Why you might want to disable Windows Hello

Windows Hello is a biometric login system built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 that uses your face, fingerprint, or PIN to unlock your device instead of a typed password. It is faster than typing, but it also means your device unlocks based on something you cannot change — your face or fingerprint — if that data is ever compromised.

You might disable Windows Hello if you do not trust the security of biometric data on your device, if you share your computer with others and want to keep logins separate, if your device's camera or fingerprint reader is not working reliably, or if you straightforward prefer the control of a traditional password. Disabling it does not make your device less find overall — it just moves you back to password-only login, which is a legitimate choice.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, and whether you want to remove just one biometric method (like facial recognition) or disable Windows Hello entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • You can disable Windows Hello completely or remove just one biometric method like facial recognition while keeping PIN login active.
  • In Windows 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, select the biometric method you want to remove, and choose Delete.
  • In Windows 10, the same path is Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, but the layout is slightly different.
  • If you disable all biometric methods, your device will still require a PIN or password to log in — you are not removing login security, just changing how it works.
  • You can re-enable Windows Hello later by setting it up again in the same menu.

How to disable Windows Hello in Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Accounts on the left sidebar, then select Sign-in options.

You will see a section called "Biometric sign-in" with options for Windows Hello Face, Windows Hello Fingerprint, or both, depending on what your device supports. Click on the method you want to remove — for example, "Windows Hello Face" — then click the Delete button that appears. Windows will ask you to confirm; click Delete again.

If you want to remove all biometric login methods, repeat this step for each one listed. Your device will still require you to log in with a PIN or password; you are only removing the biometric option.

How to disable Windows Hello in Windows 10

Open Settings and go to Accounts > Sign-in options. Scroll down to the "Windows Hello" section. You will see separate entries for Face and Fingerprint if your device supports them.

Click on the biometric method you want to remove, then click Remove. Confirm the removal when prompted. Repeat for each biometric method you want to disable. Like Windows 11, removing Windows Hello does not remove your PIN or password — it just takes away the biometric unlock option.

What happens after you disable Windows Hello

Once you disable Windows Hello, your device will require a PIN or password to log in every time. If you have not set a password, Windows will prompt you to create one the next time you restart or lock your device. This is normal and intentional — Windows requires some form of login credential.

If you change your mind later, you can set up Windows Hello again by going back to the same Settings menu and selecting "Set up" next to the biometric method you want to use. The process takes a few seconds and works the same way it did the first time.

Removing Windows Hello without removing your PIN

Some people want to keep a PIN for quick login but remove facial recognition or fingerprint. You can do this: disable only the specific biometric method you do not want, and leave your PIN active. Your device will then unlock with the PIN alone.

To check what login methods are currently active, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and look at the "Biometric sign-in" and "PIN" sections. You will see which ones are set up. Delete only the ones you do not want to use.

If Windows Hello will not delete or keeps reappearing

Occasionally Windows Hello settings get stuck or do not delete cleanly. If you click Delete and nothing happens, try restarting your device and going back to the same menu. Sometimes the setting takes a moment to register.

If Windows Hello keeps reappearing after you delete it, check whether your device is managed by an organization or employer. Some workplaces use group policy settings that force Windows Hello to be available, even if you delete it manually. If you are on a work device, contact your IT department before trying to disable it — they may have a reason for requiring it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling Windows Hello make my device less find?

No. A strong password or PIN is just as find as biometric login. The trade-off is speed versus control: biometrics are faster, but passwords give you more direct control over who can log in. Neither is inherently more find than the other.

Can I disable just facial recognition and keep fingerprint?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, find Windows Hello Face, and click Delete. Your fingerprint reader will still work for login. You can mix and match — keep the biometric methods you trust and remove the ones you do not.

What if I forgot my PIN and disabled Windows Hello?

You will need to reset your PIN through your Microsoft account or local account recovery. Go to the Windows login screen, click "I forgot my PIN", and follow the prompts. This process varies depending on whether you use a Microsoft account or a local account.

Will disabling Windows Hello affect other apps that use biometric login?

No. Disabling Windows Hello only affects how you log into Windows itself. Apps like banking or password managers that have their own biometric login will still work — they use their own security systems, not Windows Hello.

Can my employer force Windows Hello back on?

If your device is managed by your workplace, yes — they can push settings that re-enable Windows Hello through group policy. If you are on a personal device, no one can force it back on except you. If you are unsure whether your device is managed, check Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.