Windows Hello

Question

I want to set up either facial recognition or fingerprint scanning in order to create a passkey but am not able to create either. Help!

Answer 1

To use facial recognition or fingerprint with a passkey, Windows Hello must first be set up and the device must have compatible hardware.

Follow these steps to set up Windows Hello in Windows 11:

1. Open the Settings app:
   • Select Start > Settings, or press Windows logo key + I.
2. Go to the sign-in options:
   • Select Accounts > Sign-in options (or use this shortcut: Sign-in options).
3. Check available Windows Hello methods under Ways to sign in:
   • Facial recognition (Windows Hello) requires a Windows Hello–compatible infrared camera.
   • Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) requires a fingerprint reader.
   • PIN (Windows Hello) is also required and must be set up before or along with biometrics.
4. Set up facial or fingerprint recognition:
   • Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello) or Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
   • Select Set up, then follow the on-screen instructions to enroll face or fingerprints.

If facial or fingerprint options are missing or cannot be created:

• The device might not have the required hardware:
  • Some devices (for example, Surface Laptop 13-inch 1st Edition and all Surface Laptop Go models) do not support facial recognition and must use fingerprint or PIN instead.
• If the option is not available at all, the device might not support Windows Hello or may need an update:
  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and confirm whether Windows Hello options appear. If not, the device might not support them, or Windows may need updating.
• For Surface devices that should support facial recognition, ensure Windows and firmware are fully updated.

Once Windows Hello is configured (face, fingerprint, or PIN), it can be used when creating or using a passkey. When a website or app asks to create or use a passkey, Windows will prompt to authenticate with the configured Windows Hello method (face, fingerprint, or PIN).

If Windows Hello doesn’t recognize face or fingerprint during setup or sign-in, sign in with PIN or password, then:

• Go back to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello) and select Improve recognition to rescan in better lighting or with/without glasses as needed.

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References:

• Configure Windows Hello
• Troubleshoot problems with Windows Hello on Surface
• Use Windows Hello with a screen reader
• Use a screen reader to navigate sign in options in Windows
• Signing in with a passkey
• Create and save a passkey in Windows

Answer 2

1

Open the Settings App.

Go to Accounts - Sign In Options.

Please provide a screenshot of that window.

2

Open the Settings App.

Go to Accounts.

Select Access Work or School, is there is a work or school Email listed there?