Do you want to sign into your Windows 11 computer using your fingerprint instead of typing a password? Windows Hello makes this easy and secure. This guide will show you simple steps to turn fingerprint sign-in on or off on your PC.

What is Windows Hello?

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

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

Why Turn Fingerprint Sign-In On or Off?

Why would you want to turn this on? If you want extra security and your device has a fingerprint reader, turning this on is a good choice.

Why would you want to turn this off? If your fingerprint reader is not working or you prefer another sign-in method, you might want to turn it off.

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

Admin privileges required.

Press the 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 do not 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.