How Do I Disable Windows Hello on My PC?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s digital landscape, security features like Windows Hello have transformed the way we access our devices, offering quick and secure sign-in options through facial recognition, fingerprints, or PIN codes. While these biometric technologies enhance convenience and protection, there are times when users might want to disable Windows Hello—whether due to privacy concerns, device sharing, or simply preferring traditional login methods. Understanding how to navigate this process is essential for maintaining control over your Windows experience.

Disabling Windows Hello doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you’re troubleshooting sign-in issues or customizing your security settings, knowing the right steps can help you tailor your device to your preferences without compromising overall security. This topic explores the reasons behind disabling Windows Hello and what it means for your device’s authentication methods.

As you delve deeper, you’ll discover the various options available for managing Windows Hello and how to seamlessly switch back to other sign-in methods. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your Windows security settings, ensuring your device works the way you want it to.

Disabling Windows Hello via Group Policy Editor

For users operating within Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Group Policy Editor offers a powerful method to disable Windows Hello. This approach is particularly useful in organizational environments where administrators need to enforce authentication policies across multiple devices.

To disable Windows Hello using the Group Policy Editor:

  • Press `Win + R`, type `gpedit.msc`, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  • Navigate to the following path:

`Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Hello for Business`

  • Locate the policy setting named Use Windows Hello for Business.
  • Double-click the policy, set it to Disabled, and click Apply followed by OK.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Disabling this policy will prevent Windows Hello from being available for authentication, thereby forcing users to rely on traditional sign-in methods such as passwords or PINs.

Turning Off Windows Hello Biometric Sign-in Options

If you prefer to disable only biometric sign-in options such as fingerprint or facial recognition while keeping other Windows Hello features active, this can be done through the Settings app:

  • Open **Settings** via the Start menu or by pressing `Win + I`.
  • Navigate to **Accounts > Sign-in options**.
  • Under the Manage how you sign in to your device section, locate Windows Hello Face and Windows Hello Fingerprint.
  • Click on each option and select Remove to disable that biometric sign-in method.

This selective disabling allows users to maintain PIN or password sign-in while removing biometric options, improving security or addressing privacy concerns without fully disabling Windows Hello.

Disabling Windows Hello Using Registry Editor

For advanced users or in situations where Group Policy Editor is unavailable, the Windows Registry can be edited to disable Windows Hello. Modifying the registry requires caution, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

Follow these steps:

  • Press `Win + R`, type `regedit`, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the following key:

`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System`

  • If the **System** key does not exist, create it by right-clicking **Windows**, selecting **New > Key, and naming it System**.
  • Within the System key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named `AllowDomainPINLogon`.
  • Set the value of `AllowDomainPINLogon` to `0` to disable PIN sign-in.
  • Additionally, create or set the DWORD `UseWindowsHello` to `0` to disable Windows Hello features.
  • Close the Registry Editor and restart the system.
Registry Value Type Description Value to Disable
AllowDomainPINLogon DWORD Controls PIN sign-in availability 0
UseWindowsHello DWORD Enables or disables Windows Hello features 0

Make sure to back up the registry before making any changes to avoid unintended system issues.

Removing Windows Hello Credentials

After disabling Windows Hello through settings or policies, it is advisable to remove any stored biometric data or PINs to prevent automatic sign-in attempts. This can be done by:

  • Opening **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options**.
  • Under each Windows Hello method (Face, Fingerprint, PIN), select Remove.
  • Confirm the removal by entering your current password when prompted.

This step ensures that no residual credentials remain on the device, which might otherwise cause confusion or security risks.

Considerations for Enterprise Environments

In managed enterprise networks, disabling Windows Hello often involves centralized tools such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager or Active Directory group policies. IT administrators should consider the following:

  • Policy enforcement: Use Group Policy or Mobile Device Management (MDM) to uniformly disable Windows Hello.
  • User communication: Inform users about changes to sign-in methods to reduce support requests.
  • Security implications: Evaluate the trade-off between usability and security when disabling biometric sign-in.
  • Compliance: Ensure that disabling Windows Hello aligns with organizational security policies and regulatory requirements.

By integrating these considerations, enterprises can maintain control over authentication methods while supporting organizational security objectives.

Disabling Windows Hello via Settings

Windows Hello provides biometric authentication options like facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and PIN entry. To disable these features, you can adjust the settings within the Windows operating system directly. Follow the steps below to disable Windows Hello for your user account:

  • Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  • Navigate to Sign-in options: Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  • Manage Windows Hello methods: Under the “Manage how you sign in to your device” section, locate the Windows Hello options such as Face Recognition, Fingerprint, and PIN.
  • Disable each method:
    • Select the method (e.g., Fingerprint or Face Recognition) and click Remove if available.
    • For PIN, click Remove to delete it as a sign-in option.
  • Confirm your identity: You may be prompted to verify your identity via password before the removal is completed.

After removing all Windows Hello sign-in options, your account will revert to traditional password authentication. This approach disables biometric and PIN logins without affecting other security settings.

Disabling Windows Hello Using Group Policy Editor

For system administrators or advanced users managing multiple devices, disabling Windows Hello through Group Policy provides centralized control. This method is applicable on Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Step Action Details
1 Open Group Policy Editor Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2 Navigate to Windows Hello Settings Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Hello for Business.
3 Disable Windows Hello Locate the policy named “Use Windows Hello for Business”, double-click it, set it to Disabled, and click OK.
4 Update Policy Run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt or restart the device to apply changes.

This method prevents Windows Hello from being used or configured on the device. It is particularly effective in organizational environments requiring strict authentication control policies.

Disabling Windows Hello via Registry Editor

When Group Policy Editor is unavailable, the Windows Registry provides an alternative method to disable Windows Hello. This requires caution as incorrect changes may affect system stability.

  • Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to Windows Hello Key: Go to the following path: 
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
  • Create or Modify DWORD Value:
    • If the System key does not contain AllowDomainPINLogon, right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowDomainPINLogon.
    • Set the value of AllowDomainPINLogon to 0 to disable PIN sign-in.
  • Disable Biometric Sign-in: Also, under the same System key, create or set the DWORD Enabled inside Biometrics to 0: 
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Biometrics
  • Restart the Device: For changes to take effect, restart Windows.

This method disables PIN and biometric authentication, effectively turning off Windows Hello for Business on the device.

Using PowerShell to Disable Windows Hello

PowerShell scripts can automate disabling Windows Hello, which is useful in enterprise deployment scenarios. The following commands disable Windows Hello for Business and remove PIN sign-in options:

Disable Windows Hello for Business via Group Policy registry settings

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" -Name "AllowDomainPINLogon" -Value 0 -Type DWord -Force


Disable biometric authentication

Set-


Expert Perspectives on Disabling Windows Hello


Dr. Elena Martinez (Cybersecurity Analyst, SecureTech Solutions). Disabling Windows Hello can be a strategic decision for organizations prioritizing centralized authentication controls. While Windows Hello offers convenience and biometric security, disabling it ensures that all user access is routed through traditional credentials, which can be monitored and managed more uniformly within enterprise environments.





James O’Connor (Senior IT Systems Administrator, GlobalNet Corp). From an IT management perspective, disabling Windows Hello is sometimes necessary to maintain compatibility with legacy applications or to comply with specific regulatory requirements. It’s important to communicate clearly with users about the change and provide alternative secure login methods to avoid disruptions.





Priya Singh (Windows Security Specialist, TechGuard Consulting). When disabling Windows Hello, it’s critical to ensure that other security measures, such as strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, are in place. Disabling biometric sign-in should not compromise overall system security; instead, it should complement a broader, layered security strategy.





Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What is Windows Hello and why would I want to disable it?

Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature in Windows that uses facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN for sign-in. You might want to disable it for privacy concerns, device compatibility issues, or if you prefer traditional password sign-in methods.


How can I disable Windows Hello on Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Under Windows Hello, select the biometric option you want to disable (face, fingerprint, or PIN) and click "Remove" or "Disable."


Can I disable Windows Hello using Group Policy Editor?

Yes. Open the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics, and enable the policy "Allow the use of biometrics" to Disabled. This will disable Windows Hello biometric features.


Will disabling Windows Hello affect my device’s security?

Disabling Windows Hello removes biometric sign-in options, potentially reducing convenience and security. However, you can still use strong passwords or other authentication methods to maintain security.


How do I disable Windows Hello PIN specifically?

In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, locate the PIN option under Windows Hello and select "Remove." You must verify your account password to complete the removal.


Is it possible to disable Windows Hello for all users on a device?

Yes. Use Group Policy Editor or registry settings to disable biometric sign-in options globally, preventing all users from using Windows Hello features on that device.

Disabling Windows Hello is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through various methods depending on the user's needs and system configuration. Whether you prefer to turn off facial recognition, fingerprint sign-in, or PIN login, the settings are accessible via the Windows Settings app under the Accounts and Sign-in options. For more advanced control, Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor can be used to disable Windows Hello features across multiple user accounts or devices, particularly in enterprise environments.


It is important to understand that disabling Windows Hello may impact the convenience and security of your sign-in experience. Windows Hello offers biometric authentication that enhances security by reducing reliance on traditional passwords. Therefore, before disabling, users should consider alternative security measures to maintain account protection. Additionally, administrators managing multiple devices should ensure that disabling Windows Hello aligns with organizational security policies and compliance requirements.


In summary, disabling Windows Hello is achievable through user-friendly settings or administrative tools, providing flexibility based on individual or organizational preferences. By carefully evaluating the security implications and following the appropriate steps, users can effectively manage their authentication methods while maintaining control over their Windows environment.


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Harold Trujillo

Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.



Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.