How to Disable Windows Hello in Windows 11? [Easy Steps]
Windows Hello is a powerful authentication system in Windows 11 that allows users to log in using biometric recognition or a PIN instead of typing a password. While this feature improves convenience and security, some users prefer disabling it for privacy, compatibility, or personal preference.
If you are one of those users, you may be wondering how to disable Windows Hello in Windows 11 completely. Fortunately, the process is simple and can be done directly from the Settings app without installing any third-party software.
In this detailed guide, you will learn how to disable Windows Hello in Windows 11 step by step, including removing your PIN, fingerprint, and face recognition settings.
How to Disable Windows Hello in Windows 11?
To disable Windows Hello in Windows 11, open Settings, go to Accounts, select Sign-in options, and remove the Windows Hello methods such as Face Recognition, Fingerprint, or PIN. Once these sign-in options are removed, your system will revert to using the standard Microsoft account password for login.
Let’s learn in detail!
Step 1: Open the Settings Application
The first step in disabling Windows Hello is opening the Windows Settings panel.
Start by clicking the Start Menu located on the taskbar. In the Start Menu search box, type Settings and open the Settings application from the search results.
Another quick method is pressing Windows + I on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut instantly launches the Settings window.
Once the Settings window opens, you will see several categories such as System, Bluetooth & Devices, Network & Internet, Personalization, and Accounts. These categories allow you to manage all major features of Windows 11.
To manage login settings, you need to access the Accounts section.
Step 2: Navigate to the Accounts Section
After opening Settings, look for the Accounts option on the left side of the window.
Clicking on Accounts will display multiple account-related settings. These include options for:
Your Microsoft account
Email and accounts
Family and other users
Windows backup
Sign-in options
To disable Windows Hello, you must open Sign-in options.
Select Sign-in options from the list. This page controls all authentication methods used to log in to your Windows 11 computer.
Here you will see various login methods, including:
Facial Recognition (Windows Hello)
Fingerprint Recognition (Windows Hello)
PIN (Windows Hello)
Security Key
Password
Each option can be configured or removed depending on your preferences.
Step 3: Remove the Windows Hello Face Recognition
If your computer supports facial authentication through a webcam or infrared camera, you may have Windows Hello Face Recognition enabled.
To disable it, locate the Facial Recognition (Windows Hello) section within Sign-in options.
Click on this option to expand it. Once expanded, you will see options such as Improve recognition or Remove.
Click the Remove button to delete the saved facial recognition data from your computer.
Windows may ask you to confirm your account password before allowing the change. This ensures that only authorized users can modify security settings.
After confirming, the system will delete the stored facial data and disable the face login feature.
Step 4: Remove the Windows Hello Fingerprint
Many laptops include a fingerprint sensor that allows users to sign in using their fingerprint.
If this feature is enabled, you will see Fingerprint Recognition (Windows Hello) listed under Sign-in options.
Click on the fingerprint option to expand it.
Inside this section, choose Remove to delete all registered fingerprints from your Windows account.
Once the fingerprints are removed, Windows will no longer allow login using the fingerprint scanner.
This step ensures that biometric authentication using fingerprints is completely disabled.
Step 5: Remove the Windows Hello PIN
The Windows Hello PIN is one of the most common sign-in methods used in Windows 11. Many users enable it during the initial setup of the operating system.
Even if you disable face recognition or fingerprint authentication, the PIN might still remain active. Therefore, removing the PIN is necessary if you want to fully disable Windows Hello.
Under Sign-in options, locate the PIN (Windows Hello) section. Click on it to expand the settings. You will see options such as Change PIN and Remove PIN. Click Remove PIN and confirm the action.
Windows will ask you to enter your Microsoft account password to verify your identity. After verification, the PIN will be removed.
Once the PIN is deleted, your system will rely on the standard password login method.
Step 6: Disable Additional Windows Hello Requirements
Some systems also include an additional setting that forces users to sign in using Windows Hello methods only.
To ensure Windows Hello is fully disabled, scroll down on the Sign-in options page and look for the setting titled:
For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device
If this option is turned on, switch it off.
Disabling this setting allows your computer to use traditional password authentication instead of biometric or PIN-based sign-in methods.
Step 7: Restart Your Computer
After removing the Windows Hello features, it is a good idea to restart your computer.
Restarting ensures that all authentication changes are applied correctly and the removed biometric data is no longer active.
Click the Start Menu, select the Power icon, and choose Restart.
When your computer turns back on, the login screen should now ask for your Microsoft account password instead of fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN.
This confirms that Windows Hello has been successfully disabled.
FAQs
Is it safe to disable Windows Hello?
Yes, it is safe to disable Windows Hello if you prefer using a password. However, Windows Hello is designed to be a secure authentication method that protects your device using biometric verification or a device-specific PIN.
If you disable it, make sure your password is strong and unique.
Why does Windows require a PIN before disabling Windows Hello?
Windows often requires a PIN or password confirmation when modifying sign-in options. This security step ensures that only the authorized user of the account can change authentication settings.
Can I enable Windows Hello again later?
Yes, you can enable it again anytime.
Simply go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and set up Face Recognition, Fingerprint, or PIN again.
Windows will guide you through the biometric setup process.
Does disabling Windows Hello delete biometric data?
Yes. When you remove Face Recognition or Fingerprint authentication, the biometric data stored on your device is permanently deleted from the system.
Why can’t I remove the Windows Hello PIN?
If the option to remove the PIN is unavailable, it might be because the setting Only Allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device is enabled.
Turning off this option usually allows the PIN removal option to appear.