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Windows Hello lets you sign in to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC using a device-specific PIN, your fingerprint, or your face instead of typing your Microsoft account password each time. The Microsoft account still exists and remains available for account recovery; Windows Hello simply provides a more convenient sign-in method for that particular device.
Face sign-in requires a Windows Hello-compatible infrared camera. Fingerprint sign-in requires a compatible fingerprint reader. A standard webcam cannot be used for Windows Hello Face.
Before setting up Windows Hello
Make sure you can sign in to Windows with your Microsoft account password. You may need to verify the account before creating a PIN or enrolling biometric data.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Windows Hello is available in Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, general support for Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education ended on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 version 22H2 was the final general-release version; LTSC editions follow separate support lifecycles.
#1 Best Overall
- Certified to Microsoft’s highest fingerprint security standards (ESS & SDCP) for robust, hardware-isolated authentication. Supports next-gen Windows features, including Copilot Recall and Windows Hello with ESS support.
- Windows Hello ready for fast, password free fingerprint login to Windows and Microsoft 365 accounts
- On device fingerprint storage keeps biometric data securely within the key. Supports privacy regulations (GDPR, BIPA, CCPA) through on device biometric processing; TAA compliant.
- Reliable wired USB fingerprint authentication with USB C and USB A compatibility for desktop PCs.
- Consistent, all condition 360° fingerprint recognition.
| Windows Hello method | Hardware required | What you use at sign-in |
|---|---|---|
| PIN | No special sensor | A device-specific PIN |
| Fingerprint | Windows Hello-compatible fingerprint reader | A registered finger |
| Facial recognition | Windows Hello-compatible infrared camera | Your face |
How to set up a Windows Hello PIN
- Open Settings. You can press Windows key + I.
- Select Accounts.
- Select Sign-in options.
- Under Ways to sign in, select PIN (Windows Hello).
- Select Set up.
- Enter your Microsoft account password if Windows asks you to verify your identity.
- Enter a PIN, confirm it, and select OK.
The PIN is associated with this individual device. It is not simply your Microsoft account password, and changing the PIN does not change the Microsoft account password. A Windows Hello PIN can continue to work even if you use a different password for the Microsoft account.
If Windows offers a checkbox to allow letters and symbols, leave it cleared for a normal numeric PIN, or select it if you want a more complex PIN. Avoid using an easily guessed number such as your birth date.
How to set up fingerprint sign-in
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
- Under Ways to sign in, select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
- Select Set up.
- Enter your PIN or Microsoft account credentials if requested.
- Repeatedly place and lift the finger you want to register on the fingerprint reader, changing its position when Windows asks.
- Select Add another or Add a finger to register another finger, or select Close when finished.
Register at least two fingers. For example, use the index finger on each hand. This gives you another way in if one finger is wet, injured, or difficult to position on the reader.
How to set up face sign-in
- Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
- Under Ways to sign in, select Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
- Select Set up.
- Enter your PIN or Microsoft account credentials if Windows requests verification.
- Look directly at the camera and follow the prompts until enrollment finishes.
- Select Close.
If you regularly wear glasses, you can select Improve recognition from the same Facial recognition section and complete another scan. This adds another face template. It does not remove the original enrollment.
To delete the current face enrollment and start over, select Remove, then select Set up and scan your face again. A normal webcam will not make the Facial recognition option work; the camera must support Windows Hello infrared authentication.
How to sign in with Windows Hello
- Turn on the PC, or wake it from sleep.
- At the sign-in screen, select your Microsoft account if more than one account is shown.
- Look at the infrared camera, place a registered finger on the reader, or select the PIN entry field and type your PIN.
- For a PIN or password, press Enter or select the sign-in arrow.
You can also use Hello after locking the computer. Press Windows key + L, then use your configured face, fingerprint, or PIN to unlock it.
Rank #2
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- Match-in-Sensor Security Protection: This fingerprint reader uses advanced biometric processing to verify fingerprints inside the sensor, helping protect your personal data. Your fingerprint information stays stored locally on your Windows device and is never uploaded or shared externally.
