Last month, I reported on Microsoft's plans to retire SMS codes for authentication and account recovery on personal Microsoft accounts. The company stated that SMS-based authentication is a leading source of fraud, and outlined its plans to replace it with more secure options, such as passkeys, authenticator apps, and verified email addresses.

And now, a similar change is making its way to Microsoft’s Chromium-based web browser, Edge. The company recently removed support for the Master Password feature. Microsoft first announced the change during the rollout of Edge version 145, noting its plan to end support for master passwords in the browser’s password manager on June 4, 2026 (via TechRadarPro).

Microsoft is replacing the master password feature in Edge with device-based authentication methods such as Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition). The company views Windows Hello as more secure and convenient compared to the custom primary password arrangement. This is because it is less susceptible to sophisticated attacks by bad actors since they'll need your fingerprint, face, or iris scan to access your account.

For context, a master password is designed to let you unlock and access all your online accounts. However, it can be viewed as a risk, especially if a third party knows your custom primary password. This means they can access sensitive data without your consent.

Alternatively, you can use your Windows PC's login, which is restricted to your device's hardware and won't send authentication data to the cloud.

While Windows Hello will seemingly make your passwords and online credentials more secure, the security feature also ships with its own fair share of challenges. In June 2025, multiple reports from web users indicated that Windows Hello no longer worked in the dark.

Microsoft confirmed that it wasn't a bug and that Windows now requires both IR sensors and a webcam that can see your face to sign in. If you've relied on a master password in Edge until now, it's time to consider your options for secure sign-ins — and always keep your passwords safe!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft is set to make an important change to how Microsoft Edge's built-in password manager works via a new browser update. For context, the feature allows users to save and sync passkeys across their Windows PCs, making signing in easier and safer.

If you've interacted with Edge's built-in password manager, you know that it lets you secure and autofill your passwords using Windows Hello or a standalone password. However, Microsoft has announced its plan to discontinue the standalone password option via the next feature update for Microsoft Edge in favor of Windows Hello (via Neowin).

As such, users won't be able to create custom standalone passwords to secure their passwords once Microsoft Edge version 146 ships to the Stable channel. However, it's worth noting that feature will remain available for existing users through June 4, 2026, when the company is expected to pull the plug and transition users to Windows Hello.

Edge's built-in password manager lets you secure passwords and autofill with two security options: Windows Hello or a standalone password. The latter is now on its way out, as Microsoft decided to discontinue the primary password in favor of the device sign-in or Windows Hello.

Elsewhere, Microsoft recently shipped Edge 145 to the Beta Channel, announcing its plan to pull support for macOS 12 Monterey.

Microsoft is ending support for primary password in Edge, transitioning users to device authentication

It's still unclear what kind of reception Microsoft will get from users for discontinuing the standalone password security option for Edge's built-in password manager, but Windows Hello seems like a more convenient option since it supports a biometric login system with your face, iris, or fingerprint (or a PIN).

Do you support Microsoft removing the custom primary password option in Edge’s password manager?

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

Microsoft confirmed an issue with Windows 11 that can prevent some people from signing in to a device using Windows Hello. The problem affects using facial recognition to unlock a device.

Luckily, the issue only affects a subset of Windows 11 users. Microsoft refers to the issue as an "edge case" and notes that it only appears after installing a specific Windows 11 update and performing a Push button reset or using the Reset this PC feature while selecting Keep my Files and Local install.

That’s a pretty specific set of circumstances for the bug to appear.

Microsoft outlined the issue in a support document:

"We're aware of an edge case of Windows Hello issue affecting devices with specific security features enabled. After installing this update and performing a Push button reset or Reset this PC from Settings > System > Recovery and selecting Keep my Files and Local install, some users might be unable to login to their Windows services using Windows Hello facial recognition or PIN. Users might observe a Windows Hello Message saying "Something happened and your PIN isn't available. Click to set up your PIN again" or "Sorry something went wrong with face setup"."

At the time of publication, there is not a fix for the Windows Hello bug. There’s no fix yet, but there is a workaround.

If your PC is affected by the issue, you can log in to your device using a PIN. You can also set up your facial recognition again.

A passwordless future?

Microsoft advocates moving away from passwords and using alternatives such as passkeys. One of the ways you can authenticate your identity without a password is to use Windows Hello.

The tech giant states that the "ultimate goal is to remove passwords completely." To help meet that goal, Microsoft redesigned the interface for logging in to a Microsoft account recently. The new experience is optimized for passwordless setup.

When bugs like the Windows Hello issue appear, some may pause to ask if going passwordless is a good idea. But even if Windows Hello does not work for some reason, you are still able to use a PIN to sign in to your PC.

When you set up Windows Hello, you have to set up a PIN as well. This requirement ensures that you have a way to log in to your PC even if Windows Hello runs into an issue.

Something you should know about me is that I hate spending money. I can't stand it. I hold onto my tech until the bitter end, and my webcam is a prime example of such unhealthy hoarding. It's a Logitech C910 (no, not even the C920) that I bought almost 13 years ago in 2011(!) and, to be fair, has served me well until recently. It's a testament to the quality of Logitech accessories, but my webcam needs are greater than my previous 'it must be HD' cravings.

The real comedy of this predicament is that my C910 camera started failing to start only a few days after the recent Cyber Monday sales ended, typically leaving me with only full-priced options to shop. However, given the longevity of this ancient relic, I'm willing to spend a fair amount on a new webcam if it meets one requirement: it needs Windows Hello support. It's too bad most of my previous top contenders lack my latest, most sought-after feature, like the incredible OBSBOT Tiny 2 we just reviewed — which would be absolutely perfect, if it only had Windows Hello support.

What is Windows Hello?

Microsoft's secure login technology, Windows Hello, isn't exclusive to cameras but extends to fingerprint readers and traditional PIN codes. However, webcams with proper Windows Hello support allow users to log into Windows 11 (or Windows 10) with a simple and quick face detection method, much like modern smartphones.

Not all webcams support Windows Hello since Microsoft has a list of requirements that manufacturers must meet, including adding an IR sensor with strict guidelines on anti-spoofing to prevent fraudulent logins. For this reason, most gaming-centric cameras aimed at live streaming pass on support, while business-oriented brands more commonly manufacture webcams with Windows Hello certification.

Top contenders to replace my ancient camera

My requirements for a new webcam are crystal clear. Besides the obvious necessity of Windows Hello support, so I can log into my PC simply by sitting at my desk, I need a slim mount that can comfortably sit atop my bracket-mounted monitor without slipping around. Thankfully, that much has become the norm since screens became ever-slimmer over the past decade, and it's pretty tricky to find a webcam that can't adjust to even the tiniest frames.

Thankfully, I certainly would never need a webcam's built-in microphone. By far, the one category I am willing to spend some hard-earned cash on is audio hardware. Since I wrote my Earthworks Audio ETHOS XLR microphone review, I've had zero desire to use anything else, especially not a miniature mic crammed into a webcam, so I can safely ignore the alluring promises of noise-canceling options.

With all that in mind, I've narrowed my search to two options, and neither is brand new. In fact, one was initially released as far back as 2017 but is still recommended by practically anyone I ask whose opinion I can trust. Even better, we had both models in for some hands-on testing at Windows Central, so their reviews are pushing me further in one direction. Prices aren't too far apart from one another either.

The choice seems obvious, with the Logitech BRIO 4K edging ahead with a stronger balance of pros and cons, but I suffer from an acute condition of living in the United Kingdom. For that, I rarely see the same generous savings as those in the United States would. However, a surprisingly affordable listing has it down to £129.99 at Amazon UK (that's not how conversion rates are supposed to work, but I'll allow it.)

It seems like the decision has been made, and I'll finally be adapting to the modern convenience of rapid logins with a Windows Hello webcam. It's about time. I've tested too many laptops this year with the same clever feature that caused my 'FOMO' levels to become dangerously high. If you've never tried it, I strongly suggest picking up the Logitech BRIO 4K after the holidays, as I will, or at least check for a Windows Hello certification badge on your webcam of choice.

What you need to know

• A group of researchers has been able to bypass Windows Hello's fingerprint authentication.
• The researchers made the discovery while running tests on Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft laptops.
• Goodix, Synaptics, and, ELAN fingerprint sensors were used as the basis for the research.
• According to the researchers, they were able to bypass the security feature because Microsoft's SDCP protection wasn't enabled.
• While Microsoft works on a way around this, the researchers recommend that users should enable SDCP protection.

A group of security researchers from Blackwing Intelligence have uncovered multiple vulnerabilities affecting the top three fingerprint sensors, which allowed them to bypass Windows Hello fingerprint authentication on Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft laptops.

The researchers were tasked by Microsoft's Offensive Research and Security Engineering team to test the security of fingerprint sensors. During the presentation of the results at Microsoft’s BlueHat conference in October, the team disclosed that some of the popular fingerprint sensors were at the center of their research, including Goodix, Synaptics, and, ELAN.

Per the report, the researchers shared a detailed description highlighting how they were able to build a USB device with the capability to deploy a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack. The report further detailed how the sophisticated technique grants bad actors access to a stolen or unattended device. 

While running tests to determine Windows Hello's dependability as a security feature, Dell's Inspiron 15, Lenovo's ThinkPad T14, and Microsoft's Surface Pro X unfortunately fell victim to the sophisticated ploy, provided fingerprint authentication was enabled on the device. 

The researchers at Blackwing Intelligence discovered the security vulnerabilities in a custom TLS on the Synaptics sensor while reverse engineering the software and hardware on these devices. 

A passwordless future, but highly alarming nonetheless

This year, we've seen Microsoft become more "intentional" in its drive towards a passwordless future, especially with its most recent move designed to allow Windows 11 users to log into websites that support passkeys using Windows Hello. Additionally, it also allows users to manage their passkeys on saved Windows devices, including deleting passkeys through the Windows Settings app.

With more people now hopping onto the passwordless train with Windows Hello, it creates a high level of uncertainty among users. This ultimately makes it even harder to decide whether they should fully transition to the passwordless approach or stick to pins. 

It's not yet clear how Microsoft plans to go about this issue, we also don't know if hackers are currently leveraging this technique in the wild.

The researchers disclosed that they were able to bypass Windows Hello's fingerprint authentication on some of the devices they were running tests on because SDCP protection wasn't enabled.

As a safety precaution, the group of researchers recommends that users should ensure that SDCP protection is enabled at all times to prevent easy deployment of such attacks. 

Do you use Windows Hello on your PC? Share your experience with us in the comments.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is working on native support for passkeys on Windows 11.
• A recent build of Windows 11 added the ability to sign into websites that work with passkeys by using Windows Hello
• Windows 11 will also let you manage saved passkeys through the Settings app.

When Microsoft announced Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486, the company shared two important pieces of information. First, Microsoft said that it would backtrack on its plans to remove a set of legacy File Explorer features. Second, the tech giant confirmed plans to improve the passkey experience for Windows users.

While enthusiasts were passionate about the File Explorer features, the passkey features will affect more general users. 

Starting with that build of Windows 11, users can log into websites that support passkeys by using Windows Hello. Additionally, users can manage their passkeys on saved Windows devices, including deleting passkeys through the Windows Settings app.

Passkeys are part of Microsoft's plan to shift away from passwords. They're more secure than passwords and have the backing of several major players in the computing industry.

Microsoft, Apple, Google, and several other large tech companies have agreed to support passkeys. The migration to passkeys over passwords will be gradual but has taken several major steps already. Websites supporting passkeys will help the technology move into the mainstream. Best Buy and eBay are already on board.

Unlike passwords, passkeys cannot be targeted by phishing attacks. In fact, passkeys work in a way that neither the server nor the person logging in know the complete login information. The setup involves digital signatures and verification through a device, such as a smartphone.

While some of the methods that passkeys utilize sound similar to two-factor authentication, there are some key differences. YouTuber Rene Ritchie broke down passkeys in a video last year.

Using passkeys results in more secure accounts that are easier to sign into, but they require websites and tech companies to support the feature. With Microsoft, Apple, and Google backing passkeys, they're likely to become mainstream in the near future.

What you need to know

• Microsoft just released Windows 11 Build 23486 to Insiders in the Dev Channel.
• The update adds support for signing in with passkeys on apps and websites using the native Windows Hello experience.
• Microsoft also backtracked on its previous plans to remove select legacy File Explorer features.

Microsoft just released Windows 11 Build 23486 to Insiders in the Dev Channel. The update includes several improvements to the passwordless experience on Windows 11, such as being able to log in to websites with passkeys through Windows Hello.

But perhaps more important than what Microsoft added in the build is what the update's change log specifies is no longer being taken away. Microsoft will no longer remove a group of legacy File Explorer features that it previously said were on the way out.

"Thank you to all the Windows Insiders who gave us feedback on the Folder Options changes in File Explorer that removed a handful of old settings in Build 23481. We’ve rolled back this change. As is normal for the Dev Channel, we will often try things out and get feedback and adjust based on the feedback we receive," said Microsoft.

As noted by the company, the Dev Channel is a place to experiment with new ideas and feature sets. When Microsoft announced its plans to remove select legacy File Explorer features, I noted that the company could change its mind.

Microsoft was going to remove the following features, but will now leave them in:

• Hide Folder Merge conflict.
• Always show icons, never thumbnails.
• Display file icon on thumbnails.
• Display file type information on Folder tips.
• Hide protected OS files.
• Show drive letters.
• Show popup description for Folder and Desktop items.
• Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color.
• Use sharing wizard.

Moving back to what's new; here's Microsoft's summary of the improvements to passkeys. The Windows Blog post goes into depth on how to set up these features:

Enroll and use passkey to sign into apps and websites: We are improving the passkey experience for Windows users. They can now go to any app or website that supports passkeys to create and sign in using passkeys with the Windows Hello native experience. Once a passkey is created, users can use Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, PIN) to sign in. In addition, users can use their phone to complete the application logon process.

Manage passkeys saved to your Windows device: We are giving users a fundamental control over how they can manage the passkeys saved to their Windows device. They can now view and delete passkeys saved for their favorite apps/websites from Windows settings.

Windows 11 Build 23486: Changes and Improvements

File Explorer

• Thank you to all the Windows Insiders who gave us feedback on the Folder Options changes in File Explorer that removed a handful of old settings in Build 23481. We’ve rolled back this change. As is normal for the Dev Channel, we will often try things out and get feedback and adjust based on the feedback we receive.

Dynamic Lighting

• New Effects are now available for Dynamic Lighting via Settings > Personalization > Dynamic Lighting. Check out Wave, Wheel, and Gradient.

Emoji

• Unicode Emoji 15, which began rolling out with Build 23475, is now available to all Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.

Settings

• We are improving the user experience when changing time zones, including cases of low confidence in location data. It displays a non-dismissible notification for accepting or rejecting the change and prompts the user for confirmation before adjusting the time zone.
• We are also improving the user experience while changing the time zone via Settings > Time & language > Date & time. If location settings are disabled, a warning is now shown to the user, urging them to enable location settings to ensure accurate time zone adjustments. This warning provides helpful information to the user, helping them understand why their time zone may not be correct and guiding them towards resolving the issue.

Today I sat down at my desk to fix what I thought would be a simple problem. I have two webcams at my desk, one built in to my laptop and another connected to a docking station. When I initially set up Windows Hello, I was in America and away from my normal desk, so I set up biometric unlock with my laptop's built-in webcam. I was surprised to discover that switching this setting to my external webcam took a bit of work.

