Windows Hello doesn't recognize me, or I get an error message
Windows Hello is Unavailable
Windows Hello is a login service that is available for Windows 10 and 11 computers, and should be available for use if appropriate hardware that supports it is connected to the PC. In the case that Windows Hello shows as unavailable, here are a few steps to try:
- Check Windows updates:
- Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Windows 11: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Install any updates that are showing as pending. You might need to restart your device. Then try signing in using Windows Hello again.
If you see the message “Some of these settings are hidden or managed by your organisation” under the Sign In Options menu ( Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options ), that means that access to Windows Hello sign-in options may be disabled by your company’s IT policies. In such a case, please contact your local IT department for further assistance.
Windows Hello doesn't recognize me, or I get an error message
Windows 10
- If your face or fingerprint didn’t scan properly, or if you’re using the wrong finger to sign in, you’ll get an error message when you try to sign in through Windows Hello. If that happens, sign in with a PIN or password instead, and then set up Windows Hello again.
- If you get an error message that says Couldn't recognize you. Please sign in with your PIN when you try to sign in with Windows Hello, follow the steps below to improve recognition. This error message can occur if you wear glasses and didn't set up face recognition to recognize you both with and without your glasses. This might also occur if the device has been moved and the lighting conditions are dramatically different in the new location.
- To improve recognition, select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello Face, and then select Improve recognition.
Windows 11
- If your face or fingerprint didn’t scan properly, or if you’re using the wrong finger to sign in, you’ll get an error message when you try to sign in through Windows Hello. If that happens, sign in with a PIN or password instead, and then set up Windows Hello again.
- If you get an error message that says Couldn't recognize you. Please sign in with your PIN when you try to sign in with Windows Hello, follow the steps below to improve recognition. This error message can occur if you wear glasses and didn't set up face recognition to recognize you both with and without your glasses. This might also occur if the device has been moved and the lighting conditions are dramatically different in the new location.
To improve recognition, select Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello), and then select Improve recognition.
These steps can be found on Microsoft support page here.