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Overview
Windows Hello for Business lets you sign in to your Windows device quickly and securely using a PIN instead of a password. Your Windows Hello PIN is tied to the specific device you set it up on, so it can't be used from any other computer. This makes it a safer and more convenient way to sign in. This article walks you through signing up for (setting up) and using a Windows Hello for Business PIN.
Glossary
- Windows Hello for Business – A feature that lets you sign in to your work device using a PIN or biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) instead of typing your password.
- PIN – A Personal Identification Number that unlocks your device and signs you in. It works only on the device where you set it up.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – A quick identity check (such as approving a notification in an app or entering a code sent to your phone) used to confirm it's really you during setup.
- Biometrics – Using your face or fingerprint to sign in as an alternative to your PIN.
Tools and Materials Needed
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 device provided or approved by your organization.
- Your work or school (organizational) account sign-in details.
- Access to your verification method (for example, the Microsoft Authenticator app or your phone) to confirm your identity during setup.
- Optional: a compatible camera or fingerprint reader if you'd like to add face or fingerprint sign-in.
Setup and Usage Steps
Signing Up (Setting Up) Your Windows Hello PIN
- Sign in to your Windows device with your work or school account.
- Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
- Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select PIN (Windows Hello), then click Set up.
- Confirm your identity when prompted by completing the verification (MFA) step.
- Enter a new PIN in the New PIN field, then re-enter it in the Confirm PIN field.
- Click OK to save. Your Windows Hello PIN is now ready to use.
Using Your PIN to Sign In
- From the Windows lock screen, make sure your account is selected.
- Enter your PIN in the sign-in field.
- Press Enter to unlock and access your device.
Changing Your PIN
- Open Settings with Windows key + I.
- Go to Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello).
- Select Change PIN.
- Enter your current PIN, then enter and confirm your new PIN.
- Click OK to apply the change.
Resetting a Forgotten PIN
- On the lock screen, click I forgot my PIN beneath the PIN entry field (or go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) > I forgot my PIN).
- Confirm your identity using your verification method when prompted.
- Enter and confirm a new PIN.
- Click OK to finish the reset.
Adding Face or Fingerprint Sign-In (Optional)
- Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello) or Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), depending on your device.
- Click Set up and follow the on-screen prompts to scan your face or fingerprint.
- Confirm your PIN when prompted to link it to your face or fingerprint.
Troubleshooting
| Issue |
Solution |
| The "Set up" button for PIN is greyed out or missing |
Make sure you are signed in with your work or school account. Restart your device and try again. If it's still unavailable, contact the Service Desk. |
| The verification (MFA) step doesn't appear or fails during setup |
Make sure your phone has signal and the Microsoft Authenticator app is installed and set up. Try again, or contact your IT Service Desk to re-register your verification method. |
| You forgot your PIN and can't reset it |
Use the I forgot my PIN link and complete the verification step. If you can't verify your identity, contact your IT Service Desk. |
| Your PIN isn't accepted at sign-in |
Check that Caps Lock or Num Lock isn't affecting your entry, and confirm you're using the PIN for that specific device. Remember, each device has its own PIN. |
| Face or fingerprint sign-in option isn't available |
Your device may not have a compatible camera or fingerprint reader. Contact your IT Service Desk if you believe it should be available. |
FAQs
Q: Is a Windows Hello PIN more secure than a password? A: Yes. Your PIN works only on the device where you set it up and is never shared online, so it can't be used elsewhere even if someone learns it.
Q: Can I use the same PIN on more than one device? A: No. Your Windows Hello PIN is specific to each device, so you'll set up a separate PIN on every device you use.
Q: What happens if I forget my PIN? A: You can reset it using the I forgot my PIN option and confirming your identity. If that doesn't work, contact your IT Service Desk.
Q: Do I still have a password? A: Yes, your account still has a password, but Windows Hello lets you sign in with your PIN or biometrics on that device instead of typing it.
Q: Can I use my face or fingerprint instead of a PIN? A: Yes, if your device has a compatible camera or fingerprint reader. You'll still set up a PIN as a backup.
Additional Resources
Windows Hello for Business overview – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/
Contact Information
For further information or assistance, contact the IT Service Desk.