9
Once you enable Windows Hello, you can log in to Windows 10 using facial recognition via a camera or your fingerprint, among other methods. In this article, we’ll explain exactly how it works and what you need to keep in mind during setup.
Enabling Windows 10 Hello: System Requirements
The biometric authentication system Windows Hello is designed not only to work well but, above all, to be secure. That’s why this new Windows 10 feature is based on the “Isometric Key Cryptography” security protocol, which is also used in smart cards and smartphones. As a result, you’ll need special hardware to use this feature:
- The basic requirement is Windows 10 64-bit.
- If you want to log in using your fingerprint, you’ll also need a fingerprint sensor or an illuminated infrared sensor.
- A standard webcam is not sufficient for facial recognition. Instead, you need a specialized combination of an infrared camera and compatible software. Intel RealSense, for example, offers this.
- You can find out which devices from Microsoft and Intel already have the necessary hardware built in on their respective websites.
- Tip: To check whether your PC meets these requirements, press the keyboard shortcut [Windows] + [I]. In the new window, go to “Accounts” and select “Sign-in options.” If the “Windows Hello” section indicates that it is not supported, you are missing the necessary hardware. If that is not the case, you can begin the setup process.
How to Enable and Set Up Windows Hello
You’ll find the corresponding option in Windows Settings.
- Press the [Windows] + [I] key combination to open Windows Settings.
- In the “Accounts” category, click “Sign-in options” on the left.
- Next, under “Windows Hello,” choose facial recognition, a PIN, or fingerprint recognition—depending on which sign-in option you want to use.
- Now enter your Windows PIN. If you don’t have one yet, you’ll first need to set up a PIN. This numeric code serves as a backup in case signing in with Windows Hello ever fails.
- Then follow the on-screen instructions. Set up facial recognition. Look at the screen as naturally and neutrally as possible so that Windows can register your face. To set up the fingerprint scanner, place your finger on the sensor.
- Setup may take some time. Once Windows 10 has collected all the necessary information, you’ll receive a notification.
- Then log out using the [Windows] + [L] keyboard shortcut and test your new sign-in method. You can tell that Windows Hello is enabled by the corresponding notification at the top of the lock screen.
- Note: If you want to set up Windows Hello for multiple PC users, repeat these steps for everyone who will be logging in this way.
Windows Hello in Windows 11
Activating and setting up Windows Hello works the same way in Windows 11 as it does in Windows 10.
- However, hardware requirements aren’t just increasing for the PC itself. Certain prerequisites must be met in order for Windows 11 to be installed at all.
- One of these prerequisites, for example, is that a camera is required. However, the webcam requirement isn’t the only one set by Microsoft.
- The camera requirements for facial recognition have been raised. Starting January 1, 2023, it must offer at least HD resolution or better. It must also have automatic white balance and exposure compensation.