At my desk sit three screens, my HP ZBook Studio G8, a main monitor, and an external monitor (Vissles-M) nestled below the main display. My laptop sits off to the side, powering the entire setup. Occasionally I'll have the laptop closed or use it as a third display for content I need to glance at.

While the HP ZBook Studio G8 has a stunning screen, I prefer to have it off to the side to leave room for my keyboard and mouse. Placing it next to my other devices also makes it easier to pick up the laptop when I need to take it out of my office.

Because of how my desk is set up, the IR camera in my laptop doesn't see me when I sit down at my desk. I figured I could just remove that camera in Windows Settings and set up my external camera with a couple of clicks. But no. I had to dive into the Device Manager and figure out a way to force Windows 11 to use the camera I wanted.

Removing my laptop's built-in webcam for Windows Hello was simple enough. Within the Settings app you can click a single button to do this. But when I tried to use my external webcam for Windows Hello my PC didn't give me the option to do so. 

I thought for a moment that I was mistaken and that my Dell UltraSharp webcam didn't support Windows Hello, but after checking the spec sheet I determined that wasn't the issue. Windows didn't show an option to toggle to a different camera within the Settings app.

After a quick web search, I learned that I would have to open Device Manager, disable the HP webcam and the HP IR camera, and then set up Windows Hello with my external webcam. After doing this, I re-enabled the HP camera and Windows Hello still uses my external webcam.

While I admit my specific desk setup falls into a niche category, I imagine I'm not the only person to want to use an external webcam to unlock my PC instead of a laptop's built-in camera. Doing this should require opening the Device Manager, disabling two cameras, setting up an external webcam with Windows Hello, and re-enabling the cameras.

Microsoft needs to add a simple way to select the webcam you'd like when setting up Windows Hello. For transparency, I'll note that I have only tried this setup with one laptop. There's a chance that the process works more smoothly with other PCs. That being said, Windows 11 should still handle it better.

Windows Hello is a biometric security system that uses either a biometrically-enabled camera or a fingerprint reader to log you into your Windows 10 device. Windows Hello is easy to set up when you have the correct hardware — here's a list of the best laptops that support Windows Hello with either a camera or a fingerprint reader.

The best laptops with Windows Hello

The list of laptops compatible with Windows Hello continues to grow. Here are some of the overall best based on whether or not they're using a compatible camera or a fingerprint reader.

Looking for more laptops that support Windows Hello? Check out our complete list.

See the complete list of laptops that support Windows Hello

Windows Hello facial recognition

• Alienware 15 — Real desktop gaming performance with up to an NVIDIA GTX 1080 graphics card (GPU) and an overclocked Core i7-7820HK processor (CPU).
• Dell Inspiron 15 5570 — Eighth-gen Intel Core CPU, 1080p display, and competitive price make this a popular option for professional and regular users alike.
• HP Spectre x360 13 — If you love the idea of a 13-inch convertible laptop, you can't go wrong here. Eighth-gen Intel CPU, plenty of RAM, and a stunning touch display.
• HP Spectre x360 15 — This convertible laptop might be the best 15-inch device available.
• Lenovo Miix 720 — This stylish 2-in-1 has a seventh-gen Intel CPU, beautiful QHD+ touch display, and dual watchband hinges.
• Microsoft Surface Book 2 — Microsoft's main modular laptop has desktop performance and a beautiful design, now available in 13- and 15-inch configurations.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop — This is a Surface device for lovers of a strict notebook design.
• Microsoft Surface Pro — Whether you'd like a tablet or a notebook, this versatile device is a worldwide favorite.
• Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 15 — Unbelievably thin and light, this convertible includes a built-in pen and the performance hardware needed to tackle a day's work.

Windows Hello fingerprint reader

• Acer Swift 7 — Seventh-gen Intel CPU, 13-inch 1080p display, plenty of ports, and a snazzy gold finish.
• ASUS ZenBook UX330 — An attractive price and an equally attractive build including an eighth-gen Intel CPU.
• Dell XPS 13 — One of the best laptops for anyone who loves a standard 13-inch notebook with eighth-gen Intel CPUs.
• Dell XPS 15 — Like the smaller XPS 13, this 15-inch laptop has a beautiful, slim design and powerful hardware inside.
• Huawei MateBook — Tablet with a 1440p display and a fingerprint reader built right in.
• Huawei MateBook X — Almost unbelievably thin with a 1440p display and powerful hardware within.
• Lenovo ThinkPad T470 — One of the best business laptops made today.
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon — Thin, light, and ThinkPad.
• Lenovo Yoga 720 15 — A GTX 1050 GPU, Core i7-7700HQ CPU, and a 15.6-inch touch display to go along with the convertible design.
• Lenovo Yoga 920 — Quality convertible laptop with a 4K display, watchband hinge, and eighth-gen Intel hardware.
• Samsung Notebook 9 15 — Underrated Ultrabook that's slim and light without sacrificing performance.

Best standalone IR cameras for Windows Hello

Already have a laptop or desktop PC that doesn't have a built-in camera compatible with Windows Hello? No problem. These standalone options will do the trick.

LilBit USB IR camera

This IR webcam from LilBit (about $70) clips onto your monitor or laptop display to offer quick logins through Windows Hello facial recognition.

It's also sporting a standard 720p webcam for video-conferencing, and the entire package is only about five inches long.

See at Amazon

Razer Stargazer

Gamers who want a few more features on their camera will want to check out the Razer Stargazer. It allows you to remove or switch the background while you stream at 60FPS without using a green screen backdrop. This camera seems to be getting harder to find, but if you luck out, expect to now pay upwards of $200.

See at Amazon

Logitech BRIO 4K webcam

One of the best Hello-compatible webcam to hit the market, the BRIO 4K from Logitech is a fantastic camera — if you can afford it at about $180. It will do pretty much everything you want, including recording 4K footage and virtual removal of backgrounds.

If you're interested in owning one of the best webcams out there, make sure you head over and check out our full review of the BRIO 4K.

• See at Amazon
• $215 at Walmart

Mouse webcam

If you're interested in adding Windows Hello facial recognition to your laptop for relatively cheap, the Mouse camera (about $70) is a solid option. It can record up to a resolution of 1,280 x 720 at 30 frames-per-second, but the real attraction is, of course, the IR camera for fast, hands-free logins. For more information, be sure to read our review.

See at Amazon

For more great webcams, both compatible with Windows Hello and not, check out our picks for the best Windows 10 webcams.

See our pick for the best Windows 10 webcam

Best fingerprint scanners compatible with Windows Hello

If you'd rather use a fingerprint scanner on a laptop that doesn't come with one built in, we've already chosen the best option money can buy. There are a bunch of other options available as well if our opinion of the best doesn't quite match yours.

See our pick for the best fingerprint scanner available now

Updated January 2, 2018: We refreshed this list to include all the latest options.

What you need to know

• OnlyFans is a site known for its independent content creators, such as Mia Khalifa.
• You can sign in to your OnlyFans account via Windows Hello.
• This means you can sign in with your face for an almost hands-free experience.

If you are an avid consumer of OnlyFans content and a fan of Windows technological wizardry, try not to get prematurely excited about what's coming next: A quick public service announcement that serves to inform you that your hands are no longer needed above deck for password input; you can sign in to OnlyFans with just that blissful, smiling face of yours.

You'll need to delve into account security settings to get Windows Hello ready to rock. Once there, you'll confirm your Windows Hello login, username, and be good to go. When logging in, you can opt for PIN or security key login methods, though face recognition is also an option. We can't confirm if fingerprinting is on offer as well, though, for devices with that capability, it may very well be a possibility.

Whichever route you choose, it should be as simple as that to set up and get off to the races of consuming content, spending money, and potentially making your neighbors very wealthy. Alternatively, you can get similar content over on sites that don't cost money or involve Windows Hello, often from the same exact creators, one of whom is named somewhere in this very article. But that's research for you to do according to your preferences. We're just here to tell you that Windows Hello is supported on OnlyFans.

If you want a taste of the best laptops supporting Windows Hello, you can give our sizeable 2021 roundup a shake. Alternatively, stick with whatever device you have and give OF a friendly Hello. Or perhaps maybe more of a hellooooo.

Windows Hello is fast and secure

Windows Hello is a feature on Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows you to log into your device with your face or fingerprint. Apps can also work with Windows Hello so that you can log into apps with your biometric data. It's becoming more useful as more apps and services, like password managers, support it. You not only save time logging into your devices but also jumping in and out of apps.

In addition to being more convenient, Windows Hello helps secure your device. Many people either use the same password across multiple devices or use straightforward passwords. With Windows Hello, you can create a complicated password once and then use your fingerprint or face to sign into your device in the future. You may still have to enter your password occasionally, but you'll still save time overall and make your tech tougher to access.

Microsoft also recently announced the option to remove a password from your Microsoft account. To replace a password, people will be able to use the Microsoft Authenticator app, Windows Hello, a security key, or two-factor authentication.

Many of the best Windows laptops and other new devices ship with fingerprint scanners or biometric cameras. However, if you're happy with the rest of your PC's hardware but just want to add Windows Hello support, an external webcam with Windows Hello support could be perfect for you.

Do you need a webcam for filming or security?

The type of PC that will benefit most from an external webcam that supports Windows Hello is a desktop. Webcams aren't massive, but they're bulky enough to be cumbersome on laptops or tablets. A desktop or all-in-one will generally have a monitor large enough to house an external webcam.

Both the BRIO 4K and Kaysuda webcams use infrared to scan your face and are more secure than simple face readers or iris scanners. They also work very quickly, allowing you to sit on your desk and have your device unlocked. You can also use Windows 10 to automatically log you off a device when you stand up and walk away from your desk. These features are perfect for an office setting where you regularly leave and return to your PC but don't want to enter a password multiple times throughout the day.

Because both of these cameras work well with Windows Hello, the main difference is picture quality. The Logitech BRIO 4K is the best webcam in this category. It has an excellent 4K camera along with the IR components needed to scan your face for Windows Hello. The Kaysuda webcam only shoots in 1080p but is a friendlier option when it comes to price and still works well with Windows Hello. The webcam that's best for you depends on if your primary use for it is Windows Hello or a combination of Windows Hello and filming and streaming yourself.

If you just want a camera that can unlock your PC quickly without requiring you to touch a fingerprint scanner or to type in a password, the Kaysuda webcam is a relatively affordable option that will work well. If you need a webcam that can unlock your PC and be used for streaming or recording things, you should purchase the Logitech BRIO 4K. It films in 4K and also works well as a Windows Hello webcam.

Windows 11 build 22000.100 was released yesterday to Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel. With it came a larger rollout of Teams Chat and further changes to the UI to make it all consistent ahead of the expected October release for the new OS.

Being an Insider build, some things broke for some users, and one of those is Windows Hello Facial recognition. Specifically, you will see the error message "Something went wrong" when your lock screen engages, or the PC is locked after a reboot.

Luckily, this issue is a known problem as Microsoft lists both it and the fix in its long list on its blog. (Another known issue is Settings will crash when clicking "Facial recognition (Windows Hello)" under Sign-in Settings if Windows Hello is already set up.)

Lesson: always read the release notes!

The fix is actually very simple to get Windows Hello working again. Here's what you need to do:

1. Type "Device Manager" into Search (Start Menu or Search icon)

2. Open Device Manager
3. Double click on "Biometric devices"
4. Right-click on "Windows Hello Face Software Device"

5. Choose "Uninstall device"
6. Reboot the PC

What this trick is doing is removing the old driver and forcing it to reinstall when Windows reboots. Once the driver is reinstalled, your Windows Hello Face recognition should be good to go.

Need more? Our help and how to section is chock full of guides on other common Windows and hardware fixes, so make sure to check it out.

What you need to know

• Researchers found a vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass Windows Hello facial recognition.
• Attacking through the vulnerability requires a person to have an IR image of a target, physical access to a target device, and a specialized piece of USB hardware.
• There's no evidence that this vulnerability has been taken advantage of in the wild.

A group of researchers from CyberArk Labs managed to bypass Windows Hello using a recently discovered vulnerability. CyberArk refers to the vulnerability as a "design flaw" that lets an attacker bypass Windows Hello facial recognition.

In practice, this vulnerability probably isn't much of a concern for most people. In order to take advantage of it, an attacker would need to have an IR image of a target's face, physical access to a potential victim's PC, and have a specialized piece of USB hardware.

Cyberark doesn't have any evidence of attackers taking advantage of the vulnerability in the wild. This new research on Windows Hello focuses on Windows Hello for Business, but CyberArk notes that "potentially any authentication system that allows a pluggable third-party USB camera to act as biometric sensor could be susceptible to this attack without proper mitigation." It adds, however, that it has "not performed practical tests to verify this."

Cameras that support Windows Hello have two sensors, an RGB sensor for visible images and an IR sensor. According to CyberArk, Windows Hello only processes the IR camera frames during the authentication process.

CyberArk was able to bypass Windows Hello by creating a custom piece of USB hardware that transmitted IR frames of a target. Research found that only a single IR frame is required to get around Windows Hello, though an additional frame is needed, which can just be a black frame.

"To summarize what we've learned so far: We have seen that an attacker can create a custom-made USB device that Windows Hello will work with," said CyberArk. "The attacker controls the data that comes from this device. With only one valid IR frame of the target, the adversary can bypass the facial recognition mechanism of Windows Hello, resulting in a complete authentication bypass and potential access to all the victim's sensitive assets."

Microsoft shared a mitigation for the vulnerability on July 13, 2021. CyberArk will present its findings at Black Hat 2021 on August 4-5, 2021.

What you need to know

• Kensington announced the VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key today.
• It allows you to add a fingerprint reader to your desktop setup easily.
• The VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key works with Windows Hello and is FIDO U2F certified.

Kensington announced the new VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key today. The device is built to work with the best desktop computers and easily adds a fingerprint reader to your Windows 10 PC. The VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key works with Windows Hello, is FIDO U2F certified, and is FIDO2 WebAuthn compatible. As a result, it works with a variety of services, including Office 365, Azure, Outlook, and more.

Many of the best fingerprint scanners are built for laptops. Several of them are convenient dongles that plug into the USB port on the side of a device. That setup is great for portable computers but doesn't work well with desktop PCs. The VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key is designed for desktop setups and has a 3.9-foot cable to work with different configurations.

The fingerprint reader could also work well with several of the best all-in-one PCs, though some of them already have biometric scanners built in.

The fingerprint reader within the device supports 360-degree readability and has anti-spoofing technology. Kensington highlights that it beats the industry standard for false rejection rate and false acceptance rate.

With its various security features and certifications, the VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key can meet standards for GDPR, BIPA, and CCPA. It's also TAA-compliant, meaning it can be used in U.S. Federal government institutions and organizations.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is working towards a future without passwords, as highlighted by a new blog post.
• Passwords can create security risks and be difficult to remember.
• Microsoft supports a wide range of passwordless technology.

Microsoft has worked for years to move towards a future without passwords, or at least with significantly fewer of them. Windows Hello allows people to sign into their devices without a password and Microsoft works with several partners to allow people to use devices without passwords. A new blog post from Microsoft highlights some of the major steps forward in 2020 for passwordless technology and the future of the tech in 2021.

