---
title: How to setup PIN & biometric sign-in on a Windows computer using Windows Hello
description: Log in using facial recognition, a fingerprint and a pin code instead of a password
---
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# How to setup PIN & biometric sign-in on a Windows computer using Windows Hello
## Log in using facial recognition, a fingerprint and a PIN code instead of a password
**Warning:** Biometric sign-in is not supported on all diocesan Windows computers. You can still create and add passkeys by setting up a PIN code with Windows Hello.
**Note:** The biometric and pin data used to support Windows Hello is stored on the local device only. It doesn't roam and is never sent to external devices or servers.
### Contents
- [Windows Hello Video Tutorial \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#video)
- [Setup & Manage Sign-in Options on a Windows computer \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#settings)
- [Enable PIN Code \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#pin)
- [PIN code options \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#pin-options)
- [How to reset a forgotten PIN Code \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#pin-reset)
- [Enable Facial Recognition \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#face)
- [Facial recognition options \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#face-options)
- [Enable Fingerprint Recognition \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#finger)
- [Locate your fingerprint sensor \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#fingerprint-sensor-locate)
- [Fingerprint recognition options \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#finger-options)
- [Choose the sign-in method on the lock screen \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#lockscreen-method)
- [Dynamic lock \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#dynamic-lock)
---
### Windows Hello Video Tutorial
> *Learn how to set up Windows Hello in Windows 11. Windows Hello offers a more personal way to sign-in to your Windows devices for systems that support biometric inputs, such as a fingerprint sensor or an infrared camera sensor. With just a look or touch of a finger, you’ll get enterprise-grade security without having to type in a password.*
---
### Setup & Manage Sign-in Options on a Windows computer
1. Open the **Settings** System app:
1. Select the Windows key  \> Type **Settings** \> Select **Settings**
2. Select **Accounts**
3. Select **Sign-in options**
****
---
### Enable PIN Code
**Note:** When enabling additional sign-in methods like biometrics, you must also set up a PIN code as a secondary option. A PIN is not a replacement for your diocesan password and only applies to the device you've set it up on (like a mobile phone PIN).
You can either create the PIN first or be prompted to do so when enabling another sign-in method. To setup a PIN code first:
1. In [Settings \> Accounts \> Sign-in options](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#settings) expand **PIN (Windows Hello)**
2. Select **Set up**
3. ****
4. Select **OK** to use Windows Hello with your account
5. Sign in with your diocesan Microsoft credentials
6. Enter a new pin code twice
1. The minimum pin code requirement is 8 numbers.
#### PIN Code Options
1. Once a PIN code is setup you can change options in:
**Settings** \> **Accounts** \> **Sign-in options** \> **PIN (Windows Hello)** \>
1. **Change your PIN** to replace your existing PIN code with another code
2. **Remove this sign-in option** is not possible once setup. If you wish to no longer use a PIN code please raise a support ticket and the IT Team will remove it for you.
3. **I forgot my PIN** resets your PIN code with your diocesan Microsoft credentials if you have forgotten what it is. See [How to reset your PIN Code \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#pin-reset)
2. Related options (once the relevant sign-in method has been setup):
1. [Facial recognition options \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#face-options)
2. [Fingerprint recognition options \>](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#finger-options)
---
### How to reset a forgotten PIN Code...
**Note:** Resetting a forgotten PIN code may cause apps to require you to sign in again. If you know the passcode already, select to **Change your PIN** instead.
#### ...when signed in
1. In [Settings \> Accounts \> Sign-in options](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#settings) expand **PIN (Windows Hello)**
2. Select **I forgot my PIN**
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your PIN code.
#### ...when on lock screen
**Tip:** You can still sign in with your diocesan Microsoft password even if you've forgotten your PIN code. Select **Sign-in options** and the key icon to enter a password.
1. On the PIN sign-in method select **I forgot my PIN**
****
2. You will be asked to sign in with your diocesan Microsoft credentials
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your PIN code.
---
### Enable Facial Recognition
**Tip:** Windows Hello uses facial recognition that can tell if you're a real person or just a photo. It works best when you look at the screen naturally - no need to freeze or stare. Instead just be yourself and it will recognize you more easily.
