Are you having problems with external Windows Hello hardware? Here's what you need to do

Windows Hello is one of the best features Microsoft has added to Windows. It makes it easier to log in and unlock your PC using biometric data such as facial recognition or a fingerprint sensor. Most premium laptops these days come with Windows Hello support. However, as a desktop user, you may need external hardware, such as: B. a USB fingerprint reader or a webcam that supports facial recognition with IR.




However, even then, some problems can arise. Even after you connect a capable Windows Hello device, the Settings app may report that no compatible hardware is available. Here's what you need to do to use your external hardware with Windows Hello.


Disable enhanced login security

And why you have to

Windows 11 version 24H2 on Copilot+ PCs has a new feature called Enhanced Sign-in Security, enabled by default. This is a technology that enables additional layers of security for signing in to Windows Hello using virtualization-based technology (also known as VBS or virtualization-based security). This requires deeper integration of the elements used for Windows Hello sign-in, meaning that the devices used for Windows Hello must be trusted by the computer itself and therefore cannot be external devices.


Connecting an external Windows Hello-compatible device to a computer with Enhanced Sign-in Security enabled (as is the case with any PC with a clean install of Windows 11 version 24H2) simply does nothing until you disable it. Here's how:

  1. Open that Settings app.
  2. Go to Accounts in the menu on the left and then select Login options.
  3. Under Additional settingsset that Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader switch To.
    Screenshot of Windows 11 sign-in settings with the switch for using external devices for Windows Hello enabled

  4. You will be asked to restart your computer. Click Restart now to complete the process (or Restart later if you need to save some work first).

After signing in, you can set up Windows Hello from your external device.

Set up Windows Hello

Once you've changed the setting above, you can set up Windows Hello as usual using the Settings app:

  1. Open that Settings app.
  2. Go to Accounts in the menu on the left and then select Login options.
    Screenshot of Windows 11 Account Settings with Sign in Options button highlighted.

  3. In the top section, select either Facial recognition or Fingerprint recognition Depending on which device you have, you have different options available.
  4. Click Set up and follow the instructions to register your face or fingerprint.
    Screenshot of Windows 11 sign-in options with Setup button highlighted.

  5. If you haven't already done so, you will then be asked to set up a PIN. You can choose what you prefer and what you find easier to remember.


Once you have completed this process, you can use Windows Hello with your external device. Enjoy!

Which devices support Windows Hello?

If you're looking for a device to use with Windows Hello, you have several options. USB fingerprint readers are the most common, but some webcams also support Windows Hello facial recognition.

One fingerprint reader option is the Kensington VeriMark USB Fingerprint Key. This is a small USB device with a fingerprint reader on the back so you can simply tap it with your finger to log in.

Webcams are a little more expensive because the high-end options usually offer Windows Hello integration. One well-known option is the Logitech Brio 4K webcam, which has a built-in IR sensor for Windows Hello support. It's quite expensive, but it's also one of the better webcams you can get. You can check out both devices below:


  • Front-facing rendering of the Logitech Brio 4K webcam

    Logitech Brio 4K webcam

    The Logitech Brio is a 4K webcam with Windows Hello support and various features to improve your video quality in online meetings.

  • Kensington VeriMark

    Kensington VeriMark

    The Kensington VeriMark is a tiny USB drive with a fingerprint reader that lets you sign in to Windows Hello. It is an easy way to increase the security of a Windows PC.

Simply log in to your PC

If you have a desktop with Windows 11 and want to use Windows Hello, purchasing an external device is an easy solution. These steps are intended to help you get started if you're having trouble getting set up, but overall the process is relatively painless and usually worth the investment.


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