How to Set Up Windows Hello on Windows 11

What Is Windows Hello?

Windows Hello is Microsoft's biometric and PIN sign-in system built into Windows 11. Instead of typing a long password every time you unlock your PC, you can sign in with a glance (face recognition), a touch (fingerprint), or a short PIN. Windows Hello is more secure than a traditional password because your biometric data never leaves your device.

Step 1 — Open Sign-in Options

1. Open Settings (Win + I)
2. Go to Accounts → Sign-in options

Here you will see all the available sign-in methods for your device. Not all options appear on every PC — face recognition requires an IR camera, and fingerprint requires a fingerprint sensor.

Step 2 — Set Up a PIN (Recommended for Everyone)

A PIN is the foundation of Windows Hello. Even if your PC lacks a camera or fingerprint reader, a PIN is faster and more convenient than a password because it is tied to this specific device — it is useless to anyone who steals just the PIN without physical access to your machine.

1. Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Set up
2. Verify your Microsoft account password when prompted
3. Enter a PIN of 4 or more digits. Check Include letters and symbols for a stronger PIN
4. Click OK

Step 3 — Set Up Face Recognition

If your PC has a compatible IR (infrared) camera:

1. Under Facial recognition (Windows Hello), click Set up
2. Click Get started and look at the camera
3. Windows scans your face in a few seconds
4. Optionally click Improve recognition to scan again with glasses or in different lighting

After setup, your PC unlocks the moment it sees your face — no hands needed.

Step 4 — Set Up Fingerprint Sign-in

If your PC has a fingerprint reader (common on laptops):

1. Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), click Set up
2. Follow the prompts to press your finger repeatedly on the sensor
3. Click Add another finger to register a backup (recommended)

Manage and Remove Windows Hello

You can remove any sign-in method at any time from Accounts → Sign-in options by clicking the method and choosing Remove. Your Microsoft account password always remains as a fallback.

Dynamic Lock

Pair your phone with your PC via Bluetooth and enable Dynamic Lock in Sign-in options. Windows automatically locks your screen when you walk away with your phone — a handy security feature for shared spaces.

Summary

• Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
• Set up a PIN first — it's required for other Hello methods
• Add Face or Fingerprint if your hardware supports it
• Enable Dynamic Lock for automatic locking when you step away