face recognition Archives

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 users just got a more convenient way to store passkeys – here’s how it works

The technology behind passkeys involves cryptographic keys and standards like FIDO2 and WebAuthn, but users can enhance their security by creating passkeys whenever offered by websites or apps, using face recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Users can accumulate multiple passkeys for easier sign-in across services. 1Password is set to integrate a new native passkeys plugin API with Windows 11, allowing users to manage passkeys through 1Password while using Windows Hello for authentication. This integration requires the latest version of Windows 11 and the MSIX version of the 1Password app. Users can enable the passkey feature in 1Password and designate it as the system authenticator in Windows settings. Other password managers may also adopt this integration, and Windows is introducing its own passkey sync mechanism through the Microsoft Password Manager in Edge. Passkeys do not replace existing credentials but serve as a secure alternative to usernames and passwords, with some services offering fully passwordless options.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

Preview users have noticed OneDrive’s AI-driven face recognition setting is opt-out, and can only be turned off ‘three times a year’

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its future strategy, promoting its Copilot feature within the Microsoft 365 suite and encouraging employees to use AI in their daily tasks. A new biometric collection setting in OneDrive allows users to disable it only three times a year. A report highlighted that this setting includes an AI feature for recognizing faces in uploaded photos, which has raised privacy concerns. Commenters speculated that the limitation on opting out might relate to GDPR regulations. Microsoft did not provide further clarification on the policy, stating that OneDrive inherits privacy features from Microsoft 365 and SharePoint. Privacy advocates argue that such features should be opt-in with clear documentation for users.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Microsoft fixed an old Windows bug

Microsoft has resolved a bug in Windows 11 that caused issues during the update installation process, where users experienced unexpected reboots after clicking "Update and shut down." This problem had affected users for over two years and was also present in Windows 10. A fix is available in the beta version of the OS, with plans for a broader rollout. Additionally, Microsoft has fixed two other bugs in Windows 11 related to Windows Hello face recognition and Bluetooth connectivity.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10 is ten years old and it had some of the best and worst ideas ever

Windows 10 was a significant advancement for Microsoft, introducing features like Cortana, a digital assistant, and Windows Hello, a biometric security feature. It celebrated its tenth anniversary but is set to retire in October 2025, with Microsoft ending support for it. Despite the rise of Windows 11, which faced criticism for its TPM 2.0 security requirements, Windows 10 maintained a strong user base until recently. Additional features included the Action Center and the Xbox App, while some elements from Windows 8 persisted. Cortana was designed to enhance user interaction, but Windows 11's changes have been viewed as less inclusive, impacting users with older PCs.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Microsoft Quietly Disabled Windows Hello Facial Recognition in the Dark

Microsoft has made an adjustment to Windows Hello Facial Recognition that affects its functionality in dimly lit environments due to a security vulnerability. This change, introduced in the April 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10, requires color cameras to detect a visible face for sign-in. The update addresses a Windows Hello Spoofing vulnerability that was being exploited. Previously, the feature could identify users in low-light conditions using near-infrared imaging technology. Users have reported a workaround by disabling the webcam in Device Manager, allowing IR sensors to authenticate in low light.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

April’s Windows 11 update is borking some PCs with CrowdStrike

The Windows 11 update KB5055523 has caused significant issues, including disruptions to Windows Hello logins, preventing users from using face recognition and PIN codes. It has also introduced bugs affecting business applications, particularly with SAP GUI, which may crash with error codes 0xc0000409 and 0x000b1c30 or fail to launch. These problems are linked to a conflict with the CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor security software, specifically when Additional User-Mode Data (AUMD) is activated. Users are advised to consider rolling back the update and postponing further Windows 11 24H2 updates until a solution is provided.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

The Windows 11 April update is wreaking havoc with Windows Hello login processes

The Windows 11 update KB5055523 has caused significant issues with the Windows Hello facial recognition feature, leading to login errors for users. Many have reported receiving the message “Couldn’t recognize you” when attempting to log in. One user noted that after several clean installs and using a compatible Logitech Brio 4k webcam, the infrared face scans malfunctioned, with the IR lights interfering with face recognition. Some users found temporary relief by disabling the RGB camera, but this solution is not universal. The most effective remedy has been to uninstall the update and wait for a fix from Microsoft. Users may also consider using a fingerprint scanner as a backup option.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

How to Add Fingerprint Authentication to Your Windows 11 Computer

To set up fingerprint recognition on Windows 11, follow these steps: 1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app by pressing the Windows Key and typing “settings.” 2. Navigate to the Accounts menu from the sidebar. 3. Click on Sign-in options. 4. Select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) and click “Set up.” Enter your PIN or create one if you haven't already, then follow the prompts to register your fingerprint. If your fingerprint fails to work, you can revert to your PIN. Troubleshooting steps include restarting your computer, resetting your fingerprint data, adding an alternative fingerprint, or updating the fingerprint sensor drivers. Windows 11 also allows the use of facial recognition as an alternative to fingerprint authentication through Windows Hello. Benefits of using fingerprint sign-in include faster login, enhanced security due to the difficulty of replicating biometric data, and facilitating a transition to passwordless authentication systems.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

This flagship Windows all-in-one is $500 off for Black Friday, bringing its 32-inch 4K display below $999 for the first time

The HP OmniStudio X is an all-in-one desktop computer for 2024 featuring powerful Intel Core Ultra processors, a 32-inch 4K display, and multiple ports. It is currently priced at ,249, down from its typical price of ,449. The device can be configured with Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 processors, 16GB or 32GB of RAM, and up to a 1TB SSD, with graphics options including Intel Arc or NVIDIA RTX 4050. It has a sleek grey design, a 5MP webcam that pops out, Windows Hello integration for quick login, and built-in speakers.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Have a Windows problem that you just can’t fix? Try this ultimate troubleshooting trick

A cumulative update failed to install on a Windows Insider build, presenting error code 0x800f0990. To resolve this, a Windows repair installation was performed using an ISO file, which allows for an in-place upgrade without erasing personal files or applications. The process involves mounting the ISO, running the setup, and selecting the option to keep personal files and settings. After completing the installation, the problematic update installed successfully, and an issue with the infrared camera for Windows Hello was also resolved.