How to enable fingerprint in Windows 10

On Windows 10, Windows Hello is a name that describes the support for new and more secure ways to sign in to your device using biometric and PIN authentication.

In other words, Windows Hello allows users to ditch traditional complex passwords in favor of more personal and secure methods of authentication, including face and iris recognition, fingerprint, and PIN to unlock a device.

In this guide, you’ll learn the step to configure and remove Windows Hello using a fingerprint reader on Windows 10.

• Set up Windows Hello Fingerprint on Windows 10
• Remove Windows Hello Fingerprint on Windows 10
• Windows Hello compatible hardware for Windows 10

To unlock device using a fingerprint reader with Windows Hello, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

2. Click on Accounts.

3. Click on Sign-in options.

4. Under the “Manage how you sign in to your device” section, select the Windows Hello Fingerprint option.

5. Click the Set up button.

   
   Set up Windows Hello Fingerprint

6. Click the Get started button.

   
   Windows Hello Fingerprint wizard

7. Confirm your account password.

8. Touch the fingerprint sensor as indicated in the wizard.

   
   Fingerprint setup on Windows 10

9. Continue with the on-screen directions to capture your fingerprint from various angles.

   Quick tip: It’s recommended to click the Add another finger option to configure a second and even a third finger that you can use in case you’re having problems signing in, or you just forgot which finger is the one that unlocks your device.

Once you complete the steps, you can now lock your device (Windows key + L), and then use the fingerprint reader to sign in with the finger that you configured.

Remove Windows Hello Fingerprint on Windows 10

To remove Windows Hello to sign in on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Accounts.

3. Click on Sign-in options.

4. Under the “Manage how you sign in to your device” section, select the Windows Hello Fingerprint option.

5. Click the Remove button.

   
   Remove Windows Hello Fingerprint

6. Click the Remove button again.

7. Confirm the account password.

8. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, you can continue signing in with a traditional password. If you have configured Window Hello Face or PIN, you’ll need to remove those configurations using the same steps to completely disable the Windows Hello feature.

Windows Hello compatible hardware for Windows 10

Although face recognition and fingerprint authentication has been around for years, it’s still a technology that isn’t available on all devices. If you want to sign in to Windows 10 using your face or fingerprint, there are a lot of devices that come with Windows Hello built-in, such as the Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Go, and many others.

However, if you’re using a desktop computer, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to experience biometric authentication, you can get the Logitech BRIO webcam that comes with Windows Hello face built-in for less $220. Or you can get a USB fingerprint scanner, such as the PQI My Lockey 360, which you can get at Amazon for less than $26.

We may earn commission for purchases using our links to help keep offering the free content. Privacy policy info.

All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.

Why can't I setup my fingerprint Windows 10?

Is Windows 10 fingerprint available?

WHY IS fingerprint option not showing in settings?