OVERVIEW
Target audience: Eligible McGill community members using McGill-managed Windows computers.
After setting up Windows Hello for Business, you can change or reset your PIN, set up fingerprint or facial recognition, and manage other sign-in options through Windows Settings.
If you selected Skip for now during initial setup, you can also use these instructions to set up fingerprint or facial recognition later.
In this article:
Change or reset your Windows Hello PIN
You can change your Windows Hello PIN if you know your current PIN, or reset it if you have forgotten it.
Change your PIN
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select PIN (Windows Hello).
- Click Change PIN.
- Enter your current PIN, then enter and confirm your new PIN.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Reset your PIN if you forgot it
If you forget your Windows Hello PIN, you can reset it by verifying your identity.
From Windows Settings (if you are signed in)
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select PIN (Windows Hello).
- Click I forgot my PIN.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and create a new PIN.
From the Windows sign-in screen (if you cannot sign in)
- On the Windows sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN, if available.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and create a new PIN.
- Use your new PIN to sign in.
NOTE:
If I forgot my PIN is not available on the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options and use another available method, such as your McGill password.
If you cannot reset your PIN or sign in using another method, contact the IT Service Desk.
Set up fingerprint recognition
If you skipped fingerprint recognition during initial setup, you can configure it later, provided your computer has a compatible fingerprint reader.
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), then select Set up.
- On the Welcome to Windows Hello screen, click Get started.
- Enter your Windows Hello PIN, if prompted.
- Place your finger on the fingerprint reader when prompted.
- Continue touching the fingerprint sensor, lifting and repositioning your finger as instructed.
- Follow any remaining on-screen instructions until Windows confirms that fingerprint setup is complete.
NOTE:
Fingerprint recognition is optional and requires a compatible fingerprint reader. You can continue using your Windows Hello PIN if your computer does not support fingerprint recognition.
Certain physical conditions, including those that affect blood flow to the fingers, may make fingerprint recognition less reliable. If fingerprint recognition does not work consistently for you, you can use your Windows Hello PIN instead.
Add additional fingerprints
You can register more than one fingerprint to make signing in easier.
- Open Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
- Select Add a finger.
- Enter your Windows Hello PIN, if prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan another finger and complete setup.
TIP:
Consider registering a finger from each hand so you can sign in more easily in different situations. If Windows Hello has difficulty recognizing a registered fingerprint, try registering another finger or removing and re-registering the affected fingerprint.
Set up facial recognition
If you skipped facial recognition during initial setup, you can configure it later, provided your computer has a Windows Hello-compatible camera.
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
- Click Set up, then Get started, if prompted.
- Enter your Windows Hello PIN, if prompted.
- Position your face in front of the camera and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Wait for Windows to confirm that setup is complete.
NOTE:
Facial recognition is optional and requires a Windows Hello-compatible camera. A regular webcam may not support this feature. Some monitors found on-campus that have integrated webcams are Windows Hello-compatible.
Where is my facial recognition information stored?
When you set up facial recognition, Windows Hello creates a secure representation of your facial features.
This information is only stored locally, associated with your account on the McGill-managed computer where you set it up. It cannot be transferred, shared with anyone, including McGill or Microsoft, or stored elsewhere. Windows Hello does not store a regular photograph of your face for authentication.
Improve facial recognition
If Windows Hello has difficulty recognizing your face, you can improve recognition through Windows Settings.
- Open Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
- Click Improve recognition.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face again.
Tips for improving recognition:
- Make sure your camera is clean and unobstructed.
- Use even lighting and avoid strong light behind you. Facial recognition may not work in a very dark room.
- If you wear glasses, try improving recognition while wearing them.
- If your appearance changes significantly, repeat the improvement process.
- If facial recognition stops working after a Windows or laptop update, try using Improve recognition again. If the issue persists, you may need to set up facial recognition again.
Choose your preferred Windows Hello camera
If you have access to more than one Windows Hello-compatible camera, such as a desktop monitor and a laptop webcam, you may be able to choose which camera Windows Hello uses for facial recognition.
- Open Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
- Under Select your preferred Hello camera, choose your preferred camera from the dropdown menu. You can also select Let Windows choose.
NOTE:
Not all webcams support Windows Hello facial recognition. Only compatible cameras will be available for selection.
Use another sign-in method, if necessary
If your PIN, fingerprint or facial recognition is unavailable, you can always choose to sign in using your McGill password.
- At the Windows sign-in screen, click Sign-in options.
- Select the key icon to sign in with your password.
- Enter your McGill password and follow the prompts to sign in.
NOTE:
The sign-in options displayed may vary depending on your computer and the methods available to you.
Need help?
If you experience problems managing Windows Hello sign-in options on your McGill-managed computer, contact the IT Service Desk.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:
- Set up and sign in with Windows Hello for Business – Instructions for completing the initial setup, creating your Windows Hello PIN, setting up optional biometrics and signing in.
- FAQs for Windows Hello for Business – Answers to common questions about sign-in options, security and privacy.