Never Use A Windows Password Again- Windows Hello Webcam

I know that I’m not alone when I say passwords can be frustrating to use, and even more frustrating when you forget one. That’s when you began your journey down the rabbit hole by clicking on the “forgot password” tab in order to retrieve it. 

Just going through the reset password process can be annoying to a lot of us. And that annoyance intensifies when you find out that you have to change your password, rather than just retrieving the one you couldn’t remember. And in that process, hoping to pick a new password you can remember.

I’m guessing that this is sounding a bit familiar, and you might even find yourself nodding your head. 

This situation is also a challenge but on a larger scale for IT Managers, who manage passwords for a group. Simply put, managing passwords is a pain for all of us. 

And as much of a pain as this is, I wanted to let you know about a feature you’ll find in Windows 10 and 11 that can help you to log into your computer without the need to use, or remember, a password.

System requirements 

To begin, there are a couple of things to be aware of. 

1. The Windows Hello feature is available on computers that are running Windows 10, and Windows 11.
2. Secondly, you need a biometric camera that’s compatible with Windows Hello, such as the JPL Vision Access webcam. Built-in laptop webcams won’t work because you’ll just end up getting an error message that says the “Windows Hello option isn’t available”. 

Once you have your biometric webcam setup, which in the case of the JPL Vision Access, you just plug it in without the need to download software, here’s all you need to do in order to activate this very cool feature. 

Step 1 

Go to settings 

Step 2 

Select “Accounts” 

Step 3 

Select “sign in options” 

Step 4 

You’ll see “Facial Recognition Windows Hello” 

Step 5 

You’ll see “use your face to sign in to Windows, apps and services.” To the right of this section, you should see “set up” - click on that. 

Step 6 

You should now be asked to create a PIN. This is only a backup to logging in using your face. So in case there’s any issue in getting you logged in visually, you have this as a backup. 

Now that you’ve done these steps, you’re all set up, and ready to go. Going forward whenever you want to log into your computer, you’ll no longer need to enter a password to gain access.

Simply walk up, sit down and have a look at your computer screen, and Windows Hello does the rest to get you logged in. 

And though this isn’t the complete answer to password management, it is a good first step. After all, that’s one less password that you’ll have to remember, and that’s not a bad thing. 

There’s also another feature that works in tandem with Windows Hello that you might want to know about. This is called “Dynamic Lock.” This is how that feature works; 

Under Dynamic Lock in Windows 10 and 11, you’ll see “allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away” check that box. Then, take your phone with you when you step away from your computer, and when you’re out of Bluetooth range, your computer will lock automatically. When you return to your desk, you’d then log back in using your face. 

Dynamic Lock is a very useful feature especially in work environments where there’s sensitive, and confidential information. It simply adds another layer of security, and these days, you can never have enough of that. 

Biometric, facial recognition webcam 

Here’s some details on the JPL Vision Access webcam that works great with Windows Hello. 

• 1080 P resolution 
• 30 frames per second 
• 100% compatible with Windows Hello 
• Built-in omni-directional microphones 
• No software download required - software last device with plug and play simplicity 
• USB A, and USB C connections are both included 
• 6 foot webcam cable 
• Built-in privacy lens cover 
• Mounts on top of a monitor, or can be used with a tripod
• 360 degree camera rotation, including 90 degree tilt 
• Priced under $100.00 

The Vision Access camera is a great choice for your Microsoft Teams, RingCentral, Zoom or other UC video meetings because it gives you a nice high definition image, and full motion video at 30 frames per second. So you’re going to look good and not choppy or grainy. 

And if you’d like to try out one of these Vision Access cameras, contact us today.