How to Enable or Disable Windows Hello Biometrics

Turn Windows Hello Biometrics On or Off Using Local Group Policy Editor

You can turn Windows Hello biometrics on or off using the Local Group Policy Editor, a tool that lets you change settings for how you sign in. To get started, press the Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the editor. Then, navigate through the folders on the left side: Computer Configuration, then Administrative Templates.

1. Open Local Group Policy Editor: Press Windows key + R on your keyboard, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. On the left side, find and click these folders one by one: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Biometrics
3. Click on the Biometrics folder.
4. On the right side, double-click “Allow the use of biometrics”.
5. Choose one option:

   • Not Configured — Biometrics is allowed (this is the default).
   • Enabled — Biometrics is allowed and turned on.
   • Disabled — Biometrics is turned off and can’t be used.
6. Click OK to save.
7. 🔄 Restart your computer to make the change work.

Turn Windows Hello Biometrics On or Off Using Windows Registry Editor

If you can’t access the Local Group Policy Editor, the Registry Editor is another way to turn Windows Hello biometrics on or off, especially useful for Windows Home users. Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Click ‘Yes’ if a prompt asks for permission, as admin rights are needed for this.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. If a pop-up appears, click Yes to allow. ⚠️ Admin privileges required.
2. In Registry Editor, go to this folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
3. If you don’t see a folder named Biometrics inside Microsoft, create it:

   • 🖱️ Right-click on Microsoft → New → Key → name it Biometrics.
4. Click the Biometrics folder.
5. On the right side, right-click and choose New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Name this new value Enabled.
7. Double-click Enabled and set:

   • Base: Decimal
   • Value data:
     • 1 to turn biometrics ON
     • 0 to turn biometrics OFF
8. Click OK and close Registry Editor.
9. 🔄 Restart your computer to apply the change.

Summary

Windows Hello biometrics provides a fast and secure way to sign in using your PIN, face, or fingerprint. You can easily manage these features by turning Windows Hello biometrics on or off through either the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor. The best method depends on your Windows version and preference.

You can turn biometrics on or off using either the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor.

Consider where and how you use your computer. Biometrics can be great for security, but they might not work everywhere.

Follow the steps above to control Windows Hello biometrics based on what works best for you.

If you have questions or want to share your experience, please leave a comment below!