As highlighted by Microsoft in its blog post, passwords create security risks and can be a hassle to use. Microsoft highlights some key indicators that show that passwordless tech is on the rise:

• Passwordless usage in Azure Active Directory is up by more than 50 percent for Windows Hello for Business, passwordless phone sign-in with Microsoft Authenticator, and FIDO2 security keys.
• More than 150 million total passwordless users across Azure Active Directory and Microsoft consumer accounts.
• The number of consumers using Windows Hello to sign in to Windows 10 devices instead of a password grew to 84.7 percent from 69.4 percent in 2019.

According to the World Economic Forum, an estimated 80 percent of cybercrime attacks are directed at passwords. To help people move away from passwords, Microsoft works with companies like YubiKey, HID Global, Trustkey, and AuthenTrend. In February, Microsoft also rolled out preview support of Azure Active Directory for FIDO2 security keys.

In 2021, Microsoft plans to release a converged registration portal, which allows people to manage passwordless credentials through the My Apps Portal.

If you want to add biometric security to your PC and move away from passwords, you can grab a webcam with Windows Hello or a fingerprint reader with Windows Hello.

What is Windows Hello?

Windows Hello is Microsoft's biometric security system that's built into Windows 10. It allows users to use either facial recognition or fingerprint scans to log into their computers, instead of a traditional password. This is a nifty feature for folks who hate having to remember their login information or simply just like the added convenience.

Does the LG gram 17 camera work with Windows Hello?

Unfortunately, the camera on the new LG gram 17 laptop does not come with Windows Hello support, which means that you won't be able to use facial recognition to unlock the device. However, there is a bright side — the laptop does come with built-in sensors that can read your fingerprints, meaning you'll at least be able to utilize Windows Hello in some capacity. While fingerprint reading isn't as convenient as facial recognition, it's still quicker and easier than having to remember a password.

Why choose an LG gram 17?

Regardless of how much it can support Windows Hello, the LG gram 17 is a fantastic laptop . Remarkably, it weighs just 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg), which is incredibly light, especially for a 17-inch laptop. A product this light usually means that durability is a concern, but not here. The LG gram 17 has gone through MIL-STD-810G military testing, so you can rest assured knowing it's not a weak device.

It also comes with an astounding battery life of about 10-12 hours on average depending on how bright you keep the display and how hard you push the laptop. For a 17-inch laptop, that's an excellent result. The LG gram 17 can perform all work tasks well too, thanks to its Intel 10th Gen i7-1065G7 processor and 16GB of RAM. It's also a great device for visual media in particular thanks to its high-quality 2560x1600 display that sports great color accuracy all around. Finally, equipped with three USB-A 3.1 ports and a USB-C Thunderbolt 3 port, the LG gram 17 is stellar for connecting peripherals.

Overall, this laptop is superb.

Windows Hello and the ASUS ZenBook Duo

Windows Hello, Windows 10's biometric security system that offers an alternative to traditional passwords and PINs, works by detecting either your facial structure or your unique fingerprints. The ASUS ZenBook Duo's IR camera is fully compatible with this facial recognition system. On top of that, the device also has a fingerprint reader if you would prefer to use Windows Hello that way.

Why the ASUS ZenBook Duo is worth getting

The ASUS ZenBook Duo is a really cool device for reasons that go beyond Windows Hello functionality. The uinique dual HD display design allows you to effectively have a "dual-monitor" setup without any of the hassle that normally comes with that, and the second screen is even touch-compatible so you can jot down notes with it. This is a feature that students in particular will love.

In addition, the device has very competent specs. It features an NVIDIA MX250 GPU, an Intel 10th Gen i7-10510U processor, and 16GB of RAM. These specs allow it to tackle any standard work task with ease, and you'll even be able to use the laptop for some gaming and media editing. It's also worth noting that the 10th Gen Intel CPU makes the device compatible with Wi-Fi 6, the latest Wi-Fi standard that improves connection stability and speed.

In terms of physical design, the device is great as well. It's pretty light at just 3.3 pounds (1.5kg), and the bezels around both of the screens are razor-thin, which is always a plus. The icing on the cake is the nice suite of USB ports that include dual USB-A 3.1 slots as well as a USB-C 3.1 one (not Thunderbolt 3). Overall, the ASUS ZenBook Duo is an excellent laptop with a neat extra display that you shouldn't overlook.

What you need to know

• New cumulative updates are now available for Windows 10.
• The updates bring fixes for Windows 10 versions 1909 and 1903.
• The main highlight in these updates is an improvement to Windows Hello accuracy.

Microsoft rolled out a new set of cumulative updates to the two most recent Windows 10 releases today. These cumulative updates are available for the Windows 10 May 2019 and November 2019 updates, and they bring the standard set of fixes and improvements. The one major highlight here is an improvement to the accuracy of Windows Hello, which may make for smoother logins.

These updates contain the same set of fixes, though they differ in build number. You'll see builds 18362.628 and 18363.628 for the May 2019 Update and November 2019 Update, respectively. Here's a look at the highlights.

• Improves the accuracy of Windows Hello face authentication.
• Updates an issue that changes the user-customized order of tiles in the Start menu even though the layout is locked or partially locked.
• Updates an issue that causes a grey box to appear when you search within Control Panel and File Explorer.
• Updates an issue that prevents File Explorer's Quick access control from pasting clipboard content using the right mouse button (right-click).
• Updates an issue that prevents File Explorer's Quick access control from receiving user input.
• Updates an issue that causes the touch keyboard to close when you select any key.
• Updates an issue that, in certain cases, causes multiplayer PC games to drop the invitation to play the game in multiplayer mode.
• Updates an issue that sometimes causes an error when you unplug a USB type C hub flash drive.
• Updates an issue that displays incorrect indicators for offline and online files.

You can grab these updates now via Windows Update. For more on these releases, you can check out Microsoft's full release notes as well.

What is Windows Hello, anyway?

Windows Hello is a special type of security software for Windows 10 that allows the user to lock and unlock their device with biometrics instead of a password. Windows Hello can identify a user in two ways: by facial recognition or a fingerprint scan.

This biometric security offers a few key advantages over a traditional system, such as eliminating the need to remember a password as well as ensuring that someone can't get past your security by spying on or stealing your information. In addition, it also makes the sign-in process a faster overall, as it's quicker to stick your face in front of a camera or get your fingerprint read than it is to type out a password, especially if you have a long one.

All versions of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga come with a fingerprint scanner, but you'll need to outfit the device with a special IR camera if you want to get Windows Hello facial recognition working. Luckily, this configuration will only set you back an extra $50 or so, so it's not too costly.

What makes the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga worth buying?

There are plenty of other reasons the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a great laptop aside from the Windows Hello functionality. One of the main ones is the killer 4K display you can opt to get with it, complete with HDR and 500 nits of brightness that will make image and video look stunning.

Another great feature of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is that it's available with a variety of Intel's 8th Gen i5 and i7 CPU chips, which are very powerful and offer a ton of processing power. It's got cellular LTE, too, as well as an awesome speaker system that makes use of Dolby Atmos, delivering rich sound quality. To round it off, the device can have up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of solid-state drive (SSD) hard drive space, which should be more than enough for any user.

When it comes to the physical design of the device, the laptop is a winner as well. It has thin bezels and a razor-thin frame, and it also weighs just under three pounds — all of this makes the user experience more enjoyable, and the light weight and compact size makes it easy and convenient to carry with you on the go.

What's so special about Windows Hello facial recognition?

Setting up a password to protect your laptop when you're not around is always recommended, especially if you deal with sensitive information, but manually typing it in each time you sit down at your PC can become a tad annoying. With Windows Hello facial recognition, an IR camera built into your PC instead reads your face and signs you in when it sees a match.

The best part? You can generally depend on a login time that takes less than or about a second. You can even set up a dynamic lock with another Bluetooth-enabled device — like your phone — that will automatically secure your PC when you and the secondary device move out of range. With certain apps that deal with sensitive information, like password managers, facial recognition will also be tapped to ensure it's you at your laptop.

On top of the optional IR camera available with some models of the ThinkPad X1 Extreme, all models include a match-on-chip fingerprint reader built into the chassis next to the keyboard. It also provides quick and secure logins through Windows Hello.

If you do opt for a model with an IR camera, you'll also have access to Glance eye-tracking technology. You can use that to move windows between monitors and to take advantage of easier cursor location, which is handy with the X1 Extreme's multiple external monitor support. However, Glance can also let you know if another set of eyes other than your own is checking out what's on your display. If you often deal with sensitive information, this feature can prove invaluable.

How much extra money is an X1 Extreme model with IR camera?

Prices for a baseline ThinkPad X1 Extreme model start at about $1,476, but you will have to opt for the FHD or 4K display with Dolby Vision HDR400 to get access to the IR camera. Luckily, you can keep all hardware other than the display the same as the baseline model.

For the FHD display with 500 nits brightness and HDR400, you should only see a price increase of about $60. For the 4K display with HDR400, the price jump is closer to about $333. That's not a bad increase, especially considering the standard FHD display without IR camera hits only 300 nits brightness and does not feature Dolby Vision HDR400 support.

If you don't can't justify the extra cost for an upgraded display in your X1 Extreme and still want to take advantage of facial recognition through Windows Hello, you can always check out third-party camera options that offer IR technology.

What is Express Sign-In, anyway?

The Express Sign-In feature on the new Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 is a special security feature that makes use of Windows Hello technology in order to lock your device when you're away from the computer, and then unlock it automatically when you come back to it.

The device's IR camera, which is located above the screen, constantly checks for your face once you set up your Windows Hello facial recognition. If it stops detecting you, it will lock down your device after a certain amount of time (you can choose how long it takes in settings). Since the camera continues to remain active even in this locked, sleep mode state, it will immediately sign you back in and unlock your screen once it detects your face again. This is a fantastic feature if you need to get up for a bit, but don't want anyone to see what you're doing on your Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1.

How well does it work?

In our testing, the Express Sign-In feature worked flawlessly and we had no issue with either the locking or unlocking functions. The camera itself is good and is capable of detecting facial patterns wonderfully, so you can expect Express Sign-In to work great on your own Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1. However, if you do have problems with it, don't worry. You can simply disable the feature, and you can always sign in using a regular password, too.

Microsoft and Mozilla are both working to make passwords a thing of the past, and the latest version of Firefox is a big step towards that future. Firefox version 66 includes support for Windows Hello for web authentication, allowing you to log in to websites that support the latest FIDO2 standards for passwordless logins.

Currently, the feature is only available with Firefox 66 for Windows Insiders testing the Windows 10 19H1 update in the Fast ring. If you meet both requirements, however, you'll be able to use a variety of supported authentication methods supported by Windows Hello to sign into websites. "That includes face or fingerprint biometrics, and a wide range of external security keys via the CTAP2 protocol from FIDO2, as well as existing deployed CTAP1 FIDO U2F-style security keys," Mozilla says in a blog post.

Microsoft has been vocal in its efforts to kill passwords due to the security issues that they pose. In November, the company added support for FIDO2 security keys as a login method for Microsoft accounts, allowing users to ditch their passwords.

Firefox 66 is available to download starting today. Windows Insiders on the Fast ring can try its Windows Hello support starting now. Everyone else will automatically gain access to the feature when the Windows 10 19H1 update ships later this spring.

Windows Hello face recognition and privacy screens explained

Windows Hello uses facial recognition, iris scanning, and fingerprint scanning to provide a secure alternative to passwords for Windows devices. Windows Hello compatible devices use the camera and near-infrared light to scan your face. This allows Windows Hello facial recognition to work, even in the dark.

Privacy screens (also called privacy filters) work like blinds in your house. From certain angles, such as looking straight at the screen, the light passes through and you can see and continue to work as normal. As you move to the side, the light gets blocked, so peeping eyes can't see what's on your screen unless they're directly behind you.

Since Windows Hello uses near-infrared light and light passes through the privacy screen at a direct angle, Windows Hello face recognition should work with a privacy screen.

How can I make sure Windows Hello face recognition work with my privacy screen?

Ensure Windows Hello facial recognition will work on your device with a privacy screen by making sure the camera and infrared sensors are not obstructed. Remove dust or dirt on the camera and sensors (usually at the top of the laptop) and try to not cover the area with the privacy screen.

Some privacy filters come with cutouts for the camera and speakers such as this privacy screen from 3M. That should make application and use much simpler.

Fast and secure

Windows Hello is a Windows 10 feature that allows you to log in to your device with your face or fingerprint. Apps can also work with Windows Hello so you can log in to apps with your biometric data. This is convenient and is becoming more useful as more apps and services support it. For example, there are multiple password managers that support Windows Hello. You not only save time logging into your devices but also jumping in and out of apps.

In addition to being more convenient, Windows Hello helps secure your device. Many people either use the same password across multiple devices or use very simple passwords. With Windows Hello, you can create a complicated password once and then use your fingerprint to sign in in the future. You may still have to occasionally enter your password, but you'll still save time overall and make your tech tougher to access.

Many new devices ship with fingerprint scanners or biometric cameras. However, if you're happy with your PC's hardware but just want to add Windows Hello support, an external fingerprint reader could be perfect for you.

Desktop or portable

The type of fingerprint scanner that you'll need varies greatly on your setup. Tablets, 2-in-1s, and laptops will be best served by fingerprint readers that are roughly the size of a small USB drive. These allow you to pop in the fingerprint reader and leave it in there as a permanent solution that doesn't raise your device's physical profile (obviously you can also take it out when necessary). That's where the Eikon Mini comes in. These also tend to be a lot cheaper than wired or camera solutions.

Desktops and all-in-ones are often hidden under desks or have ports that are hard to reach. A wired solution that lets the fingerprint reader rest near your keyboard and mouse are best for these setups, If you have a desktop PC you might also want to consider a biometric camera that supports Windows Hello. Unfortunately, these come at a much higher price. These also increase security and convenience and might suit your desktop better than a fingerprint scanner.

We've recommended two scanners below, one for each type of setup. As you can see, the prices vary wildly, but that all depends on if you want a permanent, wired solution or a smaller, low-profile version.

Microsoft today announced that it has turned on support for using a FIDO2 security key for signing in to Microsoft accounts. Now, you'll be able to ditch your username and password, instead authenticating with a physical security key to log in to your Microsoft account in Microsoft Edge.

From Microsoft:

You can take advantage of the new feature for your Microsoft account so long as you have a FIDO2 security key from Yubico or Feitian and you're running the Windows 10 October 2018 Update. To get started, you'll want to head to the Microsoft account page and select Security > More security options. Under the "Windows Hello and security keys" section, you can follow Microsoft's instructions for adding a security key to your account.

Windows Hello is a nifty feature for Windows 10 allowing biometric security on your PC with facial or fingerprint logins. This requires either a fingerprint scanner or a special camera array, such as the Intel RealSense ones.

With a fingerprint sensor or a special camera, either built-in or an external one like the Intel developer kit, you'll be able to set up Windows Hello to log you into your computer without having to enter a password, verify your identity, login to some apps or even complete purchases in the Store.

It's very easy to set up, so here's how to do it.

It's important to note that without the necessary hardware you won't see the options to set up Windows Hello.

1. In the settings app click on accounts.

2. Click on sign-in options in the sidebar.
3. You need to set up a PIN code before you're allowed to use Windows Hello. Once you've added this, the option for Hello will unlock.

4. You'll now see which options are available to set up under Windows Hello.

5. Click on "Get started."
6. The next steps will differ depending on whether you're adding a face or a fingerprint.

You'll either have to look at your camera in a certain way or lift and reseat your finger on the fingerprint scanner until the PC has recorded it. With facial recognition, you have the option to re-run it to make the recognition better, and with fingerprints, you can simply go back and add more.

