Enabling Windows Hello

This article provides instructions on enabling Windows Hello authentication methods for Microsoft Windows devices.

Objective

The steps below can be used to enable Windows Hello on a university managed computer running Windows 11.

Users

This can be ran by anyone with access to the computer needing Windows Hello enabled.

Before You Begin

• Windows Hello requires a pre-enrollment step to be completed. Please contact your IT support team to ensure Windows Hello pre-enrollment has been completed before completing the steps below.
• The enrollment process is currently only supported on Windows 11. If your computer is not running Windows 11, please contact your IT support team for upgrade options.
• The initial enrollment for Windows Hello requires a connection to the university network or GlobalProtect VPN before completing these steps.

Steps

1. Click the Start button and choose "Settings". If the Settings button doesn't appear, you can begin typing "Settings" (without quotes) and the Settings button should appear.
    
2. Click "Accounts" -> "Sign-in options".
    
3. Your computer may support Facial recognition, Fingerprint recognition, and/or PIN. A PIN is always required as a backup option.
    
4. Start by selecting either Facial recognition or Fingerprint recognition and clicking the "Set up" button. The example in the screenshot below is from a computer with Facial recognition and PIN.
   
    
5. On the "Welcome to Windows Hello" screen, click "Get started".
   
    
6. If you have selected "Facial recognition", you will see a screen similar to the one below. If you have selected "Fingerprint recognition", follow the directions on-screen to continue.
   
    
7. On the "A couple more things" screen, click "Set up PIN".
   
    
8. Verify your password.
   
    
9. Choose a PIN and click "OK".
   
    
10. Click "OK" on the Use Windows Hello with your account screen.
    
     
11. You may be prompted to accept a multifactor authentication prompt. Complete the prompt to continue.
     
12. Click "OK" on the "All set" screen.
    
     
13. Complete the facial or fingerprint recognition steps to continue.
     
14. Once Windows Hello enrollment is complete, you will be returned to the Sign-in options screen.
    
     
15. In order to sign into your device using Windows Hello, select the icons shown below at the computer's login screen. Make sure to select the "Circle" icon, if available to see the Window Hello options. The "face" icon will start the facial recognition process whereas the "number pad" will select the PIN option.