On Windows 11, you can set up a fingerprint reader to sign in using only your finger, and in this guide, you’ll learn how. Windows Hello is the name of the feature that Microsoft has chosen to describe the support for more secure ways to sign in to Windows 11 using biometric and Personal Identification Number (PIN) authentication.
Using this feature allows you to replace a traditional complex and less secure password with a more secure and easy-to-use method of authentication, including facial recognition, fingerprint, and PIN to unlock a Windows 11 computer.
In this guide, you will learn the step to configure and remove Windows Hello using a fingerprint reader on Windows 11.
- Enable Windows Hello fingerprint recognition
- Remove Windows Hello fingerprint recognition
- Windows Hello compatible hardware
Enable Windows Hello fingerprint recognition
To unlock Windows 11 using a fingerprint reader, use these steps:
Open Settings on Windows 11.
Click on Accounts.
Click on Sign-in options.
Under the “Ways to sign in” section, select the Fingerprint recognition setting.
Click the Set up button to enable the Windows Hello fingerprint option.
Click the Get started button.
Confirm your account password.
Touch the fingerprint sensor as indicated in the wizard.
Continue with the on-screen directions to capture your fingerprint from various angles.
Quick tip: It’s recommended to click the Add another finger option to configure a second and even a third finger you can use in case you encounter problems signing in.
Once you complete the steps, you can now lock your device (Windows key + L), and then use the fingerprint reader to sign in with the finger that you configured.
Remove Windows Hello fingerprint recognition
To remove the Windows Hello fingerprint on Windows 11, use these steps:
Open Settings.
Click on Accounts.
Click on Sign-in options.
Under the “Ways to sign in” section, select the Fingerprint recognition setting.
Click the Remove button.
Click the Remove button again to disable the Windows Hello fingerprint option.
Confirm the account password.
Click the OK button.
After you complete the steps, you can continue signing in with a traditional password. If you have configured Facial recognition or PIN, you will need to remove those configurations using the same steps to disable the Windows Hello feature entirely on Windows 11.
Windows Hello compatible hardware
If you want to sign in to Windows 11 using your facial recognition or fingerprint, there are many devices that come with Windows Hello built-in, such as the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop 4, Surface Go 3, and many others.
However, if you have a desktop computer, you can get an external peripheral like the Logitech BRIO webcam that comes with Windows Hello face built-in for around $161. Or you can get a USB fingerprint scanner, such as the Benss, which you can get at Amazon for around $25. Alternatively, you should also consider the Microsoft Surface Keyboard that comes with a fingerprint reader built-in.