And that's all there is to it. After following these steps you'll be set up with face recognition on Windows Hello.

How to set up Windows Hello from the Lock screen on Windows 10 April 2018 Update

Updated May 28, 2018: Updated to reflect the latest Windows 10 April Update.

If you're looking to ditch your passwords for something a little more secure, it's been a good week. After the debut of the new WebAuthn standard last week, Yubico followed things up with a new security key built to work with FIDO2 and WebAuthn API authentication standards. Now, Microsoft is taking things a step further by announcing Windows Hello will support FIDO2 security keys as well.

Windows Hello's support for FIDO2 keys will work specifically with Yubico's USB FIDO2 Security Key, along with additional form factors from other partners. The feature is currently available as part of a limited preview via the Windows Technology Adoption Program, and it works with both Windows 10 and for Azure Active Directory users.

Though it's easy to see this sort of thing extending to the consumer sphere, Microsoft appears to be focused on enterprise scenarios for the moment. From Microsoft:

"Microsoft's FIDO2 implementation using the Security Key by Yubico is just the beginning of a passwordless world; there are no limits as to where this technology can take us," said Stina Ehrensvard, CEO and Founder, Yubico. "Passwords have been an age-old pain point for both individuals and organizations, and now, we have developed a unified open standard that can finally solve the problem at scale."

As it stands, Windows Hello already takes advantage of biometrics, like facial or fingerprint recognition, to allow users to log in without a password. However, support for FIDO2 security keys allows for a form of two-factor authentication, requiring the key itself along with a PIN or fingerprint to log in, all while eliminating the need for a password.

Microsoft is currently running a limited preview program for Windows Hello FIDO2 Security Key support, and you can sign up to join the waitlist. And if you want to get your hand on one of Yubico's new FIDO2 Security Keys now, they're available to order for $20.

Windows Hello, Microsoft's biometric sign-in system for Windows 10, can now read your palm. Coming as part of a partnership with Fujitsu, palm vein authentication joins facial and fingerprint recognition among Windows Hello's supported log-in methods.

The integration takes advantage of Fujitsu's PalmSecure systems, which involve scanners either built into a laptop or attached via USB. To log in, users hover their hands over the sensor, which then scans for their unique vein pattern under the skin. It's a unique authentication technique that could be harder to dupe because a map of palm veins would be harder to copy than something like a fingerprint. Fujitsu is also talking up PalmSecure as a more hygienic system for authentication.

PalmSecure is already built into some Fujitsu Stylystic and Lifebook models, and it's likely we'll see this utilized more in the enterprise and business spaces. In fact, according to Fujitsu, the authentication tech is already in use at a number of organizations around the world, including Lotte Card and Brazilian bank Banco Bradesco.

The flaw, discovered by researchers at Syss (via The Register) allows Windows Hello to be spoofed on Windows 10 releases older than the Creators Update (build 1703). However, even if your PC is currently running the Creators Update or Falls Creators Update, facial recognition needs to be set up again to circumvent the flaw.

Matthias Deeg and Philipp Buchegger, the researchers who discovered the attack, say that Windows Hello can be fooled by using printed photos of an authorized user that has been modified. Using a frontal photo taken with a near-infrared camera, facial recognition on the affected Windows 10 versions could be fooled. Deeg and Buchegger tested the spoofing attack with Windows Hello's standard setup, as well as with "enhanced anti-spoofing" enabled, and were able to bypass both. From the report:

While worrying, the attack requires a pretty specific set of steps to work. The best way to stay protected is to make sure you're PC is current with either the Creators Update or Fall Creators Update. Once updated, you'll want to set up Windows Hello's face recognition from scratch to guard against spoofing.

You can view demonstrations of the exploit in action in the videos below.

Thanks, Daniel, for the tip!

Windows Hello is a security system designed by Microsoft that uses biometrics to log you into your Windows 10 laptop. To take advantage of facial recognition, your device needs a special kind of camera that can scan your face, so not all laptops with webcams are compatible. However, most fingerprint readers, when given the right drivers, are compatible with Windows Hello.

The number of laptops that are compatible with Windows Hello continues to grow, and we compiled a list to keep you in the know. If you see an omission, be sure to let us know, and we'll add it.

• Windows Hello facial recognition
• Windows Hello fingerprint reader
• Standalone cameras and fingerprint readers

Windows Hello facial recognition

Alienware

• Alienware 13
• Alienware 15
• Alienware 17

ASUS

• ASUS Transformer 3 Pro

Dell

• Dell Inspiron 13 5379 2-in-1
• Dell Inspiron 13 7370 2-in-1
• Dell Inspiron 13 7373 2-in-1
• Dell Inspiron 15 5567
• Dell Inspiron 15 5579 2-in-1
• Dell Inspiron 15 7570
• Dell Inspiron 15 7573 2-in-1
• Dell Inspiron 17 7773 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 12 5280
• Dell Latitude 12 5285 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 12 5289 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 12 7280
• Dell Latitude 12 7285 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 13 3379 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 13 7380
• Dell Latitude 13 7389 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 14 3000
• Dell Latitude 14 3480
• Dell Latitude 14 5480
• Dell Latitude 14 7480
• Dell Latitude 15 3580
• Dell Latitude 15 5580

HP

• HP EliteBook Folio G1
• HP EliteBook x360 1020 G2
• HP EliteBook x360
• HP ENVY 15
• HP ENVY 17
• HP ENVY x360 15
• HP OMEN 15t
• HP OMEN 17t
• HP Spectre x2
• HP Spectre x360 13
• HP Spectre x360 15

Lenovo

• Lenovo Ideapad Y700 17
• Lenovo Miix 720
• Lenovo ThinkPad 25
• Lenovo ThinkPad P51s
• Lenovo ThinkPad T570

Microsoft

• Microsoft Surface Book
• Microsoft Surface Book with Performance Base
• Microsoft Surface Book 2 13"
• Microsoft Surface Book 2 15"
• Microsoft Surface Laptop
• Microsoft Surface Pro
• Microsoft Surface Pro 4

MSI

• MSI GT72 Dominator Pro
• MSI GT72VR Tobii
• MSI GT72S G Tobii
• MSI GT72S Dominator G
• MSI GT72S Dominator Pro G
• MSI GT72VR Dominator
• MSI GT72VR Dominator Pro

Samsung

• Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 13"
• Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 15"

Toshiba

• Toshiba Satellite Radius 2-in-1

Windows Hello fingerprint reader

If an older laptop has a fingerprint reader, and the correct drivers are available, it should be compatible with Windows Hello.

Acer

• Acer Spin 5
• Acer Spin 7
• Acer Swift 1
• Acer Swift 3
• Acer Swift 5
• Acer Swift 7
• Acer Switch V10

ASUS

• ASUSPRO B9440
• ASUS Transformer Mini
• ASUS Transformer Pro T304UA
• ASUS VivoBook Flip 14
• ASUS VivoBook Flip 15
• ASUS VivoBook S15
• ASUS VivoBook Pro 15
• ASUS VivoBook Pro 17
• ASUS ZenBook 3
• Asus ZenBook 3 Deluxe
• ASUS ZenBook Flip
• ASUS ZenBook Flip S
• ASUS ZenBook Pro
• ASUS ZenBook UX330
• ASUS ZenBook UX430UA

Avell

• Avell Fullrange G1711 Iron
• Avell Fullrange G1743 Iron V4
• Avell Fullrange G1745 Iron V4
• Avell Fullrange G1746 Iron V4
• Avell Fullrange W1711 Iron
• Avell Fullrange W1743 Iron V4
• Avell Fullrange W1745 Iron V4
• Avell Fullrange W1746 Iron V4
• Avell Fullrange W1843 Iron V4
• Avell Titanium G1511 Iron
• Avell Titanium G1540 Lite
• Avell Titanium G1546 Iron V4
• Avell Titanium W1511 Iron
• Avell Titanium W1540 Lite
• Avell Titanium W1545 Iron V4
• Avell Titanium W1546 Iron V4

Dell

• Dell Inspiron 15 5570
• Dell Inspiron 17 5770
• Dell Latitude 11 5000 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 12 5285 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 12 5289 2-in-1
• Dell Latitude 12 7000 Rugged
• Dell Latitude 13 7000
• Dell Precision 15 7000
• Dell XPS 13
• Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
• Dell XPS 15

HP

• HP EliteBook 820
• HP EliteBook 850
• HP EliteBook 1030
• HP EliteBook 1040 G3
• HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2
• HP Elite x2 1012
• HP Pro x2 612 G2
• HP ProBook 430
• HP ProBook 440
• HP ProBook 450
• HP ProBook 455
• HP ProBook 470
• HP ProBook 640 G3
• HP ProBook 645
• HP ProBook 650
• HP ProBook 655
• HP ZBook Studio G4

Huawei

• Huawei MateBook
• Huawei MateBook D
• Huwei MateBook E
• Huawei MateBook X

Lenovo

• Lenovo Flex 5 14"
• Lenovo Flex 5 15"
• Lenovo IdeaPad 320 17"
• Lenovo IdeaPad 520 15"
• Lenovo IdeaPad 710S Plus
• Lenovo IdeaPad 720S 13"
• Lenovo IdeaPad 720S 14"
• Lenovo ThinkPad A475
• Lenovo ThinkPad 13
• Lenovo ThinkPad 25
• Lenovo ThinkPad E470
• Lenovo ThinkPad L560
• Lenovo ThinkPad L570
• Lenovo ThinkPad P50
• Lenovo ThinkPad P51s
• Lenovo ThinkPad P70
• Lenovo ThinkPad P71
• Lenovo ThinkPad T470
• Lenovo ThinkPad T470p
• Lenovo ThinkPad T470s
• Lenovo ThinkPad T570
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga
• Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 370
• Lenovo Yoga 720 12"
• Lenovo Yoga 720 13"
• Lenovo Yoga 720 15"
• Lenovo Yoga 910
• Lenovo Yoga 920
• Lenovo ThinkPad x270

Microsoft

• Microsoft Surface Pro
• Microsoft Surface Pro 4
• Microsoft Surface Pro 3

(Note: The Surface Pros require a special fingerprint ID keyboard sold separately for about $140 to take advantage of Windows Hello finger authentication.)

Samsung

• Samsung Notebook 9 13"
• Samsung Notebook 9 15"

Toshiba

• Toshiba Portege Z30
• Toshiba Portege A30
• Toshiba Tecra A40
• Toshiba Tecra A50
• Toshiba Tecra Z40
• Toshiba Zecra Z50

Standalone cameras and fingerprint readers

If your laptop didn't come equipped with a compatible webcam or a built-in fingerprint reader, there are several standalone options that connect to your PC for easy Windows Hello logins.

If you're in the market for a Windows Hello camera, check out our roundup of the best webcams money can buy. Looking for a fingerprint scanner? No problem — have a look at our roundup of the best fingerprint scanners.

• See the best webcams available now
• See the best fingerprint readers available now

Updated November 30, 2017: We refreshed this article to ensure you're still getting a current list of laptops with Windows Hello. As always, give a shoutout in the comments if you know of any laptops we missed.

Convenience and security are often at odds in the tech world, but that hasn't stopped most companies from attempting to fuse the two. With Microsoft, we have Windows Hello, a biometric system that can log you in with a fingerprint, or facial or iris scans. Apple, which uses Touch ID as a fingerprint login system, has now come up with something new, first unveiled at the September 2017 Apple event.

Apple wants to get rid of the iPhone's Home button and with it TouchID, so it's testing out what it calls "Face ID" on the upcoming iPhone X. Face ID works in a similar way to Windows Hello, in that it uses an IR sensor and camera to identify your face for a fast, secure login. There are, however, some differences between the two technologies, which we'll examine here.

What is Windows Hello facial recognition?

With Windows Hello, there are two types of biometric recognition through cameras: iris and facial. The facial recognition side of Windows Hello works by bouncing infrared (IR) light off your face and picking it up with a camera. An image of your face is then compared against one that's stored on your PC. If they match, you're logged in. The iris scanning side — famously found in the Lumia 950, 950 XL, and HP Elite x3 — instead takes a picture of your iris and compares it to one stored in your device.

Although there are no confirmed reports of Microsoft's implementation of iris scanners being defeated, other iris scanners have been bypassed, as have facial recognition methods. Android Central reported on the iris scanner in the Samsung Galaxy S8 being spoofed with a printed IR image and a fake contact lens. An article from The Guardian explains how researchers from Carnegie Mellon University were able to fool Face++ facial recognition by wearing some funky tortoiseshell glasses. In some cases, like with the Samsung Note 8, all it took was printing out a picture of a face and holding it up to a camera.

Windows Hello facial recognition puts a stop to some spoofing thanks to the IR camera. Printed and digital images don't appear in the IR camera, so it would take more to get past the technology. Remember, pretty much any gate is permeable to someone with the means and time to break it.

Another security concern is where your biometric data is stored. Microsoft explicitly says that biometric data collected from Windows Hello facial recognition never leaves the device. From Microsoft:

This data is protected in part by a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which is a microchip that enables extra security through encrypted keys. Overall, you can consider your biometric data relatively safe. Even if someone were to steal the data, it would be near impossible to recreate your face or fingerprint from the information.

See the best laptops with Windows Hello support

If you're thinking this sounds a lot like Xbox's Kinect, you're not wrong. There are similarities, especially when we look at Intel's own lineup of cameras, known as RealSense. These cameras can handle 3D recognition (albeit at a much shorter range than the Kinect) and depth through a set of cameras. A group of IR dots is projected from the camera, a grid of your face is formed, and it is then analyzed by the camera. This is different from the other brand of Windows Hello facial recognition — like that found in Surface devices — which implements its own recognition through pictures with IR cameras.

What is Apple's Face ID?

In 2013, Apple bought a company called PrimeSense, which is the company that helped make the Xbox's Kinect camera. For this reason, Face ID uses similar technology, albeit in a smaller, more condensed form. Instead of a Kinect having to track an entire body moving around a living room, you have a system consisting or IR and depth cameras that only has to focus on the face.

Apple's system is called "TrueDepth," and it is similar to what Intel has created with RealSense. TrueDepth shoots out about 30,000 IR lights (minuscule dots that are unseen by the human eye) onto your face that are then picked up by the IR camera. The lights (or dots) are processed by Apple's A11 Bionic Neural Engine, which is a system separate from the main processor. A grid based on your face's 3D shape is formed, and only someone with the same grid is able to log into the iPhone.

This TrueDepth system is expected to eliminate some of the issues we've seen in the past, where you can defeat facial recognition safeguards. Apple expects Face ID will even go so far as avoiding defeat from recreated 3D models of faces. Phil Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple, said in the keynote speech that Hollywood makeup artists were brought in to test whether professional 3D recreations of faces would fool FaceID. (It's interesting to note that Schiller didn't actually say whether or not Face ID was fooled by these phony faces.)

In an article on iMore, editor Rene Ritchie answered some security concern questions, like where the Face ID data is stored. Apple sent iMore this comment on Face ID:

The Secure Enclave is similar to a TPM chip in that it stores an encrypted version of your data that can't easily be cracked. Like with Windows Hello, you can expect your biometric data to remain relatively safe in your device.

Which form of facial identification is better?

