No Ticket Needed

Appearance

How to Set Up Windows Hello Facial Recognition

Applies toWindows 10Windows 11
6 min fix Updated 8 Mar 2026 · 6 months ago

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, click Facial recognition (Windows Hello), click Set up, and look directly at the camera until the blue box fills up.

Checked against Microsoft Learn - Windows release health, Microsoft Learn - end of support and retirement and between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Summary ​

Windows Hello facial recognition lets you unlock your computer by looking at the screen. It requires an infrared (IR) camera — a standard webcam is not sufficient. This guide shows you how to set it up, sign in, and improve recognition accuracy.

Before You Start ​

  • Your device must have a Windows Hello compatible infrared camera (common on Surface devices and many business laptops).
  • A Windows Hello PIN must be set up first — Windows requires this as a fallback. See How to Set Up a Windows Hello PIN.

Instructions ​

1. Set Up Facial Recognition ​

Register your face through the Settings app.

  1. Open Settings (press Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  3. Click Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
  4. Click Set up.
  5. Enter your Windows Hello PIN to verify your identity.
  6. The camera enrollment screen appears. Position your face in the center of the frame.
  7. Hold still and look directly at the camera. A progress bar will fill as Windows captures the scan.
  8. When the scan completes, click Done.

Tip: Click Improve recognition after initial setup to teach Windows Hello to recognize you with glasses, a hat, or in different lighting. This reduces failed sign-in attempts.

2. Sign In with Facial Recognition ​

Once configured, Windows will attempt to recognize your face automatically at the lock screen.

  1. At the Windows lock screen, look at the IR camera (usually on the top bezel of the screen).
  2. Windows will identify you and unlock within 1–2 seconds.
  3. If recognition fails, click Sign-in options and choose your PIN or password.

3. Improve Recognition Accuracy ​

If Windows Hello has trouble recognizing you in certain conditions, you can retrain it.

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
  2. Click Improve recognition.
  3. Enter your PIN if prompted.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions — try wearing your glasses this time if you enrolled without them (or vice versa).

4. Remove Facial Recognition ​

Remove the face enrollment at any time from Settings.

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello).
  2. Click Remove.
  3. The face data is deleted immediately.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

Windows Hello facial recognition uses infrared light and works in low-light conditions. However, direct sunlight on the camera can interfere. Tilt your screen slightly to reduce glare if sign-in fails outdoors.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"We couldn't find a camera compatible with Windows Hello"No IR camera presentThis feature requires an infrared camera. Standard webcams do not support it.
Face not recognized after haircut or new glassesAppearance changedClick Improve recognition to update the facial model.
"Facial recognition" option greyed outDisabled by policyAsk IT which sign-in method you are expected to use on this device instead — face, fingerprint, and PIN are often restricted separately.

Last updated:

Frequently asked questions

Why does it say 'We couldn't find a camera compatible with Windows Hello Face'?
Windows Hello requires a specialized infrared (IR) camera to map the depth of your face for security. If your laptop only has a standard webcam, you cannot use facial recognition.
Will wearing glasses stop facial recognition from working?
No, but it helps to teach Windows what you look like with and without them. After initial setup, click 'Improve recognition' in the settings menu while wearing your glasses, and again without them.