How to Configure Enhanced Sign-in Security in Windows 11

Enhanced Sign-in Security in Windows 11 strengthens your face or fingerprint login. This feature works with Windows Hello, the system that lets you sign into your PC using your face or fingerprint instead of a password.

It adds an extra layer of protection for your sensitive biometric data, like your fingerprint scans. This makes it much harder for unauthorized people to steal or fake your login information.

This security boost is especially important because hackers are always looking for ways to access your computer. Enhanced Sign-in Security helps prevent them from intercepting and misusing your face or fingerprint data.

When you turn this feature on, Windows 11 uses more secure hardware to protect your login details. This ensures that only trusted devices can be used to sign you in.

How to Turn Enhanced Sign-in Security On or Off

Let’s learn how to change this setting using the Windows Settings app.

Step 1Go to Sign-in Options

To get to the sign-in options in Windows 11, you’ll need to open ⚙️ the Settings app and then go to the Accounts section.

• Click the Start button. It’s usually in the bottom-left corner.
• Click the Settings gear icon.
• In ⚙️ the Settings window, click on Accounts in the left menu.
• Then, click on Sign-in options.

Quick Tip: You can also press the Windows key + I on your keyboard. This opens Settings. Then navigate to Accounts and Sign-in options. Alternatively, type “Sign-in options” in the Windows 🔍 search bar and select it.

Step 2Find Enhanced Sign-in Security Settings

On the Sign-in options page, you’ll find the Enhanced Sign-in Security setting under an ‘Additional settings’ section, though its exact wording might differ slightly based on your Windows 11 version.

For Windows 11, Version 24H2 and Newer:

• Scroll down on the Sign-in options page.
• Look for a section called Additional settings.
• You should see Enhanced sign-in security. There will be a switch next to it.

For Windows 11, Version 23H2:

• Look for the Additional settings section.
• You might see a setting called Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader. This controls Enhanced Sign-in Security.

Important: If these settings aren’t visible, your computer’s hardware might not support this feature. You may also need a 🔃 Windows update. ⚙️ Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for available updates.

Step 3Turn Enhanced Sign-in Security On or Off

You can turn Enhanced Sign-in Security on or off using the switch provided; turning it on makes your fingerprint or face login more secure by only allowing compatible devices, while turning it off offers more device choices.

Understanding the switch (Windows 11, v24H2+):

• Switch is OFF: Enhanced Sign-in Security is off. You can use more types of fingerprint readers or cameras. This gives you more choices.
• Switch is ON: Enhanced Sign-in Security is on. This is the most secure option for your fingerprint or face login. Only devices made for this security will work. Devices not made for this security won’t work for logging in. You can still use these devices in apps like Microsoft Teams.

Understanding the switch (Windows 11, v23H2):

The wording for this setting can be a bit different and might cause some confusion.

• Switch is OFF: Enhanced Sign-in Security is actually ON. Your computer is using the stricter security. Some external devices might not work for logging in. You can still use them in apps.
• Switch is ON: Enhanced Sign-in Security is OFF. Your computer allows more types of fingerprint readers or cameras to be used for logging in. This is less secure but gives you more options.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Security/Identity-Signin/enhanced-sign-in-security-in-windows

Summary

Enhanced Sign-in Security strengthens your Windows Hello login (face or fingerprint). You can toggle it on or off within Sign-in options in ⚙️ Windows Settings. Enabling it offers better protection but might restrict which devices you can use for login. Disabling it allows more devices but reduces security.