, devices, apps, networks, and accounts. It uses biometrics for security by allowing you to sign in with your fingerprint, iris, or face. Microsoft claims that it doesn’t store sensitive data like fingerprints or images of irises and faces.

How do I use Windows Hello?

1. Tap the Win key on your keyboard and type “Settings” without the quotes in the search box.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Click Accounts.
4. Click Sign-in options.
5. Set up a PIN in order to use Windows Hello.
6. Depending on your system’s hardware, you will see several options for Windows Hello. You can use the PIN you just created or your fingerprint if your computer has a fingerprint scanner or a specialized webcam that supports Windows Hello.

How do I use Windows Hello fingerprint login?

1. Tap the Win key on your keyboard and type “Settings” without the quotes in the search box.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Click Accounts.
4. Click Sign-in options.
5. Click Set up under Fingerprint.
6. Click Get started.
7. Enter your Pin.
8. Scan your finger on the fingerprint reader until Windows Hello accepts it.
9. You can scan another finger by clicking Add another.

How do I use Windows Hello face login?

1. Tap the Win key on your keyboard and type “Settings” without the quotes in the search box.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Click Accounts.
4. Click Sign-in options.
5. Pick the option for Face and click Set up.
6. Click Get started.
7. Position your face in the center of the screen while the camera registers your face. 
8. Click to end the process or click Improve recognition to try again.

How do I disable Windows Hello?

1. Tap the Win key on your keyboard and type “Settings” without the quotes in the search box.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Click Accounts.
4. Click Sign-in options.
5. Click Windows Hello PIN.
6. Follow the instructions to disable Windows Hello.

If Windows still forces you to use Windows Hello, try the following steps from Microsoft on Windows 10 Pro Edition:

1. Hold down the Win and R keys together to start the Run dialog box.
2. Type “GPEDIT.MSC” without the quotes and hit the Enter on your keyboards.
3. Click Computer Configuration
4. Click Administrative Templates
5. Click System
6. Click Logon
7. Double-click on Turn on PIN sign-in and select Disabled
8. Disable any other Windows Hello options.
9. Close the Group Policy Editor and restart the computer.

Problems with Windows Hello

While Windows Hello is straightforward to use, its requirements may frustrate some people. For example, users need webcams with infrared depth cameras capable of mapping facial contours in order to use Windows Hello’s facial recognition log-in options.

Additionally, some users report bugs despite meeting the minimum hardware requirements of Windows Hello. We recommend that users check for Windows updates regularly to stay on top of Windows Hello fixes and patches. Downloading the latest drivers for your webcam and fingerprint sensor may also help. Please also utilize the latest Windows antivirus protection software to protect yourself from malware that may try to breach your security and privacy.

Windows Hello is a promising tool that aims to reduce the need for passwords. Already, nearly 85% of consumers use it for Windows 10, according to Microsoft. As more users meet its hardware requirements, Windows Hello is likely to become widely adopted by Microsoft consumers.