Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system included a ton of new features, and almost none of them required users to purchase a new device. However, Windows Hello isn’t one of those features available to everyone who takes advantage of the free Windows 10 Upgrade. At least not without buying a new device or accessory.
Windows Hello allows Windows 10 users to configure their laptop, desktop, tablet or 2-in-1 to bypass their passwords. Instead of logging in with a long password, users bypass their password and log in with their fingerprint or eyes. It sounds pretty simple given that Apple devices have offered Touch ID for years, but it’s a big step forward for Windows. In context, it wasn’t until Windows 8 device owners gained the ability to use a password on their devices as well.
Here’s how to log into Windows 10 with your finger.
Before You Begin
Before you get started, there are some things you should check. Just like logging in with your eyes, logging in with your finger and Windows Hello requires your device to have specific hardware. In this case, you will need your laptop, desktop, tablet or a 2-in-1 fingerprint reader.
Check the manuals and other things that came with your Windows device, see if anything mentions a fingerprint reader. Your device doesn’t need to come with Windows 10 for Windows Hello to work properly, the feature also supports free Windows 10 upgrade.
If your device doesn’t have a built-in fingerprint reader, that’s okay too. Cleverly, Windows Hello supports add-on fingerprint reader accessories.
Elkton, a company that offers its goods Amazonhas Windows Hello compatible accessories for desktop computers and mobile devices. It seems that they are also highly respected by Windows 10 users.
Focusing for a moment on the software’s requirements, Windows Hello requires your device to have a Pincode as a backup plan. This PIN is provided if for some reason you cannot log in with Windows Hello. In contrast, enabling a PIN Code requires you to have a password in your Microsoft Account. During the Windows Hello for Windows 10 setup process, you will be prompted to create both.
let’s start
Start by pressing the Windows Key on your keyboard or tapping the Windows button on the Taskbar. This will open the Start Menu or the Start Screen depending on whether you are in Tablet Mode.
Tap or click . It’s in the Start Menu, in the lower left corner. The touch-friendly Start Screen requires users to tap the menu icon in the upper-left corner of their screen before seeing the Settings button.
Welcome to the Settings app. Tap or click . The top row option on the far right.
You can create a Microsoft Account, add a Microsoft Account, and replace your existing Microsoft Account in the Accounts area of the Settings app. Click the menu item on the left side of the Settings app.
In the Sign-in Options area, scroll down until you see an option for Windows Hello. Note that the option should only appear if you have a capable fingerprint reader or camera connected to your device. If you don’t see the option, your fingerprint reader or camera isn’t particularly compatible for some reason. Tap or click under Fingerprint.
tap or click
Enter your pin code now. If you haven’t created it yet, you will be prompted to do so now.
For Windows Hello to learn your fingerprint, you must press your finger repeatedly on your fingerprint reader.
As you do this, watch the counter on your screen to make sure you are teaching your finger correctly and making progress.
Windows Hello requires you to teach it a fingerprint, but you can add multiple fingerprints if your fingerprint reader supports it. If yours has it, tap or click the button after you enter your first finger.
For the best experience, it’s a good idea to go with your index finger regardless of your dominant hand. For example, left-handed people should use the fingers on their left hand. Right-handers should use their right hand.
Microsoft says that the fingerprint information you provide to your device is secure and is not given to its servers or synced to your Microsoft Accounts. Therefore, you must reinstall Windows Hello on any computer with the required hardware.
In addition to bypassing your lock screen, Windows 10 uses Windows Hello to eliminate passwords whenever possible. If you have set up Windows Hello, the Windows Store will ask you to authorize your account with your fingerprint. Unfortunately, apps downloaded from the Windows Store do not yet support this feature.
