Follow these steps on the computer to get back in using Windows Hello (face) or PIN:
- Sign in with another method
- On the Windows sign-in screen, choose Sign-in options.
- Select Password (or another available method) and sign in with the Microsoft account password, since that still works on the phone.
- If no other sign-in method works and the PIN is completely blocking access, the only supported resolution in a similar case was to back up data (if possible) and perform a clean reinstall of Windows.
- Fix Windows Hello Face not recognizing
Once signed in:
- Clean and check the camera and environment
- Make sure the camera is clean and not covered.
- Improve lighting (avoid very bright light from one side or a dark room).
- Remove hats or accessories that cast shadows on the face.
- If glasses, makeup, or facial hair changed significantly since setup, plan to rescan the face.
- Improve or re-set up facial recognition
- Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello Face.
- Select Improve recognition to add another face template (for example, with and without glasses).
- If still unreliable, remove Windows Hello Face and set it up again from the same page.
- If the device says it can’t find a compatible camera
- Some devices (for example, Surface Laptop 13-inch 1st Edition and all Surface Laptop Go models) do not support Windows Hello Face; use fingerprint or PIN instead.
- If the device should support Face, make sure Windows and firmware are fully updated using the vendor’s update tools.
- Fix PIN problems
If the PIN is not accepted but a password still works:
- Sign in with the password.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Remove the existing PIN, then add a new PIN.
If the system shows errors like “Something went wrong” every time the PIN is set up and no other sign-in method works, the only confirmed resolution in a similar case was to reformat and clean-install Windows.
- General Windows Hello reliability tips
- Always ensure the camera is clean and unobstructed.
- Avoid harsh side lighting; use even front lighting.
- Re-scan the face if starting or stopping use of glasses, or after major facial hair changes.
- Use Improve recognition instead of only deleting and re-adding, because it adds extra templates and can improve recognition.
If, after checking lighting, camera, and re-enrolling the face, Windows Hello still fails consistently, there may be a hardware issue with the camera and the device manufacturer or a repair service should be contacted.
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