- Fast & Accurate Biometric Recognition: Built as a reliable fingerprint scanner for everyday computer security, this fingerprint reader for windows 11 provides quick recognition and stable performance. Access your PC, lock screens, and manage user accounts with a simple touch.
- Plug & Play Desktop Convenience: The usb fingerprint reader windows 11 solution connects easily through USB with no complicated drivers or third-party apps. The included 4ft cable provides flexible placement for desktops, workstations, and home office setups.
- Designed for Windows PC Security: This fingerprint scanner for pc supports password-free login through Windows Hello and works as a practical windows fingerprint reader for compatible systems. Compact design and angled sensor placement offer comfortable daily use.
If the method you want is not displayed, select Sign-in options on the sign-in screen. Select the face, fingerprint, PIN, or password icon that corresponds to another configured method.
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Windows 11 includes an option that removes the password choice from sign-in for a Microsoft account on that device:
- Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
- Expand Additional settings.
- Turn on For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.
In Windows 10, the equivalent setting is labelled Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts.
This option applies to Microsoft-account sign-in on the current device. It does not require Windows Hello for every account or every PC, and it is available only when the Windows account uses a Microsoft account. When enabled, the password option is removed from the Windows sign-in experience for that account; the available methods are Windows Hello face, fingerprint, or PIN.
What to do when Windows Hello does not work
Face recognition says “Couldn’t recognize you”
- Clean the camera and remove anything covering it.
- Face the camera in even lighting. Strong backlighting, deep shadows, or a dark room can prevent recognition.
- Remove a hat or accessory that casts a shadow over your face.
- If your glasses, facial hair, or makeup has changed, select Improve recognition and scan again.
- On managed work or school PCs, enhanced anti-spoofing policies can make face recognition more difficult in poor lighting.
Fingerprint recognition fails
If Windows displays “Your fingerprint couldn’t be recognized. Try using a different finger,” clean and dry both the reader and your finger. Use the same finger that was enrolled and place it at different angles. Then go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) → Add a finger to register another finger.
Incomplete enrollment, an outdated fingerprint-reader driver, or a damaged reader can also cause repeated failures. Install driver updates supplied through Windows Update or by the PC manufacturer.
Rank #3
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- BIOMETRIC SECURITY: USB fingerprint reader provides advanced biometric authentication to secure your computer and protect sensitive data with your unique fingerprint.
- ONE-TOUCH COMPUTER LOCK: Instantly lock your Windows computer with a single touch using the Win + L shortcut, providing quick security when stepping away from your desk.
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Windows asks you to create the PIN again
Security updates or other system changes can require Windows Hello PIN setup again. Follow the prompt to create the PIN. If PIN creation returns an error, sign out of Windows, sign back in, and try the setup again.
You forgot the PIN
At the sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN if that link is available, then verify your Microsoft account and create a new PIN. The recovery option is not available for every account or device configuration. If it is missing, select Sign-in options and use your password or another configured Hello method.
Using an external camera or fingerprint reader
External Windows Hello hardware is subject to additional restrictions in Windows 11. On Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Additional settings → Enhanced sign-in security.
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When Enhanced sign-in security is enabled, non-ESS Windows Hello peripherals cannot be used for sign-in. Turning it off may allow a compatible non-ESS fingerprint reader to work, but disabling it removes existing ESS enrollments and associated credentials, including passkeys. They can be set up again afterward.
Windows 11 version 23H2 uses the older setting, Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader. Its toggle is easy to misread: turning it on permits compatible external devices by disabling ESS, while turning it off enables ESS and may block those devices.
Enhanced sign-in security does not support external camera modules. Some external fingerprint readers support ESS, but compatibility is not guaranteed merely because the manufacturer advertises Windows Hello support. The control may also be absent because the feature is still rolling out, Windows has not detected an incompatible sensor, or an organization has blocked non-ESS peripherals.
