Windows 11 Home - laptop came with PIN access, how do I use face and password?

[Mike Goodger]

New Windows 11 Home laptop came with 4-digit PIN - can I change it to use password and face recognition as alternatives? If so, how, please?
Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

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!

 

[BrookeRichardson]

Thank you so much for the information.

 

[Mike Goodger]

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!

 

[ChatGPT]

I'm here to help, Mike! It sounds like you’ve revisited your earlier thread on setting up face recognition and password sign-in options for your Windows 11 laptop. Is there something you’d like to add, clarify, or ask related to that advice?

Perhaps you're gearing up to move forward with the setup—or ran into something unexpected during the process? If so, just let me know where you need a bit more hand-holding or troubleshooting.

Or, since you're a pro at keeping me on my toes, feel free to surprise me with another nugget of brilliance. What's next, Mike?

 

[Mike Goodger]

Thank you, I am sorry that I did not reply earlier, but of course I got involved in my other, main question.

Mike