How to set up Windows Hello for going passwordless in Windows 11 Accounts

Prerequisites for a Passwordless Windows Setup

Verify that your device includes a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) chip, a security component that generates and stores cryptographic keys. You also need a compatible authentication method configured and tested, such as a fingerprint reader, facial recognition camera, or secure PIN.

You also need a compatible authentication method configured and tested. This means setting up at least one Windows Hello feature:

• A fingerprint reader (Windows Hello Fingerprint)
• A compatible infrared camera for facial recognition (Windows Hello Face)
• A secure numerical or alphanumeric PIN

Set Up Windows Hello Biometrics and PIN

To go passwordless with Windows Hello Windows, configure your biometric and PIN credentials so your device has a valid alternative method to verify your identity. Open Settings ⚙️, select Accounts, and click Sign-in options. Expand the Windows Hello Face, Windows Hello Fingerprint, or PIN section depending on your hardware availability, and follow the on-screen prompts to register your new sign-in method.

1. Open Settings.

   

2. Select Accounts.

   

3. Click Sign-in options.

   

4. Expand the Windows Hello Face, Windows Hello Fingerprint, or PIN section, depending on your hardware availability.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to register your biometric data or create your secure PIN.

Remove the Password from Your Microsoft Account

To go passwordless with Windows Hello Windows, disable traditional password authentication at the account level so your Microsoft profile no longer accepts a standard password. Open Settings, select Accounts, and click Your info. Look under Account settings and select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead if you are currently using a local profile, then follow the prompts to complete the transition.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Click Your info.

   

4. Look under Account settings and select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead if you are currently using a local profile, or verify your cloud identity link.
5. Navigate to your Microsoft account security dashboard via a web browser and remove the password sign-in option under advanced security settings.

Enforce Passwordless Sign-In on Your Windows Device

Force Windows to ignore traditional passwords completely during the login sequence by updating your device sign-in preferences.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Accounts.

   

3. Click Sign-in options.

   

4. Locate the section labeled "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device".
5. Toggle this switch to On.

Manage Alternative Verification Methods

To go passwordless with Windows Hello Windows, set up backup authentication methods to ensure you never get locked out of your machine if your primary sensor fails. Open Settings, select Accounts, and click Sign-in options to add a secondary method such as a security key or an alternate PIN. Keep your Microsoft Authenticator app updated on your mobile phone as an extra recovery option.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Click Sign-in options.

   

4. Add a secondary method such as a security key or an alternate Windows Hello PIN.
5. Keep your Microsoft Authenticator app updated on your mobile phone to approve remote sign-in prompts.

Troubleshooting Common Passwordless Sign-In Errors

To go passwordless with Windows Hello Windows, address unexpected login blocks or missing configuration options by checking your system updates. If the option to disable passwords is missing, ensure your Windows installation is fully updated through Windows Update, as outdated builds often lack the necessary policy hooks for complete password elimination and biometric recognition.

If the option to disable passwords is missing, ensure your Windows installation is fully updated through Windows Update. Outdated builds often lack the necessary policy hooks for complete password elimination. If your biometric hardware fails to recognize you, use your backup PIN to log in, then open Device Manager to update or reinstall your biometric sensor drivers.

What to do next

You should now be able to lock and unlock your computer using only your biometric features or secure PIN without ever typing a traditional password. Consider exploring hardware-based security keys next for multi-factor authentication across your broader web services.