Windows Hello provides device-based sign-in methods such as PIN, fingerprint, and facial recognition. You can remove individual Hello methods, but disabling them entirely can reduce both convenience and security.
Quick answer
Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Under Additional settings, turn off For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. Then expand Facial recognition, Fingerprint recognition, and PIN in turn and select Remove for each. Sign out and you’ll sign in with your password.
What Windows Hello includes
| Method | Needs | Removing it means |
|---|---|---|
| Facial recognition | An infrared (Windows Hello) camera | No more sign-in by looking at the screen |
| Fingerprint recognition | A fingerprint reader | No more touch sign-in |
| PIN (Windows Hello) | Nothing extra | You sign in with your account password instead |
Remove a Windows Hello method
Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Select the PIN, fingerprint, or facial-recognition method you want to change and use the available Remove or setup controls. Windows may require verification with your account credentials.
A PIN is not your Microsoft-account password
The Windows Hello PIN is tied to the device. Removing it does not remove the Microsoft-account password. Some configurations require Windows Hello for Microsoft-account sign-in and may not offer every removal option until related sign-in settings are changed.
On work or school computers, Windows Hello can be enforced by organization policy. Do not attempt to bypass those requirements. If your goal is easier sign-in, a fingerprint or face method can be faster than eliminating sign-in protection altogether.
If the Remove button is unavailable, check whether the account is configured to allow only Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on that device. Change only supported sign-in settings and make sure you know the account password before removing a convenient Hello method.
Step by step: turn off every Windows Hello option
- Make sure you know your Microsoft account or local account password. You’ll need it to sign in afterward.
- Open Settings (Windows+I) > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Under Additional settings, turn off the Windows Hello-only setting. Without this, the PIN’s Remove button is greyed out.
- Expand Facial recognition (Windows Hello) and select Remove.
- Expand Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) and select Remove.
- Expand PIN (Windows Hello), select Remove, confirm, and enter your password when asked.
- Press Windows+L to lock the PC and check that the password sign-in appears.
For the PIN alone, see disabling the PIN on Windows 11. To switch your sign-in screen to a password without removing anything, see changing from PIN to password.
Stop Windows Hello for all users (Pro and higher)
Administrators can block Windows Hello with the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc):
- Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon > Turn on convenience PIN sign-in: set to Disabled.
- Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics > Allow the use of biometrics: set to Disabled.
Restart the PC for the changes to apply. Windows 11 Home doesn’t include the Group Policy Editor.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to disable Windows Hello?
It’s safe as long as you use a strong password. Windows Hello is designed to be more secure than a password because the PIN or biometric data stays on the device, so removing it slightly reduces protection against password theft.
Will removing Windows Hello delete my files?
No. It only changes how you sign in.
Why does Windows keep asking me to set up a PIN?
Windows suggests Hello during setup and after some updates. You can skip the prompt; it doesn’t turn the feature back on by itself.
How do I turn it back on later?
Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and set up a PIN, face, or fingerprint again. See enabling Windows Hello.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.