How To Disable Windows Hello on Windows 11: A Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial

Turning Off Windows Hello on Windows 11: A Simple Fix

So, you’re looking to ditch Windows Hello on your Windows 11 rig? Totally get it. Sometimes it just feels safer to go back to the old-school password method, especially if the facial recognition or fingerprint thing just isn’t cutting it for you. Luckily, flipping that switch is actually pretty straightforward, and it won’t take a tech guru to figure it out. Here’s the lowdown.

How to Turn Off Windows Hello

It sounds a bit technical, but sticking with the traditional password is a breeze. When you’re done, no more facial scans or fingerprints required. Just good ol’ typing your password.

Get to the Settings

First up, hit that Start button down in the corner—looks like the Windows logo. From there, click on the gear icon for Settings. If you’re feeling lazy, just hit Windows + I to get there faster.
For quick access to the sign-in magic, go to Accounts > Sign-in options right there in the settings.

Find Your Account Settings

Once you’re in the Settings window, you should see “Accounts” on the left sidebar. Click that, and you’re one step closer.
If you want to skip the clicks, try typing this in PowerShell or Command Prompt:

ms-settings:signinoptions

Voilà, that’ll take you straight to sign-in options.

Dive into Sign-in Options

Now go ahead and locate that “Sign-in options” section. Here’s where the different login methods hang out, including biometric options.
Want a shortcut? Press Windows + I again to jump through the hoops quicker.

Turn Off Windows Hello

In the Sign-in options section, you’ll find the settings for Windows Hello—like facial recognition and fingerprint sign-in. Just toggle those off or hit Remove.
If Windows asks for your password, don’t panic. Just type it in or press Ctrl + Alt + Del to verify.

For the hardcore users out there, you can also disable biometrics using Group Policy or Registry:

Local Group Policy:  
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics > "Allow the use of biometrics" > Set to Disabled

Registry:  
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Biometrics  
Set the Enabled DWORD to 0.

Wrap It Up

After disabling everything, Windows might try to persuade you to remove any remaining PIN or biometric data. Just hit Remove or Disable when prompted.
Make sure your account defaults to the password method by checking Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Ensure only the password method is turned on.
Tip: You can also clear Windows Hello creds in Credential Manager under Control Panel > User Accounts.

Need-to-Know Tips for Disabling Windows Hello

• Don’t forget your password! You’ll need it after switching off biometric options, or you might end up locked out. Need a password reset? Hit up the Microsoft Account Web Portal.
• If you like a mix of convenience and security, maybe keep some biometric option active?
• To change your password, use Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Change a password.
• Always keep an eye out for updates that might mess with your sign-in methods. Check for updates under Settings > Windows Update.
• If you’re using a shared or public machine, better to kill Windows Hello to protect your biometric data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why turn off Windows Hello?

Some find passwords feel more secure or easier, especially when those fancy camera features fail or it just takes too long. Plus, standardizing logins across devices can be a huge relief.

Can Windows Hello be turned back on later?

Absolutely! Just hop back into Sign-in options in Settings, and you can set up any biometric sign-in features again whenever you’re ready.

Will disabling Windows Hello affect my Microsoft account security?