Rank #4
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- 【FIDO-Certified & Multi-Purpose Security】 Beyond Windows Hello, this scanner functions as a FIDO U2F/FIDO2 certified security key. Use it to strengthen the login security for your favorite websites and applications like Google, Facebook, Dropbox, and Microsoft accounts, offering robust two-factor authentication (2FA) against phishing attacks.Desktop Wired Biometric Fingerprint Scanner FIDO2 Passkey for anywhere
- 【Microsoft-Certified Security & Accuracy USB Fingerprint Login】 Adopting professional biometric recognition technology, our USB Fingerprint Login for Windows Hello supports ultra-high-precision identification with a 0.001% false acceptance rate and 0.1% false rejection rate. It strictly follows Windows Biometric Framework standards, realizing military-level security protection for your computer login, file encryption and website password encryption to fully guard your private data. Mini Portable USB Fingerprint Dongle Windows Hello Password Free
A Windows Hello data prompt after an update
After an update or upgrade, Windows 10 or Windows 11 may ask: “Do you want to keep storing your face or fingerprint data on this PC?” This can also occur when you have not used Windows Hello face or fingerprint sign-in for more than 365 days.
Select Yes, sign in with my face or fingerprint to keep the biometric enrollment and continue using Hello. Select No, change how I sign in to open Settings, where you can remove the sign-in method and delete its data. You must choose one option and then select Next.
There is no command-line command required for ordinary enrollment. Microsoft’s supported setup procedure uses the Settings app.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Can I use Windows Hello with a Microsoft account?
Yes. Windows Hello can protect the Windows sign-in for a Microsoft account using a device-specific PIN, fingerprint, or compatible infrared face camera.
Is a Windows Hello PIN the same as my Microsoft account password?
No. The PIN is associated with the individual Windows device. It is separate from the Microsoft account password, which remains available for account recovery and other Microsoft services.
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One-click scans. No signup required.
Can any webcam be used for Windows Hello Face?
No. Windows Hello Face requires a compatible infrared camera. A regular built-in or USB webcam is not sufficient.
Best Value
- Windows Hello–Based Fingerprint Login: Designed exclusively for Windows Hello on Windows 10/11 PCs. Unlock your computer with a single touch and replace traditional passwords with fast, reliable fingerprint sign-in. The fingerprint reader provides biometric input to the Windows system only.
- Clear Authentication Boundary: This fingerprint reader does not communicate directly with websites or applications. Any sign-in experience for apps, websites, or services depends entirely on Windows Hello and the operating system, not the fingerprint reader hardware itself. Availability varies by system and service.
- Match-in-Sensor Security & Local Privacy Protection: Supports Match-in-Sensor security processing, where fingerprint matching is performed inside the sensor. Fingerprint data is stored locally on your device and never leaves your PC. No fingerprint images or biometric data are uploaded, synced, or stored externally.
- True Plug & Play on Official Windows Systems: No software or third-party apps required. Automatically recognized by Windows Hello on genuine Windows 10/11 systems. If Windows Hello is missing or disabled, a system update or configuration may be required — this is a Windows setting, not a hardware issue.
- Desktop-Friendly Design with Extension Cable: Includes a 4ft USB extension cable for flexible desktop placement. Angled sensor surface allows natural finger positioning for comfortable daily use. Supports up to 10 fingerprints, suitable for personal PCs or shared household computers with multiple Windows user accounts.
Why is Windows Hello fingerprint setup unavailable?
The PC may not have a fingerprint reader, the reader may lack a compatible driver, or a work or school policy may restrict biometric sign-in. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and install the appropriate driver.
How do I add another fingerprint?
Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options, select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), select Add a finger, and complete the scan.
What happens if Windows Hello stops recognizing my face?
Clean the camera, use even lighting, remove obstructions, and select Improve recognition under Facial recognition (Windows Hello). If the enrollment is no longer useful, select Remove and set up face recognition again.
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Can I remove the Microsoft account password from Windows sign-in?
On a Microsoft-account profile, enable the Windows Hello-only option under Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Additional settings. In Windows 11 it is called For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device; Windows 10 calls it Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts.
The Bottom Line
Set up Windows Hello from Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. A PIN works without extra hardware; face sign-in needs an infrared Hello camera, and fingerprint sign-in needs a compatible reader. Register a backup finger, keep the PIN available as a fallback, and use Sign-in options at the lock screen whenever the preferred biometric method is unavailable.
Quick Recap
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