Security Tips and Features: Windows Hello-Tech Tip for July 23, 2024

This week’s Tech Tip covers Windows Hello: the security system that helps you set alternative authentication methods for your Microsoft Windows devices! Windows Hello was introduced by Microsoft in March of 2015 (released later that summer, on July 29, 2015). This trusted security authentication system has been around for almost ten years! It marked a significant step toward more user-friendly and secure device authentication methods.

What is Windows Hello?

Windows Hello is a security feature of the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) that enables users to access their devices, apps, and services with biometric and PIN authentication instead of regular passwords. This Security Settings option uses facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or a PIN as additional MFA methods, which enhances the security of your device login in practice. Biometric and PIN authentication remains on your device only (PINs, fingerprints and facial scans are not stored anywhere else).

The Benefits of Windows Hello

There are even more benefits to using Windows Hello, including:

• Security: Biometric and PIN methods are by design more resistant to phishing, spoofing, and network attacks.
• Convenience: Biometric and PIN methods can be easier to use and do not require you to reset or update your access method as frequently as password authentication.
• Experience: Biometric methods can feel more seamless in practice compared to password authentication.

Windows Hello Access & Options

Access Sign-in Options in Windows 10 or Windows 11:

• Select ‘Start’ and ‘Settings.’
  • Scroll down to select ‘Accounts’ and ‘Sign-in options.’
  • Select a Windows Hello method of authentication.
  • Select ‘Set up’ for first time setup.

Change or Manage Windows Hello Sign-in Options:

• Facial recognition setup:
  • Camera access must be allowed.
  • Select ‘Set up’ to begin.
• Fingerprint recognition setup:
  • Select ‘Add a finger.’
  • Select ‘Add a finger’ to scan additional fingerprint.
  • Select ‘Remove’ to remove and re-scan a fingerprint.
• PIN (Windows Hello) setup:
  • Select ‘Set up’ or select ‘Change PIN.’
• Security key setup:
  • Select ‘Security key.’
    • Key must be a FIDO-2 certified key.
  • Select ‘Manage.’
    • Insert Security Key into USB port when prompted.
• Password reset:
  • Select ‘Password,’ then select ‘Change.’

TIP: If you forget your PIN, you can always select ‘I forgot my PIN’ and follow the directions using other methods to verify your account and select a new one.

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about Microsoft Secure Score and next steps for your business? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you make the most of your Microsoft tools.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

• If you have not already moved to NCE licensing for your organization or if you have any questions about upcoming renewals, please contact us at gettechwise@techwisegroup.com to understand your options.
• MFA is the best way to prevent cyberthreats. If you have not enabled MFA in your organization, let us help you put a plan in place.
• Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Extended Support ended on October 10, 2023. If your organization is still running these operating systems, please contact us to discuss your options.
• Microsoft expands Copilot licensing for small-to-medium businesses (January 15, 2024). Reach out to TechWise Group to discuss your options.
• April 1, 2024, Microsoft announced global changes to Teams licensing. Please reach out to TechWise Group with any questions.
• Classic Teams client reaches end of availability. Microsoft extends time to July 01, 2024, for Admins to address any related issues.
• July 9, 2024, marks the end of support (EOS), for SQL Server 2014. Please reach out to TechWise Group to explore your options.
• Windows 10 reaches the end of support on October 14, 2025. Please contact us to discuss your options.