Windows Hello now available for University computers

July 12, 2024

In an effort to improve the University's overall security standards, Princeton University faculty, staff and researchers can now enable Windows Hello on their University-managed computers. Windows Hello is a more convenient and secure way to sign in to a Windows device. Instead of using a password, with Windows Hello you can sign in using facial recognition, fingerprint, or a PIN.

Get started with Windows Hello by following our step-by-step guide. During the setup of Windows Hello, your computer will need to restart. Please save any important work before proceeding.

Windows Hello keeps your info private and secure

Compared to a traditional password, a Windows Hello PIN is more secure. Just like how your debit card has a PIN, Windows Hello authentication validates your credentials based on either a specific PIN for your device or a biometrics match (a scan of your fingerprint or facial recognition). Because this data never leaves your PC and is never collected by servers, these credentials cannot be used by anyone who does not have physical access to your device—protecting you from typical replay, phishing, spoofing, and other network attacks, including password leaks!

What to do if Windows Hello cannot recognize you

If your face or fingerprint didn’t scan properly, or if you’re using the wrong finger to sign in, you’ll get an error message when you try to sign in through Windows Hello. If that happens, sign in with a PIN or password instead, and then set up Windows Hello again.

If you get an error message that says ‘Couldn't recognize you. Please sign in with your PIN.’ when you try to sign in with Windows Hello, follow the steps below to improve recognition. This error message can occur if you wear glasses and didn't set up face recognition to recognize you both with and without your glasses. This might also occur if the device has been moved and the lighting conditions are dramatically different in the new location.

To improve recognition, select Start  > Settings   > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello), and then select Improve recognition.