Windows Hello: Available on Your W&L-Managed Laptop on Nov 5

picture of a laptop screen with a large graphic of a fingerprint to symbolize windows hello fingerprint recognition
Published | November 3, 2026

Facial Recognition or Your Fingerprint

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve both security and convenience, Windows Hello is now available on W&L-managed laptops. Windows Hello allows you to sign in to Windows using facial recognition or your fingerprint instead of entering your password each time you unlock your device. Once configured, signing in is faster, easier, and more secure, helping protect your account while streamlining your daily work. Whether you’re on campus or working remotely, Windows Hello provides a simple way to access your laptop with just a look or a touch.

NOTE: Windows Hello does not replace your password. Your W&L password remains available as a sign-in option and will still be required for certain applications and services.

How to set it up

1. On your Windows laptop, go to Settings.

2. Click Accounts, then Sign-in options.

Screenshot of Windows Setting screen. Accounts is highlighted in red. "Sign in Options" Windows Hello is highlighted in red.

3. Select either Facial recognition or Fingerprint recognition, then Set up. If your keyboard does not have a fingerprint sensor, the Fingerprint recognition option will not appear as an available setup choice.

4. Click Get started > then follow the prompts to set up the authentication method you chose.

Screenshot of Settings after clicking "Sign in options". The following sections are all highlighted in red to illustrate setting up Windows Hello: Facial recognition, Fingerprint recognition, Set Up.

5. As part of the setup process, Windows will also require you to create a PIN (minimum six digits). Your PIN serves as a backup sign-in method if Windows Hello is unavailable.

What to Expect After Setup

The next time you sign in to your W&L laptop, you’ll notice that the sign-in screen looks a little different. Instead of only entering your password, you can select Sign-in options and choose from options you have set up:

  • Facial recognition (Windows Hello Face)
  • Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello Fingerprint)
  • Your Windows Hello PIN
  • Your W&L password

Using Windows Hello with External Monitors and Docking Stations

If your laptop is closed while connected to an external monitor or docking station, facial recognition will typically not be available. In that situation, you can sign in using your PIN or password.

Even if you use an external webcam, facial recognition usually will not work unless the camera includes a Windows Hello-certified infrared (IR) sensor.

Choosing a Different Sign-In Method

Windows will generally remember the last sign-in method you used. For example, if you signed in with your PIN most recently, the PIN option may be presented first the next time you log in.

You can always select Sign-in options to switch to a different method whenever needed.

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