You may have chosen the Windows 10/11 operating system because it is user-friendly and secure. However, regardless of your reasons, it is important that you consider applying several security layers so your PC remains safe from threats.
One of the newest security tools and measures applicable to the Windows 10/11 platform is Windows Hello. What is it and how do you fix issues associated with it? Answers below.
What Is Windows Hello?
Windows Hello is an all-new way to log into your Windows-powered device. Unlike the conventional log-in method that requires the use of a password, this one is far more convenient. It allows you to access your account by using your fingerprints or through facial recognition. It can also be set to perform an iris scan to verify the user.
As you can see, this method of logging in to your account is way more convenient and faster as you don’t have to stress yourself typing in your password or even remembering it when you’re in a hurry.
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Now, given that Windows Hello is still a new security feature, many users doubt its security. So, is it really safe?
Is Windows Hello Safe to Use?
Microsoft stresses out the safety of Windows Hello. According to the tech giant, this feature allows you to use your face, iris, or fingerprints with enterprise-grade security, keeping hackers and prying eyes at bay. And even if people watch you log into your account, they don’t have any means to gain access. They cannot use your photo to trick the system as well because it is designed to recognize real people.
On a similar note, if anybody attempts to steal your Windows device, they still cannot get access because they can’t use your fingerprint, iris, or face.
Most importantly, the biometric data of the user won’t be sent to the cloud. It will only be stored locally on the device. So, even if hackers attack Microsoft’s servers, there is no way for them to steal your data.
Setting Up Windows Hello
You don’t need a lot of external peripherals to set up Windows Hello. As long as you have a Windows 10/11 device, a webcam, and a fingerprint sensor, then you should be all set. You can then proceed with the setup process. To do that, press the Windows key and find the necessary settings under Sign-in options.
Take note, though, that even if your Windows 10/11 machine is compatible with Windows Hello, if your webcam does not meet the specifications required for the feature to run, particularly near-infrared imaging, then you won’t be able to reap its security benefits.
Assuming you already have Windows Hello set up on your device, what do you do next? Well, you don’t have to do anything. But you can always be wary of the common issues related to this new security feature.
What to Do about the Windows Hello Not Working Issue?
It is true that the Windows Hello feature is something worth trying. However, as with other security features, it’s also no stranger to problems. In fact, some Windows 10/11 users have reportedly experienced problems with Windows Hello right after they set it up. No matter what’s causing the issue, it is important that you know how to resolve it.
Below, we’ll teach you how to fix the Windows Hello not working issue.
Fix #1: Set up the Trusted Platform Module on your Windows device
The Trusted Platform Module or TPM technology has to be set up before you can use the Windows Hello feature on your device. If it has already been enabled, it is possible that it has been disabled because of actions you’ve done or as a result of a Windows Update.
To set it up or get it started again, follow these steps:
- Launch the Run utility by pressing the Windows + R keys,
- Into the text field, enter tpm.msc and hit OK.
- From the tool’s menu, select Action and click Prepare the TPM option.
- A window will then prompt you to restart your PC.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to guide you in the setup process.
- Hit the Restart button and follow the startup steps.
Fix #2: Enable PIN Logon Using the Registry Editor
After installing Windows updates, some Windows 10/11 users have encountered problems with using Windows Hello. According to them, the process behind the PIN login for a certain domain user was reset. To fix this, the PIN Login needs to be reactivated on the device so Windows Hello can be used again.
To do so, follow these steps:
- Before anything else, make sure you have a backup of your registry. This will allow you to get back on track in case something goes wrong in the process.
- Once you have a Registry backup, open the Registry Editor by typing regedit into the search bar and hitting Enter.
- On the Registry Editor, navigate to this location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System.
- Locate the entry named AllowDomainPINLogon. If you cannot find it, you need to create one. Do this by right-clicking at any blank space on the window and creating a new DWORD Value entry named AllowDomainPINLogon. Go to New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, right-click on it, and select Modify.
- Navigate to the Edit window and find the Value Data Change the current value to 1. Apply your changes.
- Make sure that the Base value is also set to Hexadecimal.
- Accept and confirm any prompts that may appear.
- Restart your PC manually and check if the issue persists.
Fix #3: Install any Windows Updates
Some users have shared that installing the latest Windows 10/11 update helped resolve the problem. So, it’s worth trying on your end, too. Updating your OS to the most recent version is helpful, not only when it comes to dealing with errors, but also in improving your device’s security.
Here’s how to update Windows 10/11 to the latest version:
- Press the Windows + I keys to launch Settings.
- Go to the Windows Update tab and navigate to the Update and Security section.
- Click the Check for Updates button to check if there are any available updates. If Windows detects a pending update, it should install immediately. You will then be asked to restart your PC.
Fix #4: Update your outdated biometric and imaging drivers
If you are still having problems with Windows Hello, you may try to update the Biometric and Imaging drivers. Although installing any available Windows 10/11 update should take care of updating your drivers, you may also use third-party device driver updater tools for this.
Fix #5: Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
If all else fails, simply run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. To do so, simply launch the Settings app, go to Update and Security, and select Troubleshoot. There should be a Run the Troubleshooter option here. Run it and wait for the troubleshooting process to complete.
Wrapping Up
Windows Hello may have solved two of the most common PC problems we have: inconvenience and security. But this doesn’t exempt it from experiencing problems within itself. If you are ever faced with a Windows Hello not working issue, fret not. There are ways to solve it, and you should be able to say goodbye to traditional passwords in no time.
Are you using the Windows Hello feature right now? Let us know your thoughts about it in the comments!