Without actually testing the two technologies side by side, it's difficult to claim one technology is superior. One thing to keep in mind is that most convenient login methods — fingerprint reader, iris scanner, and facial recognition — have been beaten by people with enough time and means. Since Face ID is essentially a member of the same group, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for someone to spoof it, or if they're able to.

What we do know is how well Windows Hello's facial recognition works. We've have had plenty of time using it, both on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile, and it's been proven to log in without fault far more often than not, often instantaneously. Whether it's easier to spoof than Face ID is yet to be seen, but it seems like Apple took its time studying past success stories, investing in the companies behind those success stories, and creating something secure and convenient.

An initial impression of Apple's Face ID — without actually using it — is positive. The Face ID demonstration at the keynote speech, ignoring the failed login that Apple has since explained away, was impressive. The iPhone X itself has the hardware needed to perform an in-depth scan of your face (the animated emojis showed off the tracking capabilities), and the separate Neural Engine that processes the information should allow for blazing fast logins.

Windows Hello is already available

Windows Hello is readily available in many laptops and phones, whether through fingerprint, facial, or iris scans. If your device doesn't have the proper hardware built in, you can always go with a third-party option to add biometric functionality.

An IR camera from Mouse (about $70) can attach to your laptop or monitor and will allow you to log into Windows with just your face. Mouse also offers a fingerprint reader (about $50) that plugs in via USB.

See our review of the Mouse IR camera and fingerprint reader

If you're looking for something with a few more features, you'll no doubt want to check out the Logitech BRIO webcam. It supports 4K resolution, HDR, and Windows Hello, all in a slim package. Sure, it costs about $200, but it's pretty much the only webcam you'll need for the foreseeable future. Check out our review for much more information.

See our review of the Logitech BRIO 4K webcam

Microsoft has just released an updated version of its Surface Keyboard, dubbed the "Microsoft Modern Keyboard," that features a built-in Windows Hello enabled fingerprint reader for PCs that may not have a Windows Hello enabled webcam.

The Modern Keyboard is now available via the Microsoft Store in the US for $129.99, Canada and China, which is $30 more than the standard Surface Keyboard of the same design but without the fingerprint reader. The new Modern Keyboard is Bluetooth, but can also be used with a wire if you prefer.

Microsoft says the keyboard should last 4 months on a single charge, and is in fact rechargeable, so you shouldn't need to dish out for new batteries every so often. The product description is as follows:

Microsoft tells Windows Central that it has nothing to announce regarding availability of the Modern Keyboard outside the US, Canada and China, which is unfortunate for those outside those countries who were interested in this product.

Will you be buying Microsoft's new Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID? Let us know!

See Modern Keyboard at Microsoft

via @bdsams

There are already quite a few ways to interact with Windows Hello in Windows 10, but a new third-party accessory shown off by Microsoft is pretty unique. Called Token, the accessory is a biometric ring that can be used for Windows Hello authentication, as well as a number of other applications, on your PC.

Token, the company says, stores you credentials via a secure element within the ring. Before you put it on, you "unlock" the ring with a fingerprint sensor located on its interior. From there, you can use Token to log in to your PC with a knock (yes, a knock) via Windows Hello. Token can also be used to log into websites, make payments with Visa and Mastercard, unlock doors, and much more.

It's definitely a neat idea for something that simply lives on your finger and looks like any other accessory, particularly with all of its potential applications. Unfortunately, that will come at a cost: Token will run $249 when it ships in December in seven sizes and three finishes. You can head to Token's website to learn more and place a preorder.

Microsoft's Windows Hello is one of the most fun aspects of a modern Windows 10 computer, but most PCs still do not have any bio-authentication hardware to leverage the available tech. Luckily, third party companies are stepping up with some affordable solutions. One of those is the new PQI My Lockey, a $35 fingerprint reader that will turn any laptop into a secure machine.

Here's our review of the gadget.

PQI My Lockey design

Regarding the overall look and feel of the PQI My Lockey, it follows the same generic look as every other "pill" USB fingerprint reader on the market.

It's quite amazing how small these sensors have become over the years. At least 75 percent of the device is the end of the USB Type-A adapter. That leaves the sensor to make up the rest. With a white center and black ends, the sensor is a bit more visible compared to a typical all-black design.

The PQI label is underneath, and on top a little fingerprint graphic gives an excellent visual indicator of the device's function.

There is also is a small green LED. Unlike the Mouse Fingerprint reader I recently reviewed, the PQI does not have two-stage LED lighting. Instead, when the Windows 10 lock screen is enabled, it turns a solid green and briefly blinks when identification is made. And there is a red LED that flashes if the device does not successfully read a fingerprint.

There's not much to be said about the PQI My Lockey for its looks, but overall I like the design. It is also one of the smallest of all the USB fingerprint readers available today.

Setup is a breeze

There is no real setup with the PQI My Lockey, because it is simply "plug and play."

You just turn on the PC, insert the PQI My Lockey into a spare USB port, and Windows 10 will install a driver in the background for you. The entire process takes maybe two minutes, depending on your internet connection speed.

From there, setup in Windows 10 is very easy. You just register your finger using the Microsoft walkthrough under Settings > Sign in options > Windows Hello.

You can add multiple fingerprints and, of course, additional users can perform their own Windows Hello setups.

Synaptics FTW

Many companies make fingerprint sensors that are then licensed out to manufacturers. I was surprised to find that the PQI My Lockey uses a Synaptics WBDI sensor instead of AuthenTrend or FPC. Of all the fingerprint readers on the market, Synaptics is one of the best from my experience, and their drivers tend to be quite reliable. PQI may not be a "brand name" but Synaptics is, and I'm glad to see that technology being used here.

On the PQI packaging, the company boasts 0.15-second matching and 360-degree touch. While I did not measure the speed, it is very fast and reliable. Once my fingerprints were set up in the Windows settings, I never had the PQI fail to log me into Windows.

The 360-degree touch refers to the ability to place your finger onto the sensor at most angles and still have it read. This method contrasts with the older swipe sensors that were a lot more finicky.

Check for TPM 2.0 (just in case)

The one important caveat here is that you need a somewhat modern computer before you can use Windows Hello on it. Specifically, the PC should ideally support Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which is a subsection in the computer's motherboard that allows encrypted information to be stored. However, if your computer does not have a TPM chip it should still be able to work. According to Microsoft, "[i]f the device does not have a TPM chip, the private key is encrypted and protected by software."

When Windows Hello runs, and you register a fingerprint or facial scan, the encrypted hash is stored there. Without it, you cannot use Windows Hello.

Here's how to check for TPM 2.0 support:

1. Right-click on Start menu.
2. Choose Device Manager.
3. Look for an open Security devices.
4. Verify that it says Trusted Platform Module 2.0.

It's also worth noting that sometimes TPM is disabled in the PC BIOS, so you may need to check there, too.

Conclusion: PQI My Lockey is $35 well spent

Windows Hello will significantly speed up the process of logging into Windows 10, and it's a wonderful way to spruce up your laptop.

For $35 on Amazon, the PQI My Lockey is hard to beat. It comes in at nearly $15 cheaper than the Mouse Fingerprint Reader for Windows Hello ($49), and I cannot say that it is any worse. In fact, the cheaper PQI uses what is arguably a better sensor – Synaptics versus AuthenTrend – and it is slightly smaller than the Mouse. The only difference is the Mouse has a dual-stage LED, but that is not necessarily a reason to prefer it over the PQI.

• These are the best laptops that support Windows Hello
• How to use multiple accounts with Windows Hello in Windows 10

If you have a Windows laptop, I highly recommend picking up the PQI My Lockey. If you have a desktop PC that has a USB hub or your keyboard has a USB port, adding this fingerprint reader is also a convenient option.

See at Amazon

Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it will soon start testing out Windows Hello biometric authentication for customers logging into accounts online. Announced as a collaboration with Microsoft (via OnMSFT), the test will apply to customers logging into their Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland accounts.

According to Lloyds, the trial will kick off at some point in the second half of the year. Customers will have the option to log into their accounts using their face or a fingerprint instead of using a password. Since biometric data is stored locally and is unique to each person, the hope is that Windows Hello will make the login experience much more secure.

Outside of a general target of the second half of the year, there's no firm testing date just yet. Still, it's good to see a major player taking steps to increase account security with Windows Hello. If you're a customer, keep in mind that you'll need a PC equipped with either a fingerprint sensor or a Windows Hello-enabled webcam. Thankfully, it can be relatively cheap and easy to add Windows Hello to your PC these days.

All you need to know about Windows Hello

Being able to log into your PC by just looking at it or scanning your finger is easily one of the best modern innovations in security and convenience. Unfortunately, of the 400+ million users on Windows 10, most don't have the hardware to leverage Microsoft's Windows Hello bio-authentication system.

Mouse, based out of Japan, is the first company to bring third party Windows Hello accessories to the masses on a budget in the form of the Mouse Facial Recognition Camera and Mouse Fingerprint Reader for Windows 10.

All you need to know about Windows Hello

Mouse Facial Recognition Camera - $69

Of all the Windows Hello methods, facial recognition is the easiest (versus iris for phones). With the tech, you can just look at your display – even a few feet back - and the PC will log you in and unlock.

The Mouse Facial Recognition Camera is just $69.99 on Amazon and it is quite splendid to use. The camera just mounts to the top of your display and plugs in over standard USB-A like any webcam.

Windows 10 automatically downloads the driver for it, which is listed as generic "RGB-IR Camera." Although the PC won't notify you, after the quick installation, you should reboot the PC for the OS to fully recognize it.

How to set up Windows Hello facial recognition in Windows 10

The Mouse Facial Recognition Camera can act as a standard web camera, shooting at 720p at 30fps, available in the Windows Camera app, Skype, and other applications that utilize a camera. It does quite well for brightness, but it will pale compared to the 4K Logitech Brio. Considering the Brio costs $200, however, and that is to be expected.

The one downside is the Mouse Facial Recognition Camera does not have its own microphone, so you will need to provide your own.

For Windows Hello, the Mouse's dual IR lights performed exceptionally well, especially with the Windows 10 Creators Update (which sped up the entire process). Recognition works in low or even no light situations, and it took less than a second to register.

It should be noted that you cannot fool Windows Hello and facial recognition with a photo, either. Even identical twins don't have much luck tricking the technology. Instead, it uses advanced mathematical models to build a 3D image. That information is then converted into an encrypted hash and stored on the local PC where it cannot be decrypted, hacked, or removed (and it's never uploaded to Microsoft or the cloud).

So is it worth it? You bet! If you have a desktop PC or monitor and docking station, the Mouse Facial Recognition Camera is fantastic. For comparison, I use a Surface Studio, Surface Book, Logitech Brio, and more. There is no discernable difference with Windows Hello between them and the Mouse Facial Recognition Camera. They all just work.

The cost difference e.g. Brio versus Mouse is just the RGB camera optics for a web camera plus the microphones. If you plan on being a full-time streamer, you will be better going with the Brio. For regular Skype calls, however, or if you just want it for everyday Windows Hello the Mouse Facial Recognition Camera is a bargain.

The quality of the device is good being light (115g) and thin. I have nothing negative to say about it. If you have an older PC, this will 100 percent improve your Windows 10 experience without breaking the bank.

See at Amazon

Mouse Fingerprint Reader for Windows Hello - $49

Whereas the Mouse Facial Recognition Camera is ideal for desktop PCs, I'd recommend the Mouse Fingerprint Reader for laptop users.

Coming in at $49.99, the little adapter fits snugly into your laptop's side USB port. A small blue LED blinks rapidly when active and turns green when a print is recognized. Like the Mouse facial camera, the Mouse fingerprint reader automatically downloads generic drivers from Microsoft on its initial insertion.

Setting up in Windows 10 is very easy as you just register your finger using the Microsoft walkthrough under Settings > Sign in options > Windows Hello. You can add multiple fingerprints and, of course, each login user can have their own Windows Hello set up.

• These are the best laptops that support Windows Hello
• How to use multiple accounts with Windows Hello in Windows 10

The sensor is registered as AuthenTrend (versus Synaptic or FPC), is pill-shaped, and a "360-degree field of recognition", which means you can just mash your finger anywhere on it for it to work. Being a current non-swipe sensor, it works by merely pressing your finger on it for a moment to work.

The Mouse Fingerprint Reader for Windows Hello worked very well each time. I had no false reads, and it was even more reliable than the one built into the HP EliteBook x360 G2, which says something.

Although priced close to the Mouse facial recognition camera ($69 versus $49) the Mouse fingerprint reader worked as advertised. There is no software to install, Windows Hello worked with it instantly, and the blue and green LEDs are a nice touch to let you know it is working.

For laptop owners, I think this is the best – and cheapest – option for adding Windows Hello security. It's not 100 percent ideal; the sensor still sticks out slightly despite its teeny size. There's not much can be done about that as dongles are going to dongle.

While I don't foresee any breakage, you will have to take some extra caution when moving your laptop that you don't bang it into anything. I am not too worried about it falling out as it does require some force to yank it out, which is good.

Currently, I'm using the Mouse Fingerprint Reader on my 2017 Razer Blade, which does not have any form of Windows Hello built in. For an extra $49, I think this is a great option if you are frequently logging in and out of your laptop.

Finally, if you have a desktop PC that has a USB hub or your keyboard has a USB port, adding this fingerprint reader is also a convenient option.

See at Amazon

Check for TPM 2.0 before you buy!

The one important caveat is you do need a somewhat modern computer before you can use Windows Hello on it. Specifically, the PC needs to support Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0), which is a subsection in the computer's motherboard that allows encrypted information to be stored.

When Windows Hello runs, and you register a fingerprint or facial scan the encrypted hash is stored there. Without it, you cannot use Windows Hello.

To check for TPM 2.0 support simply do this:

1. Right-click on Start menu
2. Choose Device Manager
3. Look for an open Security devices
4. Verify it says Trusted Platform Module 2.0

If you do not see the above on your PC, there is a good chance you cannot run Windows Hello. Most recent PCs support TPM 2.0, but not all, especially on the low-end. S make sure before you buy! It's also worth noting that sometimes TPM is disabled in the PC BIOS, so you may need to check there too.

Bringing Windows Hello to the masses

Logging into your PC by using facial recognition or a fingerprint is fantastic. You don't appreciate it how fast it is until you begin using it every day – once you start using it, you can't go back.

You can even use Windows Hello to secure some apps like Enpass (password management) and OneDrive.

These two bio-authentication solutions made by Mouse work well and costs little. I found no difference in performance or their reliability compared to sensors on high-end PCs. They just worked and worked well.

For those curious, you can utilize both Mouse components on a single system together. Granted, you won't be able to log in simultaneously with both, but you can have both plugged in and use either at your leisure.

Overall, I'm excited to see these peripherals hit the mainstream and I can completely recommend them as a budget-friendly solution to Windows Hello.

It's not often that I've thought to myself, "Man, I wish my webcam was 4K." Let's be honest, in 2017 4K isn't a "mainstream" resolution that everybody is taking advantage of. That day is slowly coming, however, and Logitech appears to be aware of that. Logitech's new BRIO 4K webcam is the first consumer-facing webcam that supports 4K, HDR and Windows Hello, all in one package. It's a beast of a webcam, and we're here to review it.

