How to Enable Microsoft Hello - PINs, Facial Recognition, Fingerprint Login

Microsoft Hello provides a safe, quick, and easy method to access your devices through PINs and facial and fingerprint recognition.

What is Microsoft Hello and why should you use it?

• Camosun ITS is introducing Microsoft Hello as a more secure, and convenient way to sign in to your College-provided computer.
• You will be able to sign in via a simple PIN, or using biometric features such as your face, or your fingerprint if your device hardware supports these options.

Note: Your biometric recognition data is stored securely on your own computer and is never sent to Microsoft, Camosun, or any other 3^rd parties.

Who can use Microsoft Windows Hello for Business?

Camosun Faculty and Staff, on their college-provided Windows computer. 

Most computers can implement a PIN for logging in using Windows Hello.  Biometric authentication (face recognition and/or fingerprints) can be used with computers that have a newer camera or a fingerprint reader.

How to Set Up and Use Microsoft Windows Hello?

When ready, follow the steps below to set up and start using your Windows Hello to log in to your computer.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine which options are available in your machine:

• Click the Start button (Windows icon)
• Click Settings
• Select Accounts
• Click Sign‑in options

 

 

 

2. Set Up a PIN (A PIN must be set up before you can use face recognition or fingerprint sign‑in)

• In the sign-in options, under PIN (Windows Hello), select Set up
• Click Next
• Enter your Windows account password
• Create a PIN (usually 4–6 digits)
• Click OK

Notes:

• This PIN only works only on this device
•  PIN must be entered on the keyboard on this device, serving as a secure, multifactor authentication.
• Remember your PIN, it is your backup if facial or fingerprint sign‑in becomes unavailable

 

3. Optional - Set up Facial Recognition (available if your machine has the appropriate camera)
    

• Under Facial recognition (Windows Hello), click Set up
• Select Get started
• Enter your Camosun password if prompted
• Sit in front of the camera and look directly at the screen
• Follow the instructions until setup is complete, e.g.

• Once the process is completed, click Close

Notes:

• Make sure the room is well lit.
• Remove hats or sunglasses during setup
• You can select Improve recognition later if you start wearing glasses or your appearance changes

4. Optional - Set Up Fingerprint Sign‑In (available if your machine has a fingerprint reader)
    

• Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), click Set up
• Select Get started
• Please enter Camosun password if prompted
• Place your finger on the fingerprint reader
• Lift and place the same finger again when prompted
• Continue the instructions until Windows confirms setup is complete
• Click Close

Note:

•  On some Acer laptops models, the fingerprint reader is located on laptop power button

General Notes:

• A reboot may be needed to start using your newly set up Windows Hello to log-in.
• Please allow up to an hour for Windows Hello to fully be activated on your machine.
• Test your new log-in method at the next log-in:

• When you see the Windows sign‑in screen:
• Enter your PIN to log in, OR
• If biometrics are set up, touch the fingerprint reader or look directly at the camera for automatic sign‑in.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter problems or need help with setting up Windows Hello, please contact the ITS Service Desk.