How to Set Up Windows Hello for Windows 10 and 11

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Quickly sign in to your PC with your fingerprint, face, or PIN
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Are you trying to set up Windows Hello for your PC but unsure how to do it or where to start? If so, this is the article for you! In this article, we'll go over how to set up Windows Hello with facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a PIN. We also go over some troubleshooting tips to help if Windows Hello isn't working as intended. Keep reading to learn more.

Quick Steps

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  3. Choose a Windows Hello sign-in option.
  4. Configure facial or fingerprint recognition, or add a PIN, when prompted.
  5. Enable forced Windows Hello sign-in for your device (optional).
Section 1 of 3:

Setting Up Windows Hello

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  1. Step 1 Open the Settings app.
    Windows Hello is available on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It's an extra-secure way to sign into your computer without needing your password, similar to how you might sign into a mobile device.
    • You can open the Settings app by doing one of the following:
      • Press ⊞ Win+i.
      • Type "settings" into the taskbar search bar and open Settings from the Start menu.
      • Right-click the Windows icon in your taskbar and click Settings.
      • Click the Windows icon in your taskbar and choose Settings.
  2. Step 2 Click Accounts.
    It's in the left-hand sidebar and has an icon of a person.
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  3. Step 3 Click Sign-in options.
    You may need to scroll down slightly to see this option. It has an icon of a key.
  4. Step 4 Choose one of the Windows Hello options at the top of the screen.
    The three Windows Hello sign-in options are Facial recognition (Windows Hello), Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), and PIN (Windows Hello).
    • To use the facial recognition sign-in method, you must have a built-in or external infrared camera. Not all webcams work for facial recognition for Windows Hello, so make sure your webcam specifically says it works for this feature.
    • To use the fingerprint recognition sign-in method, you must have an external fingerprint reader, or your computer must have a fingerprint reader built in. If you have a laptop, check your keyboard for a fingerprint scanner (such as a blank key in the upper-right corner of the keyboard).
    • No special external devices are needed for the PIN sign-in method.
  5. Step 5 Click Set up under the option you've chosen.
    Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up Windows Hello so your computer will recognize your face, fingerprint, or PIN.[1]
  6. Step 6 Toggle the option to force Windows Hello sign-in (optional).
    If you want to force your computer to always use Windows Hello when you sign in, toggle the option under "Additional settings" that says For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. Enabling this option will remove the ability to sign in to your computer with your password, which can increase your computer's security.[2]
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Section 2 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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  1. Step 1 Why does it say "this option is unavailable" under the Windows Hello options?
    There are a few reasons why you might see a line that says "this option is unavailable" under your Windows Hello sign-in options.
    • If you see "this option is unavailable" under the Facial recognition and/or Fingerprint recognition options, that means you don't have an infrared camera or fingerprint reader connected to your computer.
    • If you see "this option is unavailable" under the PIN option, you may have a work or school account connected. If you have a work or school account connected to your computer, your institution might control certain settings on your computer, including whether or not you can set up a Windows Hello PIN. Here's how to fix it:
      • Go to Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.
      • Look for a work or school account at the top of the page.
      • Click Disconnect next to the account. After a few moments, the account will be removed, and you will be able to set a PIN for Windows Hello sign-in.
        • You may not be able to disconnect a work or school account, especially if you're on a work or school device.
  2. Step 2 What do I do if Windows Hello doesn't recognize me?
    If you're using facial or fingerprint recognition, you may need to set up Windows Hello again or improve facial recognition.[3]
    • If your fingerprint isn't working, make sure you're using the same finger you used to set up Windows Hello. If it still won't work, log in with your PIN or password, then set up fingerprint recognition again. You can also set up multiple fingerprints for recognition.[4]
    • If facial recognition isn't working, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello) and click Improve recognition. Follow the on-screen prompts to update facial recognition.
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Section 3 of 3:

FAQ

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  1. 1
    What is Windows Hello? Windows Hello is a way to sign into your computer without your password. According to Microsoft, it is more secure than signing in with a password.[5] Windows Hello allows you to sign in using facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a PIN in place of your password.
  2. 2
    Can I use Windows Hello if I don't have a Microsoft account? No, you must have a Microsoft account and it must be logged in on your Windows computer to use Windows Hello.[6]
  3. 3
    Can I use Windows Hello on any Windows computer? For the most part, as long as your computer is running Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can use the Windows Hello PIN sign-in method. You must have an infrared camera (either built-in or external) to use facial recognition, and you must have a fingerprint scanner (either built-in or external) to use fingerprint recognition, however.[7]
  4. 4
    Can I bypass Windows Hello? Yes. You can usually choose to log in with your password instead, but if you've selected to force Windows to use Windows Hello to sign you in, there are additional ways for you to recover your Microsoft account and access your computer.[8]
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configure-windows-hello-dae28983-8242-bb2a-d3d1-87c9d265a5f0
  2. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4082355/for-improved-security-only-allow-windows-hello-sig
  3. ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips/windows-hello
  4. ↑ https://www.dell.com/support/contents/en-us/article/product-support/self-support-knowledgebase/operating-systems/windows-operating-systems/setup-windows-hello-pin-fingerprint-face-recognition
  5. ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips/windows-hello
  6. ↑ https://www.dell.com/support/contents/en-us/article/product-support/self-support-knowledgebase/operating-systems/windows-operating-systems/setup-windows-hello-pin-fingerprint-face-recognition
  7. ↑ https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/what-is-windows-hello
  8. ↑ https://www.dell.com/support/contents/en-us/article/product-support/self-support-knowledgebase/operating-systems/windows-operating-systems/setup-windows-hello-pin-fingerprint-face-recognition

About This Article

Stan Kats
Reviewed by:
Stan Kats
Professional Technologist
This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.
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Updated: November 25, 2025
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Categories: Windows
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