I get a message saying camera is unavailable when I log in so I have to sign in with my PIN

Sign in with your PIN

Press Win + X

Click Device Manager

Expand Cameras

Right-click Surface IR Camera

→ Click Disable

→ Wait 5 seconds

→ Click Enable

Restart the Surface.

If Surface IR Camera is missing completely, then you have to visit https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface

Install drivers and firmware→ Restart

Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera

Make sure:

Camera access = ON

Let apps access camera = ON

In Start Search type Services.msc and hit the Enter key. Make sure the following service is aet to Automatic and running:

Windows Biometric Service

Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options

Under Facial recognition:

If it says “Unavailable” → click Remove

Restart

Then click Set up again

I have the same problem. It just started. Camera is working fine on other apps, just can't sign in with it.

If you are receiving a message that the camera is unavailable when trying to log in using facial recognition, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider:

1. Camera Access Permissions: Ensure that your device's privacy settings allow access to the camera. You may need to check the settings under Privacy and then Camera to confirm that the permissions are enabled for the application you are using.
2. Device Capabilities: Verify that your device has a physical camera and that it is functioning properly. If the camera is not working, you may need to check for driver updates or reinstall the camera drivers.
3. Group Policy Settings: If you are using a Windows device, a Group Policy setting may be preventing the use of facial recognition. Specifically, the setting Interactive logon: Do not display last user name should be set to Disabled to allow facial recognition logon.
4. Antivirus Software: Some antivirus programs may block access to the camera by default. Check your antivirus settings to ensure that it is not interfering with camera access.
5. Secure Connection: If you are accessing your device through a web client, ensure that you are using a secure connection (HTTPS). The camera functionality may not work over unsecured connections.

If you have checked these areas and the issue persists, consider using your PIN as a temporary workaround while you troubleshoot the camera issue further.

References:

• Facial recognition logon doesn't work after you apply a Group Policy setting in Windows 10
• Troubleshooting: Accessing Camera and Location