Unlocking and logging into your PC can be tedious, especially if you have many logins to remember. However, thanks to biometric technology, you can eliminate the password with a simpler and more secure method of accessing your computer. That’s why you need Windows Hello on Windows 10 and eliminate the possibility of unauthorized access.
Page Contents:
One of the most eligible and fantastic features that come with Microsoft’s free upgrade offer to Windows 10 is Windows Hello. With this tool, you can log into your computer just by looking at it.
What is Windows Hello?
Windows Hello is Microsoft’s login method that uses biometrics to provide access to your PC. Use technologies like facial recognition, fingerprint, or iris scan instead of a password.
It only works with Windows 10 specific apps. So you can log in to your PC without a password. However, for this, you will need a compatible computer and extra accessories such as a fingerprint scanner or webcam.
There are other sign-in options besides the Windows Hello Face / Fingerprint / PIN options in Windows 10. For example, you can use passwords, security passwords, PINs, and picture passwords, all of which are available on the sign-in options page.
Others are settings like login prompt after being away from the computer, dynamic lock, and privacy settings that hide your data on the login screen.
How to set up Windows Hello in Windows 10
It’s easy to set up Windows Hello on your computer, and we’ll show you how to do it.
- Click Start and select Settings> Accounts.
- Click Login Options to choose the Windows Hello method you want to set up. Depending on the compatibility of your device, you may or may not see login options.
- Click Configure.
Alternatively, you can check for native Windows Hello by clicking Start, type Windows Hello, click Sign In Options, and launch the Windows 10 settings app. If your computer runs an older version of Windows, look for the Set button in Windows Hello.
- You will get a prompt on Windows Hello and what it does. Click Get Started and verify your identity using your current password. It may include a PIN assigned during the device startup process or a Microsoft account password.
- Enter the PIN, then place your face in the center of the frame and look directly into the Windows Hello webcam to properly analyze the facial features.
You can improve the way Windows Hello recognizes your face by clicking Enhance Recognition, but this is optional and useful if you have piercings or wear glasses.
How to set up Windows Hello Fingerprint
To set up the fingerprint reader in Windows Hello, you can use a built-in one. If it’s not available, plug an external fingerprint reader into a USB port on your computer and let Windows 10 install its drivers.
- Click Start> Settings> Accounts> Sign-in options. Go to Windows Hello and click Set up in the Fingerprint section.
- Verify your identity using a password or PIN.
- You’ll see an explanation of how Windows Hello works, after which you can click Get started.
- Swipe your finger on the fingerprint reader for Windows to receive the fingerprint data. Newer devices allow you to tap your fingers about six times on the sensor. However, if you have an older computer, slide your fingers over the reader, and you’re good to go.
Windows Hello may not work in rare cases. In these cases, it will attempt to scan your face again, offering suggestions on positioning your face. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll need to enter the security PIN you chose during setup and close the lock screen.
How to disable Windows Hello in Windows 10?
Windows Hello isn’t just good news, as it only works with select hardware. For facial recognition, it means buying a webcam with infrared capabilities.
The feature also puts a strain on the computer’s processor when paired with iris or facial recognition. The camera constantly scans the user, in turn, hogging system resources, sends fans into overdrive and drains the battery quickly.
While these are significant flaws, they aren’t always a nuisance. It also has the added benefit of having instant gratification as you won’t have to go back to the slow, clumsy, and insecure password system.
If you no longer need it, you can remove Windows Hello, all associated biometric identification data from your computer.
Click Start> Settings> Accounts> Sign-in Options to choose the method you want to be removed and click Remove.
Why do you need to use Windows Hello?
The obvious benefit of using Windows Hello is that you don’t need to enter a password to log in. Additionally, you can access a specific site like the Microsoft account page and storage services like Dropbox and OneDrive or password managers like OneLocker.
It will also help you protect your computer, apps, and files. Even if your Windows password is compromised, it is extremely difficult (requires special effort) to find a workaround for your biometric data.
In conclusion
Using facial recognition as a password is nothing new. However, numerous attempts have been made to use it in the past, but the problems have never been solved due to clunky hardware and/or unreliable software.
Scanning technology continues to improve as newer devices use a combination of the traditional camera with depth sensors and built-in infrared projectors, which can correctly identify a false face from the real one. You no longer need to remember full-character passwords every time you log into your PC.
