Summary
Windows Hello is a multi-factor authentication option available for managed Windows 10/11 computers joined to the USNH domain. Windows Hello is a more personal and secure way to sign in to your Windows device. With Windows Hello you have options to sign in using facial recognition, fingerprint, or a PIN as well as your password. These options are only associated with that one device, and are backed up for recovery through your Microsoft account. Configuring Windows Hello also permits login to SSO-enabled websites and services using these factors, generating a more convenient and secure login experience. Windows Hello will be enabled for individual-use USNH-managed Windows computers during Summer 2025.
How-To
Task: Configure Windows Hello - Automatic Enrollment
Instructions
Step 1 - Sign into your individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer with your normal Windows Login information. Not available on shared computers (as in classrooms or labs).
Step 2 - On the Windows Hello enrollment window, select 'OK' or 'Next' depending the operating system version on the machine.
Step 3 - Enter a PIN (minimum six-digits) of your choosing into both boxes. Be sure to remember your PIN! This PIN is unique to this computer.
Step 4 - Configure additional Windows Hello compatible methods (Fingerprint and/or Facial recognition) if desired by following the on-screen instructions. A PIN is required for any device enrolled in Windows Hello.
Outcome
Your individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer is now set up to allow you to log in with that computer's Windows Hello PIN and any additional sign-in methods you configured.
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Task: Configure Windows Hello PIN - Manual Instructions
These instructions can only be used after the Windows Hello policy has been deployed to your individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer.
Instructions
Step 1 - Navigate to Windows Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
Step 2 - Under 'Ways to sign in', select PIN (Windows Hello)
Step 3 – Follow the on screen instructions and, if desired, configure an additional available option to have it available.
Note: You are required to have a PIN as a backup access method. A PIN is required for any device enrolled in Windows Hello.
Outcome
Your individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer is now set up to allow you to log in with that computer's Windows Hello PIN and any additional sign-in methods you configured.
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Task: Configure Windows Hello Facial Recognition - Manual Instructions
These instructions can only be used after the Windows Hello policy has been deployed to your individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer.
Instructions
Step 1 - Navigate to Windows Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
Step 2 - Under 'Ways to sign in', select Facial recognition (Windows Hello) and enter your Windows Hello PIN for this computer when prompted.
Step 3 - Center your face in your camera’s frame and look into your webcam for about ten seconds, then follow the onscreen instructions until the process completes.
If you wear glasses, select 'Improve recognition' and repeat the process with your glasses off.
Outcome
Your individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer is now set up to allow you to log in with that computer's Windows Hello Facial recognition and PIN, plus any additional sign-in methods you configured.
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Task: Configure Windows Hello Fingerprint Recognition – Manual Instructions
These instructions can only be used after the Windows Hello policy has been deployed to your individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer.
Instructions
Step 1 - Navigate to Windows Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
Step 2 - Under 'Ways to sign in', select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) and enter your Windows Hello PIN for this computer when prompted.
Step 3 - Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your fingerprint multiple times from different angles until it is fully registered.
Outcome
Your individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer is now set up to allow you to log in with that computer's Windows Hello Fingerprint recognition and PIN, plus any additional sign-in methods you configured.
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Results
Once you have configured Windows Hello on your computer, you can now use any of the configured sign-in methods to log into that computer. You can also use your Windows Hello methods to sign in, from that computer, to any other services that connect back to USNH Single Sign-On (SSO). Previous login methods will continue to function, so you may enter your password to login.
Important: Windows Hello sign-in factors are computer-specific and will need to be configured on each individual-use USNH-managed Windows computer you use. Windows Hello sign-in is not available on shared USNH computers (as in classrooms or labs).
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Further Readings
Windows Hello: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Windows Hello for Security | Microsoft Windows
Need additional help?
Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.