What is Windows Hello? Definition, AAGUID and Role in WebAuthn
Learn how Windows Hello uses biometric data for secure, passwordless access, streamlining user authentication with advanced security measures.
What is Windows Hello?#
Windows Hello is a biometric-based technology that allows Windows users to securely access their devices and online services using, for example, facial recognition, fingerprints or a PIN instead of traditional passwords. This method offers enhanced security and convenience, integrating seamlessly with Windows devices to provide a user-friendly experience while maintaining high security standards. A prerequisite for Windows Hello is a trusted platform module (TPM) where the private keys of passkeys are also stored.
AAGUID of Windows Hello#
For WebAuthn operations, Windows Hello utilizes the following Authenticator Attestation Global Unique Identifiers (AAGUIDs):
08987058-cadc-4b81-b6e1-30de50dcbe969ddd1817-af5a-4672-a2b9-3e3dd95000a96028b017-b1d4-4c02-b4b3-afcdafc96bb2
These identifiers are used to identify Windows Hello as an authenticator in passkey-/ WebAuthn-based systems. Read more about this in the article about AAGUID.
- Windows Hello is Windows’ biometric-based technology for secure, passwordless access.
- Uses facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs—the latter sometimes prompting the question: "what is windows hello pin" in enterprise setups.
- Enhances security and user convenience.
- Integrated into Windows operating systems for seamless use.
Benefits of Windows Hello#
- Offers a password-free sign-in option to unlock your devices.
- Uses biometric data for a more personal and secure user authentication experience.
- Supported by hardware such as infrared cameras, fingerprint readers and even a dedicated windows hello hardware authenticator for extra security.
How to Set Up Windows Hello#
Windows Hello enables users to sign into their Windows devices more personally and securely. Here are the steps to set it up:
- Access Settings: Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Choose Your Sign-in Option: You can select from facial recognition, fingerprint recognition or a PIN.
- Follow On-screen Instructions: Set up the chosen method by following the guided setup process.
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Windows Hello for Business#
Windows Hello for Business extends the basic features of Windows Hello with added enterprise-grade security. This solution addresses the frequent query, "what is windows hello for business," by offering an authentication experience that leverages passkeys alongside traditional biometrics - a win for both security and cost savings. Often referred to in some circles as a windows hello for business passkey solution, it is designed to meet organizational security and compliance needs. See also our blog post on Microsoft Entra passkeys.
- Authentication: Supports enterprise and cloud-based