It's worth noting that this is an expensive webcam, costing $200 new from Logitech. That's a hefty price, but considering what you get in the box, it makes sense. As the specifications below explain, this is one of the first webcams to be fully kitted out with 4K resolution support, BrightLight HDR, Windows Hello, omnidirectional microphones, 30FPS, 60FPS and 90FPS support, and a whole lot more. It's overkill, and that's great.

BRIO 4K specifications

• 4K Ultra HD video calling (up to 4096 x 2160 pixels at 30FPS)
• 1080p Full HD video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels at 30FPS or 60FPS)
• 720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels at 30FPS, 60FPS or 90 FPS)
• Plug-and-play USB connectivity
• 90-degree field of view (FOV) with two additional settings (65 degrees and 78 degrees), available with optional software download
• 5x digital zoom in Full HD
• Autofocus
• RightLight 3 with HDR for clear image in various lighting environments, ranging from low light to direct sunlight
• Built-in dual, omnidirectional mics with noise cancellation
• Infrared sensor technology
• Background replacement
• External privacy shutter
• Multiple mounting options, including clip and tripod mount
• Supports multiple connection types, including USB 2.0 Type A and USB 3.0 Type A and C connections - Custom carrying case
• Background replacement, a Logitech labs project powered by Personify

Unboxing, software and video sample

Design

The BRIO 4K looks pretty much like any other webcam. It's a little bit on the chunkier side compared to the Logitech C920, but that's not surprising considering the tech the webcam has built into it. It's built like an absolute tank, sporting premium materials and a nice "premium-feeling" weight that makes it feel well placed when on top of a monitor or tripod.

The front is black, covered in glass which protects the camera and Windows Hello sensors. The top, sides and back of the camera are covered in a metal silver coating which feels great in the hand, not that you'll be holding if often. It also has a rubber, adjustable stand making it easy to mount on top of a monitor, tripod or any other surface, if needed. This camera, although somewhat bulky, should fit anywhere with ease.

It also comes with a nice privacy cover which you can snap onto the front. It's a small bit of plastic that acts like a door, and it can be flipped open or closed whenever needed. Considering it snaps to the top of the camera, you shouldn't lose it. I was worried at first that I was going to lose it immediately, but once it's clipped on it pretty much stays there until you remove it.

Camera quality

This is the first 4K webcam on the market. That's a big deal, as it essentially future proofs the camera for years to come. Currently, 4K resolutions aren't mainstream. What that means is even though the webcam is 4K, the majority of video-chat services won't take advantage of that entire resolution and will instead downscale and output a more traditional 1080p resolution.

Because of this, apps such as Skype, Slack and Google Hangouts won't benefit from the 4K support, at least not yet. I'm sure in the future, when 4K is the norm, everyone will support 4K, but now that isn't the case. That doesn't mean the 4K support is entirely useless, however, because you can use the camera to stream to YouTube, which does support 4K.

You can also record locally at 4K, at least on Windows 10 with the camera app. If you're a Mac user, you may find that 4K isn't supported out of the box. You may be able to get 4K working with some third party software, but the default camera app on Mac does not do 4K. On Windows 10, it worked pretty much instantly. It's a plug-and-play webcam, so no additional drivers are needed. You just plug it into a USB 3.0 port, and you're good to go.

So how does the webcam perform at 4K? Take a look at our sample shots below and see for yourself. I tried to take a few shots in several different lighting scenarios, including well lit, normal lighting and low-light.

Our verdict? The camera performs great. I wouldn't say it's all that much better than, say, a 1080p webcam, but with the additional HDR support, it does look clearer compared to other webcams. Would I say 4K is a bit of overkill right now? Yeah, I would. You can get by taking 1080p video with this webcam, and it still looks super amazing, so the 4K stuff is more future proofing than anything. It's still great to have, and something I'm glad the camera has built into it.

Audio quality

Audio is another important factor when it comes to webcams, because webcams aren't always used as cameras. You'll often find that many people simply use the built-in webcam microphone to make quick Skype calls or record voice notes. Of course, this won't be the case for professionals, but for more casual users the built-in webcam microphone is almost exclusively used.

So how is audio on the BRIO 4K? With dual omnidirectional microphones, you'd think it'd be amazing. Unfortunately, it's pretty much standard for a webcam. Things sound a little tinny, and you can definitely tell it isn't coming from a more dedicated microphone peripheral. I'd say it's perfectly fine for casual use, however.

Can you get by with it making Skype calls? Absolutely. It's still a very clear microphone, it just isn't as bassy or as premium sounding as I'd like. Could you get by with it making YouTube videos? Less so. You'll definitely want to grab yourself a dedicated microphone with the BRIO 4K if you're planning to make YouTube videos.

Windows Hello

Windows Hello is a big deal for me, a really big deal. I won't buy a laptop that doesn't have Windows Hello capabilities, which says a lot. I live by Windows Hello, and it's honestly why I bought the BRIO 4K in the first place. I was previously using the Intel RealSense SR400 webcam for Windows Hello, and while that was a great Windows Hello device, it wasn't a great webcam.

The BRIO is both an excellent Windows Hello camera and an excellent webcam, making it the perfect choice for consumers looking to get into the Windows Hello space. Facial recognition is fast and super simple to set up. It works just like any other Windows Hello peripheral. You plug it in, head to the Settings app in Windows 10, and set it up. No additional software is needed.

The BRIO 4K is super fast with Windows Hello, making logins almost instant. That's the case with most Windows Hello facial recognition peripherals, however. I'm just super glad to see Logitech finally adopt Windows Hello integration into its webcams, and the BRIO 4K is an excellent Hello device. I'd even say I recommend the BRIO 4K based on Windows Hello functionality alone. That's how important Windows Hello is to me.

Logitech software

The BRIO 4K works out of the box without any additional programs needed, but if you want a little more customizability over your webcam, you can download some Logitech software that allows you to change settings. There aren't a huge collection of settings to adjust, which is a good thing. You can change things such as brightness, contrast, autofocus and field of view.

You get the option of 90-degree, 65-degree or 78-degree field of view to choose from. Each angle offers a different field-of-view perspective. By default, it's on 90 which is the widest available angle. This takes in as much as the camera sensor will allow, making for a much wider image. The 78-degree and 65-degree options are steps down from that, making the image more compact while maintaining a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Why would you want to do that? I find the 90-degree field of view option to be a little too wide for my setup. It shows off more of the background than me, so I prefer to keep my camera at 78 degrees. That minimizes the amount of background you can see and makes me more "in frame" and noticeable. With the 90-degree option, I look considerably smaller and less significant. Of course, all of this will depend on your setup. Those who have the webcam close to their face will want the 90-degree option, those with it further away will want the 78-degree or 65-degree option.

Background replacement

The BRIO 4K also supports virtual background replacement, which is a feature that works thanks to the IR sensors built into the webcam for Windows Hello. What this allows you to do is virtually replace your background with something else, such as a green screen or an image. This is great for people like streamers, who want their faces on their streams. With the virtual backgrounds, you can dial down your background and have it so only your face and body shows. It gives a more professional look for streamers.

It's not a perfect solution, but it works. It's clearly noticeable that you're using a virtual background, as sometimes the camera will struggle to pick between you and the background. I've noticed it performs much better when the lighting in the room is good. In low light, the camera struggles to determine where the background is, making it look pretty bad. I can't imagine that many people outside of gamers who stream will take advantage of this feature, but it's there nonetheless.

Final thoughts

The BRIO 4K webcam is a genuine beast. It's a $200, 4K, Windows Hello-enabled, HDR-supporting champion. In real-world, day-to-day use, most of that isn't really noticeable or beneficial. The 4K stuff is nice to have, but until 4K hits the mainstream, it's more of a gimmick than something truly useful, depending on your usage scenario of course. The HDR support is really nice, and it makes the image and video quality look much better compared to other webcams, even at 720p and 1080p.

The added Windows Hello support is also a huge bonus, and based on that alone I recommend the BRIO 4K to anyone and everyone. I'm shocked that we haven't seen more Windows Hello-enabled webcams hit the market, as Windows 10 has been out for almost two years now. Still, better late than never. Plugging in the BRIO 4K will enable Windows Hello functionality immediately. Once plugged in, just head to the settings app and set it up.

If you're someone looking for a webcam that's future proof, with Windows Hello support and a crisp and clear image, you can't go wrong with the BRIO 4K.

See at Logitech

Logitech just launched their new BRIO 4K webcam with HDR and Windows Hello support, and we've got one in to review! As always, we've got a quick unboxing and hands on first, giving you a good look at all the details and samples you need to see before you think about buying one.

The BRIO 4K from Logtech is the first prosumer 4K webcam that's available on the market. It retails for $199, which isn't cheap to say the least, but it does come with a hefty set of specifications that in our opinion makes its price worth it.

See at Amazon

Specifications

• 4K Ultra HD video calling (up to 4096 x 2160 pixels @ 30 fps)
• 1080p Full HD video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels @ 30 or 60 fps)
• 720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels @ 30, 60, or 90 fps)
• Plug-and-play USB connectivity
• 90 degree field of view (FOV) with two additional settings (65 degrees and 78 degrees) available with optional software download
• 5x digital zoom in Full HD
• Autofocus
• RightLight™ 3 with HDR for clear image in various lighting environments ranging from low light to direct sunlight
• Built-in dual omni-directional mics with noise cancellation
• Infrared sensor technology
• Background replacement
• External privacy shutter
• Multiple mounting options, including clip and tripod mount
• Supports multiple connection types, including USB 2.0 Type A and USB 3.0 Type A and C connections - Custom carrying case
• Background replacement, a Logitech labs project powered by Personify

We'll be doing a full review soon, but in the meantime check out our unboxing and quick hands on which gives you a sample of what the 4K footage will look like, plus a demo of the virtual background replacement and Windows Hello setup!

Logitech is one of few manufacturers on the market who are still pumping out great webcams in 2017. Known for the ever popular C920/C922 webcam, the company has today announced a new line of webcams called BRIO, which are beastly compared to the Logtech C9xx series.

Why is the BRIO beastly I hear you ask? Well, the new BRIO webcams from Logitech supports resolutions of up to 4K, which makes it one of the first consumer webcams on the market to support such high resolutions. Not only that, but it's also rocking IR sensors for Windows Hello facial recognition, another excellent benefit especially if you're a Windows 10 user.

Furthermore, the BRIO 4K webcam also features RightLight 3 and HDR capabilities, meaning you're going to be looking pretty sweet when Skyping your friends or on a business call. That's if you internet supports streaming 4K or your video service in question supports 4K video to begin with. As it currently stands, most video calling services allow 1080p at a maximum, which isn't bad, but it does mean you won't be getting your moneys worth as of right now.

And it is quite a bit of money for a webcam, the BRIO 4K is on sale now for $199, which isn't cheap. You can check out its full technical specifications below.

Specifications

• 4K Ultra HD video calling (up to 4096 x 2160 pixels @ 30 fps)
• 1080p Full HD video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels @ 30 or 60 fps)
• 720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels @ 30, 60, or 90 fps)
• Plug-and-play USB connectivity
• 90 degree field of view (FOV) with two additional settings (65 degrees and 78 degrees) available with optional software download
• 5x digital zoom in Full HD
• Autofocus
• RightLight™ 3 with HDR for clear image in various lighting environments ranging from low light to direct sunlight
• Built-in dual omni-directional mics with noise cancellation
• Infrared sensor technology
• Background replacement
• External privacy shutter
• Multiple mounting options, including clip and tripod mount
• Supports multiple connection types, including USB 2.0 Type A and USB 3.0 Type A and C connections - Custom carrying case
• Background replacement, a Logitech labs project powered by Personify

This is no average webcam, as you can probably tell from its specifications. It's a webcam for the most hardcore of streamers, the most serious of video podcasters, or even fans of Windows Hello. This webcam appears to have it all, and we'll be reviewing one in full shortly. Stay tuned at Windows Central for more.

• See at Amazon
• $215 at Walmart

It looks like Windows Hello, Microsoft's biometric security feature built into Windows 10 has been seeing quite a bit of success, as far as adoption is concerned. In a new blog post, Microsoft has announced that there are now nearly 100 biometric-enabled Windows devices and accessories on the market. In other words, securing your PC with Windows Hello has never been easier.

It's important to note that Microsoft's counting includes not only accessory devices, but also laptops and tablets with embedded Hello-enabled sensors. From Microsoft:

Windows Hello opens up a host of ways you can further secure your PC in some interesting new, password-free ways. Microsoft highlights some of these examples, which include the recently released YubiKey for Windows Hello, and the Nymi Band, which is a wearable that verifies your identity with your heartbeat and lets you unlock your PC with a tap of the wrist (we're planning to review this one soon). There are definitely a ton of other cool Windows Hello-compatible devices out there, and there are sure to be even more that impress down the line.

What's your preferred way to use Windows Hello on your PC? Let us know in the comments!

Windows Hello isn't exactly the fastest way of unlocking your Windows 10 Mobile device, and it appears Microsoft is aware of this. In an upcoming build of the Windows 10 Mobile Creators Update, Microsoft has significantly improved the login time when using Windows Hello by cutting one rather useless animation... the cheeky Hello icon wink. It's gone in upcoming builds, and it makes a whole world of difference when compared side-by-side with the Anniversary Update.

In fact, we've done just that. We've compared a 950 XL running the Anniversary Update with a 950 running an upcoming Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview build, and each and every time the 950 outperforms the 950 XL when logging in with Windows Hello. Crazy how one small animation can really slow down an experience, right?

I know many Insiders will be happy to hear that Microsoft is making this change, as it's been a popular suggestion in the feedback app ever since the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL launched. This should also speed up login times on devices that use a fingerprint reader also, excellent news for Elite x3 and Alcatel Idol 4s users.

Stay tuned at Windows Central for more news regarding the Creators Update for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile!

If you're a fan of Windows Hello but dislike how there's no option for it to automatically lock your PC when it detects you as no longer present, we have some good news for you. The latest Insider Preview builds of the Windows 10 Creators Update include a feature called Dynamic Lock, which will attempt to detect when you are no longer present in front of your PC, and lock the device for extra security.

Now although this feature is referred to as Dynamic Lock in build 15002, we're told that internally it was referred to as Windows Goodbye, a fitting name if you think about it. Instead of logging you in, it locks you out for extra security. This will be super beneficial for those in enterprise, who may have sensitive info on a machine that they are frequently having to step away from. In case you forget to manually lock your device, Windows will be able to do it for you with Dynamic Lock.

We're not exactly sure what Windows will look for to determine if you're no longer present at your device as Microsoft is yet to document this feature. It could simply be a rebranded version of "after 15 minutes of inactivity, lock my device", or it could be a much more 'dynamic' feature, utilizing Windows Hello enabled equipment, proximity sensors and more to detect if a user is present and determine how long they've been away for.

Updated: Looks like this feature works when paired to a mobile device via Bluetooth. Walk away from your PC with your phone, and your device will lock. Pretty neat!

It's pretty safe to say that Dynamic Lock won't lock your PC immediately after you've stepped away, so it shouldn't become an annoyance if you're someone who is constantly stepping back and forth from their device.

Also in the realm of Windows Hello improvements, the Hello set-up experience has been jazzed up slightly, with a more detailed camera preview when setting up facial recognition. There's plenty more features and changes showing up in the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview builds, so make sure you stay tuned at Windows Central for more.

Microsoft's bio-authentication system Windows Hello is one of the most demanded features users want with new PCs. Currently, the most popular are fingerprint readers, facial recognition using IR cameras, or iris scanners (for phones).

