When signing in to Windows, a password is the default option. But remembering a strong and complex password can be a hassle. Instead, you can try biometric technologies supported through the Windows Hello feature in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Before you can set this up, however, you need to make sure that your hardware supports the ability to scan your face or fingerprint. Here’s how to ditch the password and get started with Windows Hello.
Set Up a PIN
Before you can enable fingerprint or facial recognition, you need to create a PIN to sign into Windows. To set one up in Windows 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and select PIN (Windows Hello), then click the Set up button (Windows Hello PIN > Add in Windows 10). Click Next, then authenticate your account.
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Check the box next to Include letters and symbols if you’d like to use more than just numbers. You can then click the PIN requirements link if you wish. Type and then confirm your PIN and click OK. You’re told that your PIN is all set up to sign into Windows, apps, and services.
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Set Up Fingerprint Recognition
Many laptops come with fingerprint readers that work with Windows Hello. If you’re purchasing a new laptop, check the listed features to see if one is built into the device, and if it’s compatible with Windows Hello. If your laptop has a fingerprint scanner, you can review the specs in the user guide. For a desktop computer, or a laptop without one, you can buy an external device that connects to a USB port or a keyboard with the fingerprint read built into the keyboard.
Using an internal fingerprint reader is just a matter of making sure it’s activated in the BIOS. Using an external reader with your desktop or laptop is typically a plug-and-play process. In either case, your PC should simply recognize the reader and allow it to work in Windows.
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To set up your fingerprint reader in Windows 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello). Click the Set up button, then select Get started and enter your PIN. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, then choose Windows Hello Fingerprint and click the Set up button.
Follow the steps to lift and rest your finger until the setup is complete. When done, you can then add another fingerprint. When done, you’re told that you can use your fingerprint the next time you want to unlock your device. At this point, you can add another fingerprint if you wish.
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Set Up Facial Recognition
Most laptops come with webcams, but not all are compatible with Windows Hello. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, check the features to see if the included camera works with Windows Hello. You can also add a compatible webcam to your existing setup. To find one, run a search online for “Windows Hello webcam.” Logitech offers a good series of suitable webcams, including the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam. Other manufacturers make more budget-minded products that will also play nice with Windows Hello.
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You can set up facial recognition in Windows 11 by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Click Facial Recognition (Windows Hello) > Set up, then choose Get started and type your PIN. Position your face to let the scan run. If you wear glasses, you can click the Improve recognition link to conduct a second scan while wearing/not wearing your eyewear.
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Remove Option for Windows Password
After you’ve enabled Windows Hello, you can remove the password option completely. In Windows, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Scroll down to the section for Additional settings and turn on For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. When this setting is enabled, the password option will no longer appear at the login screen, so you would only be able to sign in with your face, fingerprint, or PIN.
The benefit here would be that if someone obtains your password, they wouldn’t be able to access Windows on your PC. However, that also means if biometric authorization ever fails, you wouldn’t be able to use your password as a fallback, though you could still sign in with your PIN.
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Sign In With Windows Hello
The next time you’re at the Windows login screen, click the Sign-in options link. Choose the method you wish to use for signing in, such as Face for facial recognition or Fingerprint for fingerprint recognition. Authenticate your identity through your method of choice, and you’ll be signed into Windows.
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About Our Expert
Lance Whitney
Contributor
Experience
I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn.
I've used Windows, Office, and other Microsoft products for years so I'm well versed in that world. I also know the Mac quite well. I'm always working with iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and Android on my various mobile devices. And these days, I write a lot about AI, so that's become another key area for me.
My wife always jokes about all the tech products we have around the house, but I manage to put them to good use for my articles. I like Lenovo computers, so I own a couple of Lenovo desktops and several laptops. I have three MacBooks and a Mac mini. For my mobile life and work, I use an iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Pro, and iPad mini as well as an Apple Watch. But since I write about Android, I own several Android phones and tablets. Like any tech person, I have a cabinet full of cables, wires, and assorted mysterious gadgets. And when it's time to take a break from writing, I have an old Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, both of which I use for exercise and fitness games.
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