Body
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 and, when supported by your computer, can also use facial recognition or fingerprint recognition.
Applies To
| Users |
DSU faculty, staff, and students |
| Devices |
Windows computers that support Windows Hello |
| Operating System |
Windows 11 |
Before You Begin
Before setting up Windows Hello:
- Sign in to the 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
- Right-click Start, and then select Settings.
- Select Accounts.
- Select Sign-in options.
- Under Ways to sign in, review the Windows Hello options available on your computer.
Set Up Your Windows Hello PIN
- Select PIN (Windows Hello).
- Select Set up.
- Verify your identity if prompted.
- Enter a new PIN that meets the requirements displayed on the screen.
- Enter the PIN again to confirm it, and then complete the setup.
Optional: Set Up Face or Fingerprint Recognition
After your Windows Hello PIN is configured, you may also configure biometric sign-in if your computer supports it.
For facial recognition:
- Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
- Select Set up and follow the instructions on the screen.
For fingerprint recognition:
- Select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello).
- Select Set up and follow the instructions to register your fingerprint.
Expected Result
Windows Hello is now configured on your computer.
The next time you sign in or unlock the computer, you can use your Windows Hello PIN or, when configured, your face or fingerprint.
Troubleshooting
| If you see... |
Try... |
| 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 and follow the instructions to verify your identity. |
| Facial recognition is unavailable |
You may need to update Windows hello related drivers. Or your computer may not have a Windows Hello-compatible camera and you need to use another available Windows Hello sign-in method.
|
| Fingerprint recognition is unavailable |
You may need to update Windows hello related drivers. Or your computer may not have a compatible fingerprint reader and you need to use another available Windows Hello sign-in method. |
Still Need Help?
If Windows Hello is unavailable, you cannot complete setup, or you receive an error message, contact the DSU Support Desk. Include the exact error message you received when requesting assistance.