OVERVIEW
Target audience: Eligible McGill community members using McGill-managed Windows computers.
Windows Hello for Business allows you to sign in to your McGill-managed Windows computer using a PIN instead of entering your McGill password each time. On compatible computers or monitors, you can also use fingerprint or facial recognition.
This article explains how to complete the initial setup of Windows Hello for Business, create your PIN, set up optional fingerprint or facial recognition, and sign in.
Windows Hello for Business rollout:
Windows Hello for Business is being introduced gradually to eligible members of the McGill community using McGill-managed Windows computers.
You do not need to request access. Once Windows Hello for Business has been enabled on your computer, you will be prompted to complete setup when you sign in, which may occur after restarting your computer.
In this article:
Before you begin
Before setting up Windows Hello for Business, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- McGill-managed computer: Windows Hello for Business must be enabled on your computer as part of the McGill rollout.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Make sure 2FA is set up on your McGill account. Microsoft Authenticator is the preferred method.
NOTE:
Your Windows Hello PIN is associated with the specific computer on which you create it. It is different from your McGill password and cannot be used to sign in to your account from another computer. It also cannot be used to sign into a McGill website or service.
Complete Windows Hello setup when prompted
Once Windows Hello for Business has been enabled on your McGill-managed computer, the setup prompt may appear the next time you sign in, including after restarting your computer.
Follow the Windows Hello setup prompts in the order they appear on your computer. The available options and order of the screens may vary.
TIP: Watch the setup video
Watch the Windows Hello for Business setup video (Microsoft) for an overview of the setup process.
This Microsoft video shows a general setup experience. The screens and order of steps may differ on McGill-managed computers.
- Sign in to your McGill-managed Windows computer using your usual sign-in method.
- When the Windows Hello for Business activation prompt appears, click OK to begin.
- In the authentication window, verify that the username displayed at the top is correct. Select your preferred verification method.
- Complete the McGill two-factor authentication (2FA) to verify your identity. If using Microsoft Authenticator, open the app on your mobile device, enter the number displayed on your computer if prompted, and approve the sign-in request.
Create your Windows Hello PIN
A Windows Hello PIN is required to complete setup. You can also configure fingerprint or facial recognition if your computer or monitor supports these options.
- When the Windows Hello PIN setup window appears, enter your new PIN. By default, the PIN contains numbers only.
- If you prefer an alphanumeric PIN, select the Include letters and symbols checkbox.
- Enter your PIN again in the Confirm PIN field, then click OK.
IMPORTANT:
Use unique PINs, and keep them private. Never share your Windows Hello PIN with anyone.
Set up fingerprint or facial recognition (optional)
Depending on your computer, Windows may offer fingerprint or facial recognition during setup. These options are optional and require compatible hardware.
You can follow the on-screen instructions to set up the available option or select Skip for now to configure it later.
NOTE:
Windows Hello securely stores a protected, mathematical representation of your biometric information locally on your computer. No one has access to this information, and this data is not sent to Microsoft, McGill, or stored in any external database.
Set up fingerprint recognition
- When Windows offers fingerprint recognition, follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup.
- Place your finger on the fingerprint reader, lifting and repositioning it as directed.
- Continue until Windows confirms that fingerprint setup is complete.
Set up facial recognition
- When Windows offers facial recognition, follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup.
- Look towards your computer's Windows Hello-compatible camera.
- Keep your face in view until Windows confirms that facial recognition setup is complete.
NOTE:
If you select Skip for now, you can set up fingerprint or facial recognition later through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. For instructions, see Manage Windows Hello for Business sign-in options.
You must still create a Windows Hello PIN to complete setup.
Complete Windows Hello setup
Once you have completed the required setup steps, Windows will confirm that setup is complete. Click OK to finish opening your Windows session.
Sign in using Windows Hello for Business
After completing setup, you can sign in to your McGill-managed Windows computer using your Windows Hello PIN or a biometric sign-in method you have configured.
Sign in using your PIN
- Lock, sign out, or restart your computer to display the Windows sign-in screen.
- Enter your Windows Hello PIN when prompted.
- Press Enter to sign in.
Other options on the sign-in screen:
- I forgot my PIN: If this option is available, select it to begin resetting your Windows Hello PIN. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and create a new PIN.
- Sign-in options: Select this option to choose another available sign-in method, such as your McGill password.
For detailed instructions, see Manage Windows Hello for Business sign-in options.
Sign in using fingerprint recognition
If you have already set up fingerprint recognition:
- Lock, sign out, or restart your computer to display the Windows sign-in screen.
- Place a registered finger on your computer's fingerprint reader when prompted.
- Windows will verify your fingerprint and sign you in.
Sign in using facial recognition
NOTE:
Facial recognition may not work in poor lighting conditions, like a dark room. If the computer cannot recognize you, it will prompt you to enter your PIN.
If you have already set up facial recognition:
- Lock, sign out of, or restart your computer to display the Windows sign-in screen.
- Look towards your computer's Windows Hello-compatible camera.
- Once Windows recognizes your face, you will be signed in. Depending on your computer's settings, you may need to dismiss the lock screen to continue.
NOTE:
You can only sign in using fingerprint or facial recognition if your computer supports these features and you have set them up.
You may still be asked to use your McGill password or Microsoft Authenticator when accessing certain McGill applications.
Need help?
If you experience problems setting up or using Windows Hello for Business on your McGill-managed computer, contact the IT Service Desk.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:
- Manage Windows Hello for Business sign-in options – Instructions on changing or resetting your PIN, setting up fingerprint or facial recognition later, adding fingerprints, improving facial recognition, and using other sign-in methods.
- FAQs for Windows Hello for Business – Answers to common questions about sign-in options, security and privacy.