You may not be able to sign in using Windows Hello and an external or third-party fingerprint reader or camera if your Windows 11 PC has Enhanced Sign-in Security enabled.

Some peripherals labelled as "Windows Hello compatible" do support Enhanced Sign-in Security, but if not, you will have to disable Enhanced Sign-in Security to get your camera or fingerprint reader to let you sign in.

Caution: 

  • Some fingerprint peripherals labelled as "Windows Hello compatible" will enable Enhanced Sign-in Security and other Windows features that require Enhanced Sign-in Security on your device.

  • These peripherals do not pose a security risk, but if you would like to use them with Enhanced Sign-in Security before it is officially supported in Windows, we recommend plugging in the fingerprint reader before booting the device for the first time, enrolling in Windows Hello during Windows set-up, and never detaching the sensor from the PC. 

  • ​​​​​​​Full Enhanced Sign-in Security support for peripherals is expected late 2025.

To set up your Windows Hello fingerprint reader or camera, follow the steps below:

  1. Connect your third-party Windows Hello fingerprint reader or camera to your PC, following any manufacturer instructions.

  2. Once installation has completed, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

  3. Scroll to Additional settings and look for the toggle: "Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader".

  4. Turn the Enhanced Sign-in Security toggle off to enable use of external devices. ​​​​​​​ Screenshot of Settings - Disable ESS toggle.

    Note: If you don’t see the toggle, it may be because your ​​​​​​​PC doesn’t meet Enhanced Sign-in Security requirements, or because your organization has disabled external Windows Hello devices.

  5. Under Sign-in options, set up Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) if not already configured.

See also

Enhanced Sign-in Security in Windows

Need more help?

Microsoft does not support any device or peripheral not sold by Microsoft. If you need assistance setting up your external peripherals, contact https://answers.microsoft.com/windows/forum.

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