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Set up Windows Hello in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Choose a PIN, face recognition, or fingerprint recognition and follow the prompts. To stop Windows offering your Microsoft account password on this PC, enable For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. That setting changes sign-in on this device; it does not delete your Microsoft account password.

Choose a Windows Hello sign-in method

Windows Hello offers three sign-in methods. The PIN works without biometric hardware; face and fingerprint sign-in require their respective compatible sensors.

Method What you need What it does
PIN (Windows Hello) No face camera or fingerprint reader required. Lets you sign in to this Windows device with a PIN. It is different from your Microsoft account password.
Facial recognition (Windows Hello) A Hello-compatible infrared camera, built in or external. Uses your face to sign in to Windows.
Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) A fingerprint reader. Uses a registered fingerprint to sign in to Windows.

Microsoft’s setup guidance describes these hardware requirements at Configure Windows Hello. If your PC has no biometric sensor, you can still set up a PIN. An external fingerprint reader is optional; check that a specific reader is compatible with your PC and Windows version before buying it.

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Set up Windows Hello in Windows 11

  1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
  2. Under the method you want, select Facial recognition (Windows Hello), Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), or PIN (Windows Hello).
  3. Select Set up and follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will guide you through enrolling your face or fingerprint, or creating your PIN.

What appears on the page can vary with your device configuration. If a biometric option is unavailable, check whether your PC has the required compatible sensor and whether its configuration supports Windows Hello. Microsoft’s overview is at Sign-in options in Windows 11.

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Stop Windows offering your Microsoft account password on this PC

After setting up at least one Windows Hello method, return to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Expand Additional settings, then turn on For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.

Microsoft says this option is available when you sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account. With it enabled, Windows offers Windows Hello face, fingerprint, or PIN sign-in for that account on this device instead of the password option. The account password itself remains in place; this setting does not remove it from your Microsoft account or other sign-in contexts. See Microsoft’s explanation of going passwordless with a Microsoft account for the separate account-level process.

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If a biometric option is missing or an external reader does not work

Check the sensor requirement

Face setup requires a Hello-compatible infrared camera, not merely any webcam. Fingerprint setup requires a fingerprint reader. If the PC lacks either sensor, use a PIN or investigate a compatible external device.

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Check Windows version and Enhanced sign-in security

Third-party reader support can depend on Windows version and Enhanced sign-in security (ESS). Microsoft’s guidance for Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer says a non-ESS device may require turning off ESS. Disabling ESS removes existing ESS enrollments and associated credentials, including passkeys, which may need to be set up again. ESS availability is rolling out in phases, so the relevant setting may not appear on every PC. Before changing it or purchasing a reader, verify compatibility for your exact PC, reader, and Windows version. Details: Enhanced sign-in security with Windows Hello.

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Recover a forgotten Windows Hello PIN

At the sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN if that option is available, then complete the requested account verification. If it is not available, sign in using your password and reset the PIN in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello). The PIN is a device sign-in method, not your Microsoft account password. Microsoft’s recovery instructions are at Change or reset your PIN.

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How security keys and passkeys fit in

Security keys

A physical FIDO2 security key is a separate sign-in option, not a requirement for Windows Hello. Microsoft describes USB and NFC security keys for personal Microsoft account sign-in. For work or school accounts, use depends on administrator enablement and any approved-key requirements. See signing in with a security key and Microsoft’s security-key guidance for work or school accounts.

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Passkeys

Windows Hello can unlock a passkey used to sign in to supported websites, apps, and services. A passkey may be stored on a Windows device or in another supported credential location. Passkeys are related to passwordless sign-in, but they are not the Sign-in options setting that hides your Microsoft account password on this PC. See Passkeys in Windows.

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