If you want to use your fingerprint to sign into your Windows 11 computer, Windows Hello makes it easy and secure. This guide will show you simple steps to enable or disable fingerprint sign-in on your PC.

What is Windows Hello?

Windows Hello is a way to sign into your computer without typing a password. You can use a PIN, face recognition, or your fingerprint. It’s safer and faster than using a password.

You can also use a small USB security key to log in, but that’s a different tool.

Why Turn Fingerprint Sign-In On or Off?

• If your fingerprint reader isn’t working or you prefer another sign-in method, you might want to turn off fingerprint sign-in.
• If you want extra security and your device supports it, you can turn fingerprint sign-in on.

How to Enable or Disable Fingerprint Sign-In

Follow these easy steps. You will be changing a setting in the Windows Registry, so please be careful and follow the instructions exactly.

Step 1: Open Windows Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box. Type regedit and press Enter.

You might see a pop-up asking for permission. Click Yes to continue.

Step 2: Find the Fingerprint Setting

In Registry Editor, use the left sidebar to go to this folder:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\Credential Providers{BEC09223-B018-416D-A0AC-523971B639F5}

Step 3: Change the Fingerprint Sign-In Option

On the right side, look for a setting called Disabled.

• To disable fingerprint sign-in: Double-click Disabled, change the value to 1, and click OK.
• To enable fingerprint sign-in: Delete the Disabled entry by right-clicking on it and choosing Delete.
• If you don’t see Disabled, right-click on an empty space on the right side, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it Disabled, and set the value to 1 to disable or delete it to enable.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

Close Registry Editor and restart your PC to apply the changes.

Need More Help?

Check out the official Microsoft guide about Windows sign-in options and account protection.

Summary

• You can easily turn fingerprint sign-in on or off depending on your needs.
• Changing this setting requires using the Registry Editor, so be careful.
• Fingerprint sign-in adds security but may not work on all devices.
• Always restart your PC after making changes.