Hi Mike!
You can certainly change the sign-in options on your Windows 11 laptop to use a password and enable face recognition for a more secure and flexible authentication process. Here’s how you can set that up:
Changing Sign-in Options in Windows 11
Open Settings:
Click on the Start button (Windows icon) on your taskbar.
Select Settings (the gear icon).
Navigate to Accounts:
In the Settings window, click on Accounts in the left sidebar.
Select Sign-in Options:
Once in Accounts, click on Sign-in options.
Changing PIN to Password:
You should see options for Windows Hello (PIN, face recognition, fingerprint) and Password.
To add or change your password, find the Password section.
Click on Change. You may be prompted to enter your current PIN for verification.
Follow the prompts to set a new password.
Setting Up Face Recognition:
In the Sign-in options, scroll down to Windows Hello Face.
Click on Set up within that section. If prompted, enter your current PIN.
Follow the instructions to enroll your face for recognition.
Additional Notes
PIN vs. Password: While the PIN is a quick way to access your device, using a password can provide more security, especially if it’s a complex one.
Face Recognition: Make sure your laptop’s camera is compatible with Windows Hello for face recognition to work smoothly. It's a convenient feature but has to be set up correctly for reliable use.
Optional: Removing PIN
If you prefer to remove the PIN option after setting up your password and face recognition:
Return to the Sign-in options menu.
Under PIN (Windows Hello), you'll see an option to Remove the PIN. Again, you may need to enter your current PIN for verification.
Conclusion
You now have the flexibility to choose how you want to access your laptop, whether through a strong password, face recognition, or any combination you prefer. If you encounter any issues or need more detailed steps, just let me know! Enjoy your new setup!