On Windows 10, Windows Hello is a feature that allows you to use biometric authentication (such as your face or fingerprint) or a PIN to sign in to your account without the need to type complicated passwords.
Starting with the October 2018 Update (version 1809), Windows 10 introduces support for FIDO2 and CTAP2 security standards that allows to extend the same password-less experience to sign in to a Microsoft account online using Windows Hello or a security key. (As long as you use Microsoft Edge to access your account.)
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to configure Windows Hello face, fingerprint, or PIN to sign in to your Microsoft account online without the use of password on Windows 10.
How to set up Windows Hello to access your Microsoft account
To set up Windows Hello to sign in to your Microsoft account online, use these steps:
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Open Microsoft Edge.
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Sign in to your account.
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Click on the Security tab.
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Click the more security options link.
Microsoft account Security tab -
Under “Windows Hello and security keys,” click the Set up Windows Hello link.
Microsoft account Windows Hello and security key settings Quick Tip: If you don’t see the options as shown in the screenshot above, then you’re not running the version of Windows 10 that supports this feature, or you’re not using Microsoft Edge. -
Click the Next button.
Windows Hello setup wizard -
Confirm your Microsoft account password. (In my case using a PIN password.)
Windows Security prompt -
Type a descriptive name for the sign-in method. (This will help to identify on which device you signed in using Windows Hello.)
Set up a Windows Hello name for the password-less authentication -
Click the Next button.
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Click the Got it button.
Once you’ve completed the steps, you can start signing in to your Microsoft account online using Windows Hello face, fingerprint, or PIN.
You’ll also get an email notification letting you know of the security change in your account.
Signing in using Windows Hello
To sign in using Windows Hello, use these steps:
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Open the Microsoft account sign-in page.
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Click the Sign in with Windows Hello or a security key link.
Microsoft account sign-in page -
Select your Windows Hello authentication method.
Sign in with Windows Hello to a Microsoft account without password -
Continue signing in to your account.
After completing the steps, you’ll get access to your Microsoft account without using a password.
If you’re not running the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809), you can use these steps to upgrade.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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