How to Turn off Windows Hello PIN and Setup Prompt Notification

To simplify the connection process on Windows 10 computers, Microsoft has offered Windows Hello connection. One of the ways to log in using Hello is a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code. Some users want to disable the Windows Hello PIN code with the Windows Hello configuration prompt notification they receive when the PC is turned on.

We’ll explain how to manage Windows Hello connection options, why you should consider using them, and how to turn off the Pin option.

Let’s start.

Windows Hello login options

The PIN code is not the only way to connect to your Windows 10 computer. Windows Hello offers a multitude of options such as:

• Windows Hello Face which uses facial recognition technology to connect by scanning your face.
• Windows Hello Fingerprint that uses your fingerprint, provided you have a fingerprint scanner on your computer / laptop.
• Windows Hello PIN code uses a numeric PIN code with an option to add alphabets and symbols.
• The security key uses a physical USB key like Yubikey.
• A password that allows you to log in using your Microsoft account password.
• Image password which will use a photo uploaded by you to create a sort of puzzle. Drag the missing part to the right place to complete the puzzle and access it.

Even if you don’t want to use the Windows Hello PIN option to sign in, there are many other ways. As a long-term Windows user, I recommend using one of the available options. This will not only make the login process simpler and much faster, but it will also prevent Microsoft from harassing you for setting up Windows Hello. No more notification!

How Windows Hello Connection Works

Microsoft guarantees that your fingerprint, face, iris, or PIN code that you use to sign in using Windows Hello never leaves your device. It is stored locally and encrypted to protect your privacy and secure your data. This means that using Windows Hello is not only quick and easy, but also safe and secure. You can turn on any of the other Windows Hello sign-in options when you turn off Windows Hello PIN if you want.

How to disable Windows Hello PIN code in settings

A PIN is not the same as a password. There is a difference and I assume you have already configured it. You can turn it off in the settings or by using a Registry / GPE tip.

Press Windows key + I to open Settings and find and select Change connection requirements.

Click once on the Windows Hello PIN option to display a menu. Here you can recover the PIN code if you forgot it, delete it if you don’t want to use it and change it. Click on Delete.

Enter your Microsoft account password to complete the process.

When the Windows Hello PIN code is properly disabled, you should see an Add option instead.

You will need to enter your Microsoft account password the next time you log on to your Windows 10 computer. This would be more cumbersome than using the PIN code. Windows Hello is supposed to simplify the process because passwords can be difficult / difficult to remember, as they should be. Again, I recommend that you use one of the Hello connection options.

How to Disable Windows Hello PIN Code from Registry Editor

If the settings don’t work for you for any reason, you can also turn it off from the Registry Editor. This will work for all versions of Windows, including those running the Windows Home edition. Find the Registry Editor in the Start menu and open it.

Access the folder structure below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftPolicyManagerdefaultSettingsAllowSignInOptions

You will find a 32-bit DWORD file in the right pane called Value. Double-click the file to open it, and set the hexadecimal value data to 0 (zero) from 1 and save it. This will disable the Windows Hello PIN code. You can reactivate it by changing the value to 1 again.

How to turn off Windows Hello configuration prompt notification

Microsoft wants you to use Windows Hello. Using a local user account can resolve the issue, but Microsoft will prompt you to create a Microsoft account instead.

Can’t get rid of the Windows Hello installation notification when starting up or connecting to your computer? There is a hack in the Group Policy Editor, but it is only available for Windows Pro and Enterprise users.

Find the Group Policy Editor in Windows Search, open it, and navigate to the folder structure below.

Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Hello for Business

Double-click Use Windows Hello for Business file to open it.

Select Disabled in the following pop-up window and save the settings.

You should stop seeing the pop-up notification to configure Windows Hello from now on.

Hello Windows

Windows Hello is a great idea and I recommend everyone to use it. This saves time and is safe and secure. Especially if you use an external FIDO certified USB device like Yubikey to connect. However, if you want to remove Windows Hello with the configuration prompts, you can easily do so by following the guide above.