Set Up Windows Hello on a DSU Windows Computer

Issue / Question

How do I set up Windows Hello to sign in to my DSU Windows computer?

Overview

Windows Hello provides a secure and convenient way to sign in to your Windows computer without entering your DSU account password each time.

Windows Hello uses a device-specific PIN. If your computer supports it, you can also use facial recognition or fingerprint recognition to sign in.

Applies To

Users: DSU faculty, staff, and students

Devices: Windows computers that support Windows Hello

Operating System: Windows 11

Service / Application: Windows Hello

Before You Begin

Before setting up Windows Hello:

  • Sign in to your computer using your DSU account.
  • Be prepared to verify your identity if Windows prompts you to authenticate.
  • Facial recognition requires a Windows Hello-compatible camera.
  • Fingerprint recognition requires a Windows Hello-compatible fingerprint reader.

Important: Your Windows Hello PIN is not your DSU account password. The PIN is associated with the device on which you create it. Do not use your DSU account password as your Windows Hello PIN.

Windows Hello PIN Requirements

Windows Hello PIN requirements can be controlled by Windows and by organizational security policies. If DSU has not configured a different requirement, Windows uses its default Windows Hello behavior.

Setting Windows Default Behavior
Minimum PIN Length Typically at least 6 characters when no organization-specific policy overrides the Windows Hello requirement.
Maximum PIN Length Up to 127 characters.
Numbers Can be used. Organizational policy may require them.
Uppercase / Lowercase Letters May be allowed depending on the Windows Hello policy applied to the device.
Special Characters May be allowed depending on the Windows Hello policy applied to the device.
PIN Expiration Windows Hello PINs do not expire by default. An organization can configure an expiration period.
PIN History Previous PINs are not retained by default for reuse prevention. An organization can configure PIN history requirements.

Note: Always follow the PIN requirements displayed on your computer during setup. DSU security policies may change the requirements available or required on your device.

Instructions

Open Windows Hello Settings

  1. Right-click Start.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select Accounts.
  4. Select Sign-in options.
  5. Under Ways to sign in, review the Windows Hello options available on your computer.
Windows 11 Settings showing Accounts, Sign-in options, and the available Windows Hello sign-in methods.

Windows 11 sign-in options.

Set Up Your Windows Hello PIN

  1. Select PIN (Windows Hello).
  2. Select Set up.
  3. Verify your identity if prompted.
  4. Enter a new PIN that meets the requirements displayed on the screen.
  5. Enter the PIN again to confirm it.
  6. Complete the setup using the on-screen instructions.

After setup: You can use your Windows Hello PIN the next time you sign in to or unlock your computer.

Optional: Set Up Face or Fingerprint Recognition

After configuring your Windows Hello PIN, you can also configure biometric sign-in if your computer supports it.

Facial Recognition

  1. Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
  2. Select Set up.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure facial recognition.

Fingerprint Recognition

  1. Select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
  2. Select Set up.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to register your fingerprint.

Note: Once configured, you can use your PIN or an available biometric sign-in method to sign in to or unlock your computer.

Common Issues

Your PIN does not meet the requirements: Review the requirements displayed by Windows and create a PIN that meets those requirements.

You forgot your PIN: Select I forgot my PIN from the Windows sign-in screen or Windows Hello settings, then follow the instructions to verify your identity.

Facial recognition is unavailable: Your computer may not have a Windows Hello-compatible camera, or Windows Hello-related drivers may need to be updated. Use another available sign-in method and contact the DSU Support Desk if you need assistance.

Fingerprint recognition is unavailable: Your computer may not have a compatible fingerprint reader, or Windows Hello-related drivers may need to be updated. Use another available sign-in method and contact the DSU Support Desk if you need assistance.

Still Need Help?

If Windows Hello is unavailable, you cannot complete setup, or you receive an error message, include the exact error message when requesting assistance.

If these instructions do not resolve the issue, contact the DSU Support Desk or submit a support request.

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