1. In [Settings \> Accounts \> Sign-in options](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#settings) expand **Facial recognition (Windows Hello)**
1. If it says **This option is currently unavailable** then you do not have capable hardware to support facial recognition. Please try another sign-in option.
2. Select **Set up**
3. Select **Get started**
4. If requested, enter your PIN number
5. Your camera's view will then be shown on-screen.
1. If you cannot see your camera's image and it is black, ensure the webcam's privacy cover is not blocking the camera. There's usually a slide to open and close in front of the camera.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.
7. Once it has scanned your face, if you wear glasses it is recommended to select **Improve recognition** to scan again with your glasses off.
1. Once setup, you should not need to remove your glasses every time you authenticate
8. If you haven't set up a PIN code yet select [**Set up PIN**](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#pin-later)
9. Enable **auto dismiss the lock screen** and **enhance facial recognition protection** in the Facial Recognition Options...
#### Facial Recognition Options
Once facial recognition is setup you can change options in:
**Settings** \> **Accounts** \> **Sign-in options** \> **Facial recognition (Windows Hello)** \>
1. **Automatically dismiss the lock screen if Windows recognises your face**
1. Recommended option = On
2. If disabled, facial recognition will not work to unlock your Windows lock screen. Disable if you wish to remove this feature but keep your stored facial recognition data.
2. **Enhance facial recognition protection**
1. Recommended option = On
2. This feature increases the security of facial recognition by making it harder for attackers to spoof your identity using photos, videos, or 3D models of your face.
3. Enabling may decrease facial detection particularly in low-light conditions or if your appearance changes significantly. If the latter, remove facial recognition as an option and setup again.
3. **Make your sign-in more personal t**o rescan your face to improve face detection
4. **Remove this sign-in option** if you wish to stop using facial recognition for sign-ins or for setting it up again
---
### Enable Fingerprint Recognition
1. In [Settings \> Accounts \> Sign-in options](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#settings) expand **Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello)**
1. If it says **This option is currently unavailable** then you do not have capable hardware to support fingerprint recognition. Please try another sign-in option.
2. Select **Set up**
3. Select **Get started**
****
4. If requested, enter your PIN number
5. Touch the fingerprint sensor lightly on the computer.
1. On Dell Latitude computers this is usually either a glass looking square near the touchpad or the power button.
1. If the sensor is the power button, press down lightly without pressing the actual power key.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your fingerprint
6. Once you have finished scanning your finger, select either **Add another finger** or **Close** if you wish to stop. If you haven't yet setup a PIN code, select [**Set up PIN**](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#pin-later)****
Fingerprint Recognition Options
Once fingerprint recognition is setup you can change options in:
**Settings** \> **Accounts** \> **Sign-in options** \> **Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello)** \>
1. 1. **Add a finger** to scan another finger and use to unlock your computer
2. **Remove this sign-in option** if you wish to stop using facial recognition for sign-ins or for setting it up again
---
### Choose the sign-in method on the lock screen
On the Windows lock screen, your computer will offer the last sign-in method that you used to unlock the system.
If you wish to change the sign-in method select **Sign-in options** and select the sign-in method icon that you wish to use - see below:
****
#### Sign-in method icons (left to right in picture above)
**Note:** Only the sign-in options that are supported on your computer will be shown.
1. Fingerprint icon = [Fingerprint recognition](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#finger)
2. Card icon = Smart card
3. USB drive icon = A FIDO USB Security Key (eg. Yubikey)
4. Number pad icon = PIN code
5. [Globe icon = Web Sign-In](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-web-sign-in?hsLang=en)
6. Face icon = [Facial recognition](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-hello#face)
7. [Key icon = Password](https://help.stalbansdiocese.org/windows-web-sign-in?hsLang=en)
---
### Dynamic lock with a Phone
> **Windows Settings** \> **Accounts** \> **Sign-in options** \> **Additional settings** \>
Dynamic lock is a feature that locks your Windows computer when you walk away with a Bluetooth paired mobile phone. Note your computer will not unlock automatically when your mobile is back in range.
To enable:
1. Select **Allow Windows to lock you device automatically when you're away**
2. Pair your mobile with your computer via Bluetooth if you haven't already
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