What is Windows Hello and what is it used for?

La biometric authentication is becoming more and more popular as a secure method for accessing different services and devices. Microsoft is also working on this aspect through its own system. We explain to you thatWhat is Windows Hello and what is it for?.

This feature is built into the Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating system. The user can use it to Log in quickly and securely, without the need for passwords. All this is possible thanks to the use of advanced technologies to guarantee the identity of the user, such as the facial recognition wave digital footprint.

The Windows biometric recognition platform was launched last year, although to date it has only been adopted by a small portion of users. The main reason is that the advantages and features of Windows Hello are still little known, hence the importance of informative articles such as this one.

Windows Hello Features

Windows Hello is an advanced feature for logging into Windows in a secure and faster way. Its main features are the following:

• Offers various authentication methods: Facial recognition via the device's infrared camera, fingerprint using built-in or external readers, PIN or numeric code as a secure alternative to a password, etc.
• It is compatible with numerous services and applications: Microsoft Edge, Office 365 and other online services.
• Provides a higher degree of protectionReplacing traditional passwords with biometric data, which is harder to compromise, increases the level of security. In addition, using encryption technology that stores biometric data locally on the device, not in the cloud.
• Allows access without passwords, to make authentication more convenient and easier.

Windows Hello: Requirements for use

What do we need to be able to use Windows Hello on our devices? Who can use this system? These are the requirements:

The first thing we need to know is that it is Only available on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It does not work for previous versions. In addition, to start using this version you must activate it by following the path below: Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options to enable. This is where we can configure Windows Hello.

No less important is the question of compatible hardwareTo use Windows Hello we will need to have some specific components depending on the chosen authentication method:

• Infrared (IR) compatible camera for facial recognition.
• Fingerprint reader, whether integrated or external.
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) through which to manage encryption and protect authentication data.

Many advantages (and some disadvantages)

From the features mentioned in the features section, it can be deduced that the use of Windows Hello offers undeniable advantages for any user of the Microsoft operating system. Basically, we could summarize them in the following points:

• More comfort, since this feature allows for quick login without the need to store or remember passwords. Apart from this, it is worth highlighting its perfect integration with all Microsoft devices and services.
• More security. Passwords are no longer needed, as they are always susceptible to being stolen or decrypted, which is impossible with biometric data, which is unique to each user. But if that were not enough, this data is also stored locally, minimising the risk of leaks.
• More personalization. This way of interacting with the device is more agile and direct. And when it comes to shared devices, each user can choose their own biometric method or PIN to log in.

Despite all these advantages, it should be noted Some not so positive aspects of Windows HelloThese are the points that explain why this system has not yet been adopted by the vast majority of users to date.

On the one hand, there is the question of trust. That the private biometric data are collected (however much security there is) raises certain doubts. Then there are the hardware limitations, since not all devices have IR cameras or fingerprint readers. Related to the latter, there is also the cost of acquiring compatible hardware to be able to use Windows Hello.

Is Windows Hello worth using?

Without a doubt. This is a feature that makes access to our devices considerably easier without compromising security. The user experience is a thousand times better than that offered by traditional authentication methods. In addition, it provides an extra dose of confidence when it comes to protecting our sensitive information, whether in a professional or personal environment.

For all these reasons, it can be said that Windows Hello is destined to become an essential tool within the Windows ecosystem, combining the most advanced security technologies with easy use.