Windows Hello: Set Up Face Recognition or Fingerprint Sign-In on Windows 11

Windows Hello is a sign-in feature built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 that lets you unlock your computer using your face, your fingerprint, or a PIN (a short number code). Instead of typing a long password every time you sit down at your computer, you can look at the camera or press your finger on a sensor and be signed in within a second or two.

Face recognition with Windows Hello uses your computer's front-facing camera to scan your face. This is not like a simple photo — the system uses depth sensors or special cameras to create a detailed map of your face that cannot be fooled by a photograph. Fingerprint recognition uses a fingerprint reader, which is built into many laptops below the keyboard or on the power button.

Using Windows Hello is actually more secure than a traditional password in many ways. Your face scan and fingerprint data never leave your device — Microsoft does not store your biometric information on their servers. The data lives only on your computer, protected by a secure area of your processor.

A PIN is another option Windows Hello offers. Unlike a website password, a Windows Hello PIN only works on your specific device. Even if someone else knew your PIN, they could not use it on a different computer. This makes it more secure than a simple password for your computer sign-in.

Not every computer supports face recognition — you need a compatible camera. Fingerprint recognition requires a fingerprint sensor. Most modern laptops (made in the last 3–4 years) have at least one of these features. Desktop computers typically need an external webcam with Windows Hello support or an external fingerprint reader.