How to set up Windows Hello on your Surface device

Sign into your new Surface device faster and easier with these easy-to-follow steps.



Windows Hello offers a more personal way to sign into your Link Removed or Link Removed. Using biometric security, Windows Hello on Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 allows you to bypass entering in complex passwords and unlock your Surface using facial recognition.

Or, if you have a Surface Pro 4 or Surface Pro 3 and the Link Removed (sold separately), you can log in to your Surface with just a touch using the type cover’s fingerprint reader.

Here’s how to set up Windows Hello on your new Surface:

1. Make sure Windows 10 on your Surface is up-to-date

To check if updates are available, go into “Settings” and select “Update & security.” Available updates will be listed under Windows Update—just download and install to continue.

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1. Set up facial recognition

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and locate Windows Hello.
• Select the infrared IR camera option.
• A “Welcome to Windows Hello” box will pop up. Press the “Get Started” button.
• Set up a PIN code if prompted to do so. If you already have one, this step will be skipped.
• Scan your face by following the on-screen instructions. For best results, hold your face six-to-eight inches away from the front of your Surface.
• Select “Finish” to complete scanning or choose “Improve Recognition” to continue scanning.

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We recommend that you choose to improve recognition if you change your appearance often or access your Surface in different lighting conditions. For example, try wearing your eyeglasses (if you weren’t wearing them before) and re-scan. Scanning your face again doesn’t erase earlier scans—it just helps Windows Hello get better at recognizing you.

• Set up fingerprint reader

Requires Surface Pro 3 or Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 4 Type Cover with Fingerprint ID (available at retail in the U.S. only)

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and locate Windows Hello.
• Select the Fingerprint option and choose “Set up.”
• Repeatedly place your preferred finger on the fingerprint ID sensor on your type cover.
• The system will tell you when set up is complete. You have the option of setting up multiple fingers to be read by the scanner.

1. Sign in!

From your lock screen, place your face six-to-eight inches away from your Surface. Windows will say that it is turning on your camera and then look for your face.

If you’re using a fingerprint reader, simply place—don’t swipe–your finger on the scanner.

Once Windows Hello recognizes you, you’re in—it’s that easy!

If Windows Hello doesn’t recognize you for some reason, such as a smudged camera lens, don’t worry. You can still log into your Surface with your PIN or password.

Let us know how Windows Hello makes your Surface more secure on Twitter via @Surface.

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