Body
Background
Windows Hello is a system for using alternative sign-in methods other than a password or security key. With Windows Hello enabled, you can set a 6+ digit PIN, and subsequently utilize biometric sign-in options such as facial recognition and fingerprint recognition. These sign-in options complement what you already use to sign-in to your user account, but unlike your password, do not sync between devices. Fingerprint recognition requires a fingerprint reader attached to your computer and facial recognition requires a camera with IR (infrared) emitter and detector capabilities.
How-To
1. To access Windows Hello settings, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options or search "Sign-in" or "Windows Hello" from the start menu. 
2. You must set up a PIN first to utilize biometric sign-in options. Expand "PIN (Windows Hello)" and then "Set up" a PIN. Follow the prompts.
Save your PIN to a password vault for safekeeping if you think you may not remember it.
3. Depending on which option you want to utilize (or both!), expand either "Fingerprint Recognition (Windows Hello)" or "Facial Recognition (Windows Hello)".
Note
If you are using an external fingerprint reader or camera, scroll down the Sign-in options Settings page to Additional Settings and turn on "Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader" setting.
| Fingerprint Recognition |
Facial Recognition |
|
Click "Set up" and follow the prompts telling you how to move your finger.
Tip
Typically index finger is easiest for laptop fingerprint readers.
|
Click "Set up" and follow the prompts telling you how to frame your face.
Tip
Don't change anything from how you usually look, keep all jewelry, etc. unchanged.
|
| Select "Add a finger" to set up multiple fingerprints that you can use for sign in. |
If you wear glasses, go through the process again by clicking "improve recognition"
to have it recognize you with and without glasses.
|
| Make sure to test it to make sure it recognizes your finger correctly |
Make sure to test recognition with all cameras you may use. |
Issues
- If you have already set up a PIN and it is not letting you set up another sign-in option for Windows Hello (it may say something like these settings are managed by your organization), you will need to remove your PIN and set it up again. Before you can remove your PIN, you will have to remove any other biometric sign-in option previously configured. Then you will be able to set everything up again and make changes.
- "This option is currently unavailable." Under fingerprint or facial recognition. Typically this is accompanied by a message: "We couldn't find <camera/scanner> compatible with Windows Hello <face/fingerprint>" If that is the case, then you either don't have the capability or will need to troubleshoot why the computer is not recognizing the device via device manager. You can contact Nanook Technology Services for assistance.
- When using an external fingerprint reader, one may have sign-in errors with the device. It can be a good idea to take fingerprints with that device as well as your built-in one, so it matches better.
More Information
- You can enhance facial recognition protection under the Facial Recognition dropdown to reduce spoofing possibilities. However, this may increase sign-in errors.
- You can also select which camera is your preferred if you have multiple Windows Hello compatible cameras (ex: Laptop webcam and external USB webcam).
- When looking to purchase a camera for facial recognition, look for " Windows Hello compatible camera" and/or "IR infrared capabilities". NookTech has camera recommendations through our Hardware Recommendations & Purchasing | Nanook Technology Services website or more directly via the GCSIT store link: GCSIT | Shop where you click on the UA authentication button.