Another new Windows Hello method is just starting to come to market: companion devices. In theory, wearables like smartwatches or your phone could be a yet another way to validate your authenticity. YubiKey's new app for Windows 10 fits into this category. Today, I'll review it and show you how it works.

YubiKey – What it is

YubiKeys by Yubico are small USB devices that you carry around with you to add two-factor authentication (aka '2FA') to various apps and services. For instance, if you use LastPass to store all your passwords you need one master password to unlock them all. That's a huge security vulnerability because if someone managed to get that password, they would get all the rest too in your safe. By using a YubiKey, the attacker would physically need your USB YubiKey in addition to your password to unlock your virtual safe.

Sure, 2FA is an extra step. Besides typing in your password, you need to insert the YubiKey, wait a second, and press on the touch-to-sign metal area on the key. It's super easy to use, but still a little more work. Nonetheless, when it comes to security that type of protection is wanted — and needed — by many.

Other services that work with YubiKey included Google, Dashlane, KeePass, Dropbox, Evernote, WordPress, GitHub, and other things like disk encryption.

There are three main types of YubiKeys on sale right now:

• YubiKey 4 (USB)
• YubiKey 4 Nano (USB)
• YubiKey NEO (USB and NFC)

They range in price from $40 for the regular USB versions to $50 for the USB and NFC variant. With NFC users can also use the YubiKey NEO for Android mobile phones and presumably any other system with NFC.

At CES 2017 Yubico announced YubiKey 4C, which is a USB Type-C device to keep up with modern PCs and computers. That version goes on sale in February 2017 for $50 as well.

YubiKey for Windows Hello

Recently, Yubico released a new app called YubiKey for Windows Hello in the Windows Store. The free app lets you link your YubiKey to your PC (not Microsoft Account) as a companion security device.

While not bio-authentication e.g. fingerprint or face recognition adding a YubiKey to your PC lets you unlock and log into the computer just by inserting the physical device into the PC.

So, why bother? Most PCs today including laptops and desktops do not have a built-in Windows Hello system. By using YubiKey, you can cheaply add this to your PC while also using it with your other apps and services listed above.

Once inserted into the PC the system is unlocked all the time. Removing the key lets it lock again. A YubiKey is small enough to be carried around on a key chain making it easy to use with your home PC or laptop.

Setting up

Setting up YubiKey is very easy once you have the physical device in your possession.

1. Download and run YubiKey for Windows Hello from the Store
2. Select Register

3. After inserting the YubiKey into a USB Port select Continue

4. Optionally name the YubiKey (good if you have multiple keys) and choose Continue

5. Follow the prompts to authenticate your key with Windows Hello

6. When done choose Finish

That's it. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

Setting up on Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise

For those with a Windows 10 Home license, the above steps are all that is required to get YubiKey working with Windows Hello. If, however, you have Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise editions, you will need to edit the Local Security Policy to allow companion devices.

If you are unsure which version of Windows 10 you have only go to Settings > System > About and under Edition it should read as Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, or Windows 10 for Enterprise.

If you are on Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can modify the system to allow companion devices for Windows Hello. Here is how according to Yubico:

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor. To do this, press [Windows key + R], and then type gpedit.msc.
2. In the Local Group Policy Editor, from the top level Local Computer Policy, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Secondary Authentication Factor.

3. In the right pane, click the link to Edit policy setting. (You can also double-click the setting to Allow companion device for secondary authentication.) The default state is Not configured.

4. In the setting screen, select the option for Enabled, and click OK. If this option is already selected, your policy is set and you can click Cancel.

5. Exit the Local Group Policy Editor and the Management Console.

Again, if you are Windows 10 Home you can skip this as there is no Local Group Policy Editor.

Limitations

There are some interesting restrictions though with using a companion device like YubiKey and Windows Hello.

For instance, the YubiKey is not a two-factor authenticator for Windows Hello. In other words, the computer does not need to scan your face and see the YubiKey in the USB port to unlock your PC.

Instead, the YubiKey is a non-biometric based physical device that can optionally unlock your PC when inserted. If you lose the key, you can still use a PIN, a fingerprint, a facial scan, or the primary password to log into the computer like normal.

Currently, there is no way to require you have the YubiKey in the USB port to unlock the PC. That means if someone still has your full PC password they can unlock your computer whether your YubiKey is there or not. In that sense, if you already have a fingerprint reader or facial recognition using YubiKey is not needed.

Conceptually, however, you can think of it this way: when you leave the YubiKey in your PC, it is unlocked for everyone like a car. When you remove the YubiKey, the system is now locked. There are many environments including schools, enterprise, or labs where such a key system would be desirable. It's also a good option if you already use YubiKey and don't have a biometric Windows Hello system for your computer.

Wrap Up

Overall, the YubiKey for Windows Hello app and key is a neat option for those interested in security. For a home computer, a parent could use this key to keep the PC unlocked for their kids without having to type in a password or use a fingerprint regularly. Once the key is removed, however, the child cannot use the computer.

I'd also suggest YubiKey as an option for those without a Windows Hello facial recognition camera or fingerprint reader. When inserted it allows the user to unlock the PC with ease and can be a valuable tool in various situations.

For offices, the YubiKey for Windows Hello app also works on the Surface Hub. That means keys can be given to employees to unlock certain computers or the Surface Hub without requiring IT to get involved with assigning or sharing of passwords.

Of course, there are other uses for YubiKey besides Windows Hello, which gives the tool a secondary and exciting use. In the future, consumers can expect such functionality to come to their mobile phones, smartwatches, and more making computer security even more flexible while allowing you to have a very long password.

Windows Hello already offers a number of ways to add some extra bit of security to your PC, and now you can add another to that list thanks to Yubico. The company has just released YubiKey for Windows Hello, an app that lets you use your YubiKey to easily log in to your PC.

If you're unfamiliar with YubiKeys, they're little USB dongles that you can carry on your keychain and can be used for authenticating logins for services that support them. Using the YubiKey for Windows Hello app, you can register your own YubiKey, which can then be used in place of a password to log in with Windows Hello. All that's required is to insert the YubiKey into a USB port on your PC at login and you're good to go.

The icing on the cake, of course, is that YubiKey can also be used to login to a number of other services, like Dropbox and your Google account. The ultimate result is that requiring a physical key to login should add an extra layer of security to your acounts.

If you already have a YubiKey of your own, you can grab the app now on the Windows Store. Otherwise, you can get your hands on a YubiKey of your own at Amazon. Note that YubiKey requires you to be running Windows 10 Version 1607, build 14393.321 or later to start using the app.

• Download YubiKey for Windows Hello at the Windows Store
• See YubiKey NEO at Amazon

Microsoft has started selling three fingerprint readers from BIO-Key that support the Windows Hello security features in Windows 10 PCs. The devices are available at Microsoft's retail stores and on its website for $39.99 each.

The three products include the BIO-key SideSwipe Mini Fingerprint Reader and the SideTouch Fingerprint Reader, both of which connect directly to a Windows 10 PC or tablet. There's also the EcoID Fingerprint Reader, which uses a USB cord to connect the PC to the reader. Microsoft states:

• See the BIO-key SideSwipe Mini Fingerprint Reader at the Microsoft Store
• See the EcoID Fingerprint Reader at the Microsoft Store
• See the SideTouch Fingerprint Reader at the Microsoft Store

The EgisTec ES603 is an affordable fingerprint reader (at just $14) that can work with Windows Hello in Windows 10, but it doesn't work with Microsoft's security feature out-of-the-box. Thankfully, it's a relatively easy fix to get the two working together and your fingerprints logging you in on a daily basis.

The ES603 doesn't work right away with Windows Hello because a compatible driver doesn't come preinstalled in Windows 10. If you just plug the fingerprint reader into a USB port, you'll notice that Windows Hello will not be an option under Control Panel's sign-in options. Here's how to make the two work together for peaceful and easy log-in harmony:

Your EgisTec ES603 might have come with a CD containing drivers and software for it. Throw it out, we're going to get the latest version from online. Oddly enough, EgisTec hasn't made their drivers available on their own website, but you can get it from any of the PC manufacturers that have built their tech into their laptops. We're going to use Acer's copy of the driver for the TravelMate P446-M — don't worry, this driver will work just fine regardless of what computer you're using.

1. Head to the Acer support website in your browser of choice.
2. Under "Or select my product from a list", choose notebook.
3. Select TravelMate in the next column.

4. Scroll down the third list and select "TravelMate P446-M".
5. Download the Fingerprint Driver by STMicro.

6. Install the downloaded driver.
7. Open Cortana (Windows Key + Q).
8. Type in "Windows Hello".
9. Select "Set up face sign-in".

10. Select "Add" under Fingerprint.
11. Run through the Windows Hello wizard.

You should now be all set and ready to start scanning. Give it a go by signing out and trying to use the reader.

Remember it requires a swipe motion and won't work if you simply rest your finger on the device itself. It takes some time getting used to it, and you will likely fail at scanning your own finger a occasionally. Fall back on your set security PIN should Windows lock you out over too many failed attempts.

See at Amazon

The Intel RealSense F200 was the first webcam to support Windows Hello that was readily available to the public. Although the F200 was technically a development kit designed for developers, it was still a webcam and therefore functioned as such. Now however, Intel has updated their RealSense development kits with an improved, smaller and sleeker model called the SR300. Let's take a look.

For those of you paying attention, you may have already noticed that the SR300 isn't entirely new. Intel originally began shipping this new version of their RealSense webcam earlier this year under the same design as the F200, but has since relaunched the SR300 under a new design, which is the model we're reviewing here. Functionally, both SR300's are the same, with the only difference being what each webcam actually looks like.

Since the F200 was the first webcam to support Windows Hello, it was surprisingly popular with Windows Insiders and enthusiasts, so much so the devkit actually sold out at Intel's own development website. Since the webcam was a development kit however, Intel hadn't really anticipated non-developers buying their device, and as a result the F200 wasn't all that great of a webcam.

SR300 Specifications:

• OS Support: Microsoft Windows® 10
• Connectivity: USB 3.0
• Recommended CPU: Intel 6th generation processor or above
• Video Streaming: 720p at 60 frames per second video capture optimized for streaming, 1080p at 30 frames per second video capture for video conferencing
• Depth Range: Approximately 20cm to 150cm (Software optimized in this range)
• Microphone: dual-array microphones
• SDK Support: Dynamic background segmentation, 3D scanning, Facial recognition and hand gesture recognition

Design

The new SR300 has been given a complete face lift, with a smaller footprint and much more premium design. The F200 and original SR300 shared the same design, which was big and bulky and not very premium at all. The new SR300 is the complete opposite however, sporting an all-black paint-job and a bit of weight behind it that simply adds to the premium-ness of the camera.

Intel has also changed the "stand" on the new SR300, but the new design simply isn't as good as the older model. On the older models you could position the stand so you could prop it against the back of your monitor, allowing you to keep it sitting atop of your monitor easily. The newer model uses a different stand which makes balancing the webcam on top of a monitor slightly more difficult. Once it is in position however, it sits nicely.

So, with the SR300 Intel has improved the actual webcam portion of the device, alongside making a number of improvements to the overall device itself. Let's dive in.

Camera Quality

From using both the F200 and SR300, it's immediately clear that Intel has made a number of improvements to the camera quality on the SR300, and rightly so. No longer are pictures and video grainy and full of noise. Although not "amazing", the SR300 has reduced the amount of noise and grain that is produced when taking low-light shots. In daylight, the SR300 performs adequately over its older predecessor.

Normal-light sample comparison

F200 (left) vs SR300 (right)

Based on camera quality alone, I wouldn't and couldn't recommend this webcam. But, you've got to remember that this isn't a normal webcam, it's a development kit, and as a development kit, this device is sporting a pretty nice camera. But with the Intel RealSense series, the camera isn't the only thing that's worth talking about.

The SR300 no longer hangs or crashes as often, something the F200 did relatively often. When the F200 used to crash, you'd be required to reboot it to get full functionality again. Sometimes, when opening an app like the Camera app, the webcam wouldn't even come on even though the LED light indicated that it had. This does not happen with the SR300, which is something I'm glad to see has improved.

With the SR300, we've also got a new auto-exposure feature that allows photos that were taken in low-light or high-contrast to maintain better color quality, something that makes a world's difference, especially if you use a webcam in a room that isn't necessarily filled with a lot of light.

Low-light sample comparison

F200 (left) vs SR300 (right)

Audio quality has also improved, but again it's nothing amazing. I can easily get by using the built-in microphone when in a Skype call or online meeting, thanks to the dual-array microphones on the front of the webcam itself. However, if I were planning to do any sort of voiceover for videos or podcasting, the microphones on the webcam would not be up to scratch.

Windows Hello

As with the previous RealSense webcam, the SR300 is also sporting Windows Hello, and it does so wonderfully. From my usage, I've noticed the SR300 to be a lot faster compared to the F200. Most of the time the SR300 takes less than a second to see who I am and log me into Windows, versus the several seconds the previous model would frequently take. This is exactly the kind of behavior I'd expect to see from a Windows Hello enabled webcam, and closely matched the performance found on the Surface Book and other portable devices with Hello support.

Windows Hello support is enabled after downloading a few drivers from Windows Update (which happens automatically, so nothing needs to be done on your behalf). Once the drivers are installed and you've rebooted your PC, you'll be able to set up Windows Hello via the Settings app by scanning your face with the built-in Windows Hello options.

I've also noticed that the SR300 no longer crashes when idle on the lock screen too. I found that the F200, if left idle on the lock screen for long enough, would simply stop locking for me. This would prove to be annoying as I am frequently locking my PC and walking away from it for 20-30 minutes, and then returning. More often than not, upon my return the F200 would have crashed and therefore stopped looking for my face, rendering the Windows Hello functionality inoperable until a reboot.

With the SR300, the camera stays active and looking for me constantly. I've had it sitting on the lock screen for about two hours now and the webcam is still actively awaiting my return, ready to scan my face and get me logged right back into Windows.

According to Intel, the facial recognition functionality has increased from 80cm to 150cm, which is over a meter and a half away from the screen. That is an impressive feat, and one that I can confirm is true with absolute certainty. I can login to my Windows 10 PC from across the room, and it works pretty much every time. This is a huge improvement over the F200, and one that is noticeable if you're using the SR300 in an open room.

The Intel RealSense SDK is not required to get this webcam or Windows Hello working, but it is required to use some of the more advanced features. Since the SR300 is a RealSense camera, it can do some pretty cool, experimental things such as track and control your PC with your hand, track skeletal joints for interactive video games, and a whole lot more. But those are all experimental things that won't have much bearing on your everyday use.

Conclusion

The SR300 is the best Windows Hello webcam you can buy today. Considering there aren't really any other webcams with Windows Hello support on sale, the SR300 is your only option right now anyway. Razer recently began taking pre-orders for its "Stargazer" webcam, which supposedly also supports Windows Hello.

Since the SR300 is a development kit before a webcam, there are drawbacks. The webcam itself, although a massive improvement over the F200, still isn't amazing. That alone is likely a big showstopper for those in the market for a Windows Hello-enabled webcam. If, however, you're looking for a device that you'll use primarily for Windows Hello, you absolutely can't go wrong with the SR300 — in my opinion it is still the best Windows Hello camera on the market.

You can purchase the SR300 directly from Intel's developer website, however since this product is a development kit, it is sold with no warranty or support. Keep this in mind.

See at Intel

Recently, I reviewed a very affordable and portable fingerprint scanner with the Eikon Mini for Windows 10. Going to the other end of the spectrum is the Verifi P5100 by Verifi. Whereas the Eikon was a mere $25, the Verifi P5100 is a staggering $149.

What's the difference and is it any good? Let's find out.

Quality is critical

The Eikon Mini was a small plastic nub and perfect for those who wanted a low profile fingerprint reader for biometric authentication using Windows Hello. It was also a good choice for laptops that had no native Windows Hello hardware as you could easily keep this with you at all times and plug it in when you need it.

There were three small issues with the Eikon, however. Its plastic build does not scream high quality or look good. The Eikon is also troublesome for desktop setups as either you have to have a very close USB port (maybe on a keyboard?) to mount it or use a cable extension and have it flop around until you need it. Finally, the technology used for the fingerprint reading is the older "swipe" type where you have to move your finger across the sensor, like you can find in some older Lenovo laptops.

The Verifi P5100 is a more modern "touch" scanner more akin to what you will find on many modern smartphones. Instead of swiping your finger you just press down on the sensor. From my experience, the touch scanners are faster and more accurate than fiddly swipe sensors that sometimes requires multiple attempts. The sensor on the P5100 is also quite large, and it could even be used for your thumb and still cover most of the fingerprint area without repositioning.

Another difference is the Verifi P5100 has an all metal housing with rubber grips on the bottom. This material and design gives the scanner more heft to it than the Eikon (although at 3.7 ounces, no one would call it heavy). The result is a scanner that is better suited for desktop PCs in an office, home, or professional environment. I'm not sure how you make a fingerprint reader great looking, but I have no complaints with the Verifi P5100's appearance.

How well does it work?

I tried the P5100 using the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (build 14393) on a few different PCs and laptops.

Setting up the Verifi P5100 is easy. There is a warning label on the end of the included (and attached) six-foot USB cord that says to install the included software, but you can ignore that. If you are on Windows 10, just plug it in, and you will see a quick driver auto-install by Windows. From there, you can just set up Windows Hello under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Interestingly, Windows seemed to treat the P5100 as a swipe sensor and not a touch one. During the setup, it kept saying that it did not recognize me, but clearly, it was also building up the data store. After about six presses it said everything was set, and I could add more fingers (fingerprints) if I wanted.

I had no other issues in using the Verifi P5100. When I would turn on the PC, all I had to do was press my finger on the sensor when I saw the log in screen. Windows 10 would just unlock instead of me having to type in my password or PIN. You can also use the P5100 with any Windows 10 app that supports Windows Hello, such as Enpass or when making Store purchases.

Is it worth the cost?

The P5100 is currently around $150, which is significantly more expensive than the Eikon. Verifi also sells a more modest swipe version of the P5100 called the P2000 for $65. Clearly, the difference here is the more expensive and larger touch sensor and the higher-quality metal build.

I can't say that the P5100 feels radically different from the lower cost Eikon in a practical sense, but it is a bit easier to use because it stays in place on my desk and doesn't flop around. The six-foot cable is more than enough to connect to a nearby PC, and the sensor itself is very reliable and forgiving when you place your finger on it. That also means there are very few if any misreads.

Is all of that worth the +$100 jump in cost?

I'm going to say 'no' as most people do not have that much disposable income to dump on a PC accessory to make signing in just a touch quicker. On the other hand, if you will use this many times a day for presumably a few a few years the P5100 will likely hold up better and be easier and more pleasant to use. I think this is an ideal product for business types, professionals, people who want a premium setup at home, or for those who the price tag is of no consequence. Students and individuals on a budget should probably pass, and definitely anybody that uses a laptop in a mobile manner should look elsewhere.

Whether the Verifi P5100 is worth the price is up to you but for the last week I've been very happy with it, and I think you'll like it too.

See at Amazon

Microsoft's Windows Hello is a biometric authentication system for Windows 10. All that means is that if your PC supports facial recognition, iris scanning, or a fingerprint reader you can log in to Windows without typing your password. Even apps are hooking into Windows Hello now like Enpass, OneDrive and 8 Zip.

But what if your PC or laptop does not have any biometric support? Eikon has a solution with their $25 Mini Fingerprint Reader, and I gave it a spin. Here is what's good and what's bad about it.

Design

The Eikon Mini gets its name because it is one of the smallest fingerprint readers around. It's roughly the size of the tip of your finger (28 x 20 x 15mm), and it is very portable with no gangly wires.

The Eikon is made from a hard plastic, and it uses a USB 2.0 for a connection. Build quality is solid with no visible defects or flaws in design.

The curved nature of the reader allows it to work with laptops or full blown desktop PCs. However, due to the USB connector being a part of the reader itself, you will need to have easy access to a USB port on your PC.

If you are on a laptop, the reader works well enough as it can just plug into the side. The laptop lid can close easily without dislodging the reader, but I am not sure you would want to leave it plugged in for travel. While you could easily keep it plugged in at all times it does protrude from the side of a laptop and makes it more likely to bang or dislodge.

For desktop PC users the Eikon only makes sense if you are using a USB hub or have USB ports on your keyboard (which would be ideal). Sure, you could put the fingerprint reader on your PC directly, but it negates the ease of use if you have to reach for it each time. However, if your PC has ports on the top and you keep it by your feet at the desk it could work well. One easy solution to this is just to grab a USB cable extender, and you can put the reader anywhere.

Usage and accuracy

The Eikon Mini Fingerprint Reader should work with any PC running Windows 10 that has a spare USB port. When you first plug in the reader, you will see a dialog that Windows is configuring the reader, but there are no third-party drivers to download and install. The Windows 10 OS will take care of everything, and there is zero configuration to get it to work.

Setting up the Eikon is also standard. Users just need to go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and they should see a new Windows Hello option available. Like all Windows Hello setups, the user just enters in their PIN or password to begin the process of registering their fingerprint.

Windows Hello does not upload your biometric data to any server. Instead, the data is encrypted and stored locally on the PC. That means you will need to setup Windows Hello on each PC with this reader for the first time as the data does not roam with your user account profile.

The Eikon reader is a swipe reader meaning you need to drag your finger across it. This method differs from the more modern touch sensors like on the new Surface Type Cover that do not require movement. Windows Hello requires about four swipes for a successful registration. Users can register other fingers including other family members into the setup as well.

Once enabled, a PC that is locked can be unlocked from the lockscreen just by swiping their finger on the Eikon. The process is effortless, and I never had to re-scan by finger as it worked every time on the first attempt.

How to use multiple accounts with Windows Hello in Windows 10

What's neat about the Eikon is you can register it on different PCs and take it with you. For instance, you can register it on your work PC but then use it also on your laptop. Any Windows 10 PC that has a biometric peripheral removed naturally falls back to PIN or password. Plugging the Eikon in instantly enables the feature again, and you can do this to any PC that is on its lockscreen too (no need to reboot). The OS falls back to the registered fingerprint on that machine and works as expected.

Buy or skip?

I have no complaints about the Eikon assuming you are okay with the form factor. The Eikon is easily one of the smallest fingerprint readers I have come across, and it worked as expected. I used the reader on Windows 10 production (10586.494) and the Anniversary Preview (build 14385) with no issue on multiple PCs.

At the time of writing the Eikon is available for $25 on Amazon making it very affordable especially since many other readers go for $65 or more. There is no installation besides registering your fingerprint with Windows Hello, and you can safely remove the reader and plug it back in without any concern.

There is an even smaller USB fingerprint reader by MouseComputer that was show recently at Computex, but it is not yet available to my knowledge.

See on Amazon

Overall, I have no complaints about the Eikon. It's small, priced right, and very easy to use. While it is not 100 percent ideal for laptops due to it protruding it is very likely the best solution you can get right now without buying a new PC with a built-in reader.

For $25 that makes the Eikon Mini a great deal.

Passwords are one of the most annoying things to deal with in online life. These days you need them for almost every site, and they can become quite a hassle to memorize and manage — because if you're not using different passwords everywhere you're just opening yourself up to a world of hurt. That's why I rely on a password manager; you create one ridiculous password to store them all.

Which password manager is the best? Like operating systems, the answer is usually what you first used and are most familiar with versus what may be better for you. When you're like me and have over 400 passwords (some likely not in use) switching to a new manager seems like a hassle.

I recently switched to Enpass, and I think you should consider it too. Here's why.

Enpass loves Windows 10

The first thing that got me to consider using Enpass is their support for Windows 10. To wit, they have a really well done UWP app available for Windows 10 Mobile and PC. Sure, LastPass has timeworn, and kind of lazy, Windows 8.1 apps on the Store, but I have said it over and over again: given the choice between UWP and a Windows 8.1 app, I will always choose UWP for design, performance, and features.

I also like to support companies that are embracing UWP right now. Granted, if LastPass comes out with a shiny UWP app – and they may – I'll give them reconsideration, but for now I go where the future of app development is for Windows.

In comparing the Enpass Windows 10 app to iOS and Android as far as I can tell there is full feature parity. There are no second class citizens here.

The Windows 10 app has the standard features in a password manager you would expect, including a password generator, timed and minimized auto-locking, managed wiping, and cloud sync, as well as a few others you wouldn't expect, like a secure built-in browser. There's even Light or Dark theme for those who have a preference and yes, a translucent Tile for your Windows 10 Mobile Start screen. Enpass also has a well done Win32 desktop application for those who prefer a more traditional manager.

Enpass loves Windows Hello

I have a Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, a Lumia 950, a Lumia 950 XL, Intel RealSense camera, and a few laptops/tablets that have built-in fingerprint readers. I'm not bragging. I'm just saying I'm all in with Windows Hello, the biometric authentication system for Windows 10.

Once you start using your face, iris, or fingerprint to log into Window 10 you want that feature in apps too; Windows Hello allows developers to do exactly that. We've seen it with 8zip and Fenice for Twitter, but where I want to see it is banking and security apps like LastPass.

Well, Enpass has had Windows Hello support for a while now and last night it was updated so that you can use it as the primary login method on Mobile (On the desktop, you still need your master password for initial login, but when minimized you can use Hello).

My master password is around 20 digits long and typing it in each time is a challenge unto itself. But now I can use my face, iris or fingerprint? Yes, please.

Extension support for Edge is almost here

LastPass did make some waves recently by releasing an extension for Microsoft Edge (coming for the Anniversary Update this summer). Many users are rightly quite excited about that addition as it bodes well for more users adopting Edge for everyday use.

I'm excited to reveal that Enpass also has an Edge extension coming in the next few weeks. I'm using it now and while it certainly as buggy as LastPass's offering, it at least completes the password manager experience. After all, password managers are only as good as the browser extensions that are offered. And if you don't like or prefer Edge, you can use Enpass in Chrome, Opera, and Firefox.

Importing from LastPass was easy

Putting aside Enpass support for Windows 10, UWP, and Windows Hello the real big test was going to be whether I could actually switch from LastPass without retyping some 400 entries? Because even if Enpass is the better app, if I can't easily make the switch, then the switch isn't going to happen.

Enpass here gets flying colors. I was able to use the LastPass Export feature (see their instructions and then with a few clicks import all the data into Enpass. The only thing that I had to recreate were my credit card entries, which by comparison to all the sites logins I had was quite trivial.

For myself, this was the biggest hurdle in changing to alternative password managers. I was actually surprised that this was that easy to do as I have had difficulties with 1Password in the past.

*Remember, when you are exporting and importing your data is not encrypted on your PC. That file is open, so please take the necessary precautions to delete (and preferably wipe) that master file after you have imported the information!

Enpass is local

For some users, the big worry over having a master vault with all of your passwords is where that information is stored. Everyone encrypts it for you, but LastPass hosts your file on their servers while Enpass does not.

Enpass, instead, lets you keep the file locally, or you can store it encrypted on your own cloud. Options include Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, or WebDAV/ownCloud. Everyone is satisfied. The file automatically syncs whenever you make changes, and when you set up the app for the first time on a new computer and it grabs the file you'll have to use the master password to decrypt it. While I was concerned that installing Enpass on multiple devices would require jumping through hoops, the experience was fluid, precise, and — most importantly — easy.

I won't preach to you about which system is more secure (they all use 256-bit AES Encryption, at least; LastPass uses a Password-Based Key Derivation Function (PBKDF2)), but I think for some users that ability to store the file yourself is important. LastPass was "breached" back in 2015 and "hashed user passwords, cryptographic salts, password reminders, and e-mail addresses" were stolen. No open passwords were compromised, but it does give you pause.

As a side note, LastPass was also recently acquired by LogMeIn. I have no strong opinions on the matter, but many users have a strong dislike for LogMein due to their bad reputation on customer service and frequent price hikes. Once again, I'll leave that to you to investigate, but it was not a reason for me to switch — the quality of the product is what concerns me.

Enpass is everywhere

Another consideration for people thinking about switching is where Enpass is supported. While I may live (almost) exclusively in a Windows 10 world, many people mix and match operating systems. Luckily, you can find Enpass support for all major platforms, including:

• iOS (iPhone, iPad)
• Android
• Windows PC and Windows 10 UWP
• BlackBerry
• MacOS
• Linux (yes, even Linux)

They also support Safari, Chrome, Opera (my preference), Firefox and soon Microsoft Edge with browser extensions.

Enpass is free (mostly)

LastPass costs $12 a year for their premium service, which frankly never bothered me. Enpass as a service is free to use, which is obviously preferable. 1Password is a one-time purchase of $64.99 or $5 a month for families.

That said, Enpass is not completely free — they are charging $9.99 for their Windows 10 app. That pricing matches their Android and iOS apps — a reasonable fee for the app and the service is free, so it's a small overall price to pay. There are no signups, you don't even have to give Enpass your email, and the service is free, so I'll pay the $10 for the convenience.

(Keep in mind, that is $9.99 per platform. You'll need to buy it twice, for example, if you use an Android phone and a Windows 10 PC, though that should be expected.)

Of course, there is a free trial, so the risk is low if you just want to try it all out.

Anything missing?

So far, Enpass is what I have wanted in a password manager. Strong support for Windows 10? Check. Windows Hello-enabled? Done. However, one thing I did prefer with LastPass was the two-factor-authentication for the master account.

Right now, if you tried to log into my LastPass account with a password, you would then be asked to insert a YubiKey to generate a special one-time use password. A YubiKey is a physical USB-enabled key that is linked to my LastPass account and without it you cannot do anything with my LastPass account. That level of security, while a pain when you travel, is something I prefer to have for my password manager.

I use such a feature when logging onto a new computer with LastPass for the first time. I verify the login using the YubiKey after my master password. Afterward, I have it optionally marked for 30 days without requesting the key again. I happened to like that method and would love to see Enpass (and others) adopt a similar strategy.

I should point out that Enpass does support Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) authentication for sites that support that standard, such as Evernote. TOTP is available in all Enpass apps including the Windows 10 UWP apps as well as desktop. That's an impressive feature and nice to see.

Overall, however, I am very pleased with Enpass. Switching was easy, the price was right, and as a Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile user, I am getting the best app experience while utilizing the best Microsoft technology with Windows Hello.

Download Enpass for Windows 10 and Mobile

Having said that, I'm just a regular user like you and not a security expert. Let me know in comments why you like (or dislike) Enpass and what they could do better, as I'm genuinely curious. Also, shout out if you think I missed anything in this review — there's a lot to process here!