Secure and Seamless: Why You Should Be Using Windows Hello

Modern Windows PCs are increasingly equipped with biometric hardware, most commonly facial recognition via infrared (IR) cameras and fingerprint scanners. These features unlock the power of Windows Hello, offering a more secure and convenient way to protect your PC. Beyond simply logging in, Windows Hello provides an improved user experience throughout your digital life.

What is Windows Hello?

Windows Hello is a Windows operating system feature that allows you to securely sign into your computer without typing your Windows account password. It uses biometrics, allowing sign-in via facial recognition or fingerprint scans. Windows Hello enables you to unlock specific applications, such as password managers. Imagine accessing your password vault without needing to remember your master password! This integration enhances security and streamlines your workflow.

If you’ve transitioned to passkeys, Windows Hello becomes even more valuable. It seamlessly integrates with passkeys in web browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. You can create a passkey for a website, which is then secured with Windows Hello, requiring facial or fingerprint authentication for login.

While Windows Hello technically includes PIN login, biometric options are generally more secure. Security experts primarily focus on facial recognition and fingerprint scanning when discussing Windows Hello.

Why Should You Use Windows Hello?

Windows Hello provides several advantages:

• Enhanced Security: Facial recognition and fingerprint scans are significantly harder to compromise than traditional PINs and passwords. This makes your PC less vulnerable to unauthorized access.

• Improved Convenience: Logging in with a face ID or fingerprint is much faster than typing a password. This saves time and reduces frustration, especially when frequently unlocking your PC.

• Seamless Integration: Windows Hello works with various applications and websites, providing a consistent and secure authentication experience.

• Local Storage: Windows Hello never syncs your facial recognition data, fingerprint data, or PIN between devices or to your Microsoft account. All biometric data is stored solely on your PC, enhancing privacy and security.

• TPM Security: Windows Hello relies on the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware found on modern PCs. The TPM handles authentication and signing, as well as encrypting your computer’s storage. This dedicated hardware component provides a secure environment for storing and processing biometric data.

• Account Isolation: Windows Hello is separate from your Microsoft account. Even if someone obtained your fingerprint, face, or PIN, they could only use it to log into your Windows Hello-enabled PC, and would not be able to access your Microsoft account.

• Anti-Spoofing Measures: Windows Hello facial recognition uses an infrared (IR) camera to ensure it’s looking at a live person, preventing unauthorized access using photos or videos.

Setting up Windows Hello

Windows usually prompts you to set up Windows Hello during the initial PC setup. However, you can always configure it later through the Settings app.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Select Sign-in options.
4. Under "Ways to sign in", you’ll find options for configuring facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and PIN.

If your PC lacks a specific biometric option, you’ll see the message "This option is currently unavailable."

Within the settings, you can tweak and customize facial and fingerprint recognition. For example, you can scan your face in different lighting conditions or train Windows to recognize your face with and without glasses. You can also add additional fingerprints.

Choosing Between Facial Recognition and Fingerprint Scanning

If your PC offers both facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, the choice depends on personal preference.

Facial recognition is particularly appealing on laptops. It’s seamless and efficient. As soon as you open your laptop, Windows scans your face with the IR camera and automatically signs you in.

Some newer laptops even feature "presence sensing" hardware. This detects when you sit in front of your PC, automatically waking it up and signing you in via Windows Hello.

Fingerprint scanning also works smoothly, especially when integrated into the power button. Pressing the power button to wake up the laptop and keeping your finger on the reader unlocks the device.

Adding Windows Hello to Your PC

Not all PCs come with Windows Hello biometrics. Some laptops may lack the necessary hardware to reduce costs. Also, if you’re building your own desktop PC, you won’t get Windows Hello unless you incorporate compatible hardware.

If you want to add Windows Hello to your PC, the easiest option is to buy a Windows Hello-compatible webcam. These webcams have IR technology and can also serve as high-quality webcams for video calls and meetings. Another option is to purchase a USB fingerprint scanner.

Is Windows Hello Perfect?

Windows Hello isn’t foolproof. Fingerprint scanners are still vulnerable to sophisticated attacks where someone lifts your fingerprint and uses it to gain access. However, these types of attacks require significant effort and resources, making them unlikely for the average user. Windows Hello is more than secure enough for everyday use.

The Bottom Line

Windows Hello is a significant step up in PC security and convenience. The automatic sign-in experience offered by facial recognition is a game-changer. It’s hard to go back to typing a PIN every time you need to log in.

While not mandatory, Windows Hello offers an exceptional experience that simplifies and secures your digital life. If you’re buying a new laptop, be sure to check for Windows Hello hardware. If you have a desktop PC, consider purchasing a compatible webcam.