How to Turn On Windows Hello Anti-Spoofing in Windows 11

What Is Anti-Spoofing?

Windows Hello anti-spoofing is a security setting that stops people from tricking your computer into unlocking with a photo or mask. This setting ensures only your genuine face can sign you in. While this security feature adds more protection, some computers might have trouble signing in if Windows Hello anti-spoofing is turned on.

How to Turn On or Off Anti-Spoofing Using Windows Settings

1. Open the ⚙️ Settings app:

   • Click the ⊞ Start menu and select Settings, or
   • Press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. Click Accounts on the left side menu.
3. Click Sign-in options on the right.
4. Find Facial recognition (Windows Hello) and click to expand it.
5. Check or uncheck the box next to “Enhanced facial recognition protection” to turn anti-spoofing on or off.
6. Click Restart now if your PC asks you to restart.

To turn Windows Hello anti-spoofing on or off through the main Settings app, open Settings by clicking the Start menu and choosing Settings, or by pressing the Windows key and ‘I’ together on your keyboard. Then, navigate to Accounts, then Sign-in options, find Facial recognition, and check or uncheck the box for enhanced protection.

To turn Windows Hello anti-spoofing on or off through the main Settings app, open Settings by clicking the Start menu and choosing Settings, or by pressing the Windows key and ‘I’ together on your keyboard. Then, navigate to Accounts, then Sign-in options, find Facial recognition, and check or uncheck the box for enhanced protection.

To turn Windows Hello anti-spoofing on or off through the main Settings app, open Settings by clicking the Start menu and choosing Settings, or by pressing the Windows key and ‘I’ together on your keyboard. Then, navigate to Accounts, then Sign-in options, find Facial recognition, and check or uncheck the box for enhanced protection.

How to Turn On or Off Anti-Spoofing Using Group Policy Editor (For Advanced Users)

For those comfortable with more advanced computer settings, Windows Hello anti-spoofing can be managed using the Group Policy Editor. To open it, type ‘Edit group policy’ in the Start menu search. You’ll then need to go through Computer Configuration, then Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Biometrics, and finally Facial Features to find the setting to turn it on or off.

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor:

   • Type “Edit group policy” in the ⊞ Start menu search and open it.
2. Navigate to this folder path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics > Facial Features
3. On the right, double-click Configure enhanced anti-spoofing.
4. Select:

   • Enabled – to turn on anti-spoofing.
   • Disabled – to turn it off.
   • Not Configured – default, same as off.
5. Click OK to save.

How to Turn On or Off Anti-Spoofing Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users Only)

Users familiar with the Windows Registry can also control Windows Hello anti-spoofing by editing it. To start, press the Windows key and ‘R’ together, then type ‘regedit’ and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. You’ll need to go to a specific address: 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Biometrics\Facial Featurescopy.

1. Open the Registry Editor:

   • Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Go to this folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Biometrics\Facial Features
3. If the FacialFeatures folder does not exist, create it by right-clicking Biometrics > New > Key, and name it FacialFeatures.
4. Right-click inside FacialFeatures, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it EnhancedAntiSpoofing.
5. Double-click EnhancedAntiSpoofing and set its value to:

   • 1 to turn on anti-spoofing
   • 0 to turn it off
6. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
7. 🔄 Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Summary

• Better Security: Anti-spoofing helps protect your Windows Hello face sign-in from fake attempts.
• Multiple Ways to Change: You can turn it on or off using Settings, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor.
• Possible Sign-in Issues: Turning it on may cause occasional sign-in problems on some devices.
• Be Careful: Always back up your system or registry before making big changes.
• Check Compatibility: Make sure your device supports enhanced anti-spoofing to use it well.

Windows Hello anti-spoofing improves security against fake login attempts using photos or masks. You can manage this security setting through the main Settings app, the Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor. Enabling anti-spoofing might sometimes make signing in slightly trickier on certain devices.

For more tips on Windows Hello, check out:

How to Sign in with Your Face in Windows 11

How to Use a PIN to Sign in

How to Use Fingerprint Sign-in