Enable 'Require sign in every time' with windows hello

Question

I have Windows Hello facial recognition enabled on my surface laptop and I want it to scan my face every time I open the lid to check that it'c actually me. Currently, it only scans after the lid has been closed for a long time. If I close the lid for a couple of minutes and then reopen, it takes me straight into where I left off. 

There's an option in Settings -> sign-in options called 'Require sign-in'. underneath that option is a grayed out drop down menu that is stuck on 'Every time'. And there's text in red that says 'Windows Hello is preventing some options from being shown'. What I want is for Windows to actually require sign in every time, which it doesn't appear to be doing. 

any help would be great!

Answer 1

Hello sn_695,

As Neel Malik was saying with Windows Hello set up it is already configured to scan for your face every time you sign in/open the lid.  Most likely the process is happening so quickly you feel like it's not actually scanning.  The reason the Require Sign In option is grayed out is because it's unnecessary with Hello enabled, it's already doing it. 

To rule out any possible conflicts or issues Kimberly__L asked the status of those settings & options; but they do not need to be changed for Windows Hello.  Installing Windows Updates with a new device and making sure your account is verified can ensure that everything is working properly and as it should be.

Tabi

Surface Technical Team

Answer 2

Hi sn_695!

I understand your desire for security and wanting Windows Hello to be securing your device every time you step away!

A few settings I would like to confirm with you:

Dynamic Lock (towards the bottom of the Sign in Options screen) is that enabled/checked or not?

Do you have "Automatically dismiss the lock screen if we recognize your case on or off?

From Settings > Security > Your Info:

Are you signed in with a Microsoft Account?  Do you have a prompt "You need to verify your identity?"

-If so please select verify and enter a security code, thank you.

Have you checked for Windows Updates lately and successfully installed them? 

Kimberly L 

Surface Technical Team

Answer 3

Hi sn_695!

I understand your desire for security and wanting Windows Hello to be securing your device every time you step away!

A few settings I would like to confirm with you:

Dynamic Lock (towards the bottom of the Sign in Options screen) is that enabled/checked or not?

Do you have "Automatically dismiss the lock screen if we recognize your case on or off?

From Settings > Security > Your Info:

Are you signed in with a Microsoft Account?  Do you have a prompt "You need to verify your identity?"

-If so please select verify and enter a security code, thank you.

Have you checked for Windows Updates lately and successfully installed them? 

Kimberly L 

Surface Technical Team

 

Hi Kimberly, 

Could you just tell me which of those settings controls whether I am required to sign in every time I open the lid?

Thanks

Answer 4

You already have it configured the way you said you want it.  It is scanning your face every time you open it (that is what the greyed option does).

Now, there have been some significant improvements in Windows Hello.  In fact, it sometimes works so fast it appears that it did not actually check, but it does.  You can verify this by having someone else open your laptop just after you have closed it.

If, instead, what you want is to have Windows require you to enter your PIN or password every time, turn off Windows Hello.

Answer 5

Thanks a lot