Windows Hello Setup Guide
Windows Hello setup instructions
This feature is available only on laptops!
Summary: Windows Hello lets you securely sign in to your Windows device using a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint. To set it up, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, create a PIN, and then add the available biometric methods.
Requirements and prerequisites
A request has been submitted to the IT Service Center (https://jira.help.rsu.lv/servicedesk/customer/portal/121) or sent to it@rsu.lv.
Windows Hello can be activated only if the employee is listed in the HOP system as the user of this computer or the materially responsible person. You can check this here: https://hop.rsu.lv/#!/HOP/matreslist/list
A Windows 11 device with current updates.
Creating a PIN is mandatory in order to use facial recognition or fingerprint sign-in.
Facial recognition requires a Windows Hello-compatible camera, such as an IR camera.
Fingerprint sign-in requires a Windows Hello-compatible fingerprint reader.
Note: This feature must not be activated on shared computers.
Windows Hello video instructions
Setting up Windows Hello through Settings
Open the Start menu.
Select Settings.
Open Accounts.
Select Sign-in options.
Under Ways to sign in, select the required Windows Hello method.
1. Creating a PIN
Under Sign-in options, select PIN (Windows Hello).
Click Set up or Add.
Confirm your identity using your current password or your organization’s authentication method.
IMPORTANT: select the option to use letters and symbols to create a more complex PIN.
PIN requirements:
Must be at least 9 characters long.
Can’t be longer than 16 characters.
Must include at least one upper case letter.
Must include at least one lowercase letter.
Must include at least one number.
Must include at least one special character.
Can’t be a number pattern (such as 123456 or 11111).
Enter a new PIN and repeat it for confirmation.
Click OK.
Important: Do not share your PIN with other users. The PIN is intended only for you and this specific device.
2. Setting up facial recognition
Make sure the device has a Windows Hello-compatible camera.
Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
Click Set up.
Confirm your identity with your PIN.
Follow the on-screen instructions and look at the camera until the scan is complete.
If available, select Improve recognition to improve recognition in different lighting conditions or when wearing glasses.
3. Setting up fingerprint recognition
Make sure the device has a fingerprint reader.
Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
Click Set up.
Confirm your identity with your PIN.
Place your finger on the reader and repeat the action until Windows completes enrollment.
If needed, add another finger to make sign-in more convenient.
Common issues and solutions
Issue | Possible solution |
|---|---|
The camera does not work or facial recognition is not available | Check for Windows updates. |
The fingerprint is not recognized | Clean the sensor, add the fingerprint again, and check the fingerprint reader driver. |
The message “Some settings are managed by your organization” is displayed | The settings are controlled by the organization’s policy. Contact the IT Service Center. |
PIN setup fails or the PIN does not work | Check your internet connection, restart the computer, and try again. If the problem persists, contact IT support. |
Windows Hello options are grayed out | The device may not support the specific method, drivers may be missing, or the option may be restricted by a security policy. |
Security recommendations
Do not share your PIN with other people.
Lock your computer when you leave your workplace. Fastest method: keyboard shortcut Windows + L.
Install Windows and driver updates regularly.
Where to get help?
If you cannot set up Windows Hello, the options are not available, or you see organization policy errors, contact the IT Service Center. Provide the device name, Windows version, error message (preferably with a screenshot), and the steps you have already tried.
Done: After setting up a PIN and the selected Windows Hello method, you can sign in to the device faster and more securely using a PIN, face, or fingerprint.