Windows Hello is a new feature in Windows 10 which incorporates biometric security into your everyday life. If you truly want to be protected from unwanted access, using this tool is your go-to solution. Assuming you have the right hardware, you can set up facial recognition and fingertip scanning on your computer.
While many devices come with this technology built-in (such as Apple’s Face ID), to be able to do this on Windows, you need a special camera such as Intel RealSense, as well as a fingerprint reader. The next step is configuring Windows Hello to recognize you and enforce the security you desire.
If you don’t know how to properly set up Windows Hello, look no further. This article will guide you through all the steps to successfully configuring your device to recognize you.
How to set up your webcam for Windows Hello
Step 1. Check the compatibility of your device
As mentioned above, you need a compatible webcam device to use Windows Hello with. Modern laptops such as the Surface Pro 6 have these cameras built-in. However, if you’re using an older laptop or a desktop computer, you’ll need an external webcam.
Luckily, Microsoft has a page of devices that are compatible with Windows Hello. You can also check compatibility manually by opening the Start menu and going to Settings, then looking up Windows Hello. If you don’t see an option for Set-Up, your camera is most likely not compatible with the feature.
Don’t worry, you can always purchase and connect a camera which can be used for Windows Hello. While you can purchase a high-quality branded device such as the Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam,
Step 2. Verify your identity
After connecting a compatible external camera or verifying that your laptop supports Windows Hello by default, you can proceed by clicking on the Set Up button. The very first thing you’ll need to do is verify your identity before you can set up facial recognition.
Windows 10 will ask you to enter an existing password to prove you have authorized access to this device. It could be the password of your Microsoft Account, or a PIN code that you set up.
Step 3. Scan your face
After passing the initial verification, you’ll be able to scan your face for Windows Hello. This will give the computer the best view of your face which it can later use to recognize you within a split second.
Let me share some tips for efficiently calibrating facial recognition:
- Make sure that you don’t alter your usual appearance too much. For example, don’t take your glasses off or sit down with a hairstyle you don’t often wear. Remember that Windows Hello needs to recognize you the way you usually look when sitting down in front of the computer.
- Stay in a well-lit room. Most people prefer to get this step done during the day with plenty of natural light coming in for the best image quality possible. This will help Windows hello recognize you easier, too.
- Keep your face centered in the frame shown on screen. Make sure you’re facing your screen straight-on and you’re looking directly into the webcam.
After successfully scanning your face, you have the option to adjust unique features if needed. The entire process should take between 1 to 2 minutes at most.
Step 4. Improve recognition for easier access
You’re able to make facial recognition even better by clicking on the Improve Recognition prompt on the next page. This will give further information of your face to Windows Hello, making it easier and faster to accurately detect your face.
We recommend doing this if you often wear glasses, piercings, or heavy makeup. Improving recognition with and without these accessories can save you a lot of time, especially if you use a cheaper webcam. If you won’t want to constantly have to change your look to unlock your computer, make sure to improve recognition.
How to set up a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello
Step 1. Plugin external fingerprint reader
If your device doesn’t come with an internal fingerprint reader, you’ll need to connect one yourself. These readers can be purchased for an affordable price and connect to your laptop or PC via a USB port. Once connected, Windows 10 will need to install the correct drivers, which should take a couple of minutes.
Step 2. Set up your fingerprint reader
Configure your fingerprint reader to work properly on Windows 10. To do this, you’ll need to open the Start menu then click on Settings. Use the search function and type in Fingerprint.
Once reaching this menu, you’ll simply have to click on the Setup fingerprint sign-in option. This will automatically take you to the page where you have to be to start setting up a fingerprint-based security system.
Step 3. Scan your fingers
When you open the Windows Hello settings, you’ll need to verify your identity with a password or PIN code. You’ll see an in-depth explanation about how the system works, then get the option to Get Started. You’ll need to swipe or tap your fingers on your fingerprint reader to scan your fingerprint into Windows 10.
If you wish, you can add extra fingers to use the fingertip scanner. This makes Windows Hello even more accessible, allowing you to use your other hand or different fingers when needed. You can unlock your computer even without having a webcam.
We hope this article was able to help you set up and configure Windows Hello on your computer. You should be able to enjoy the benefits of better security now. Activating Windows Hello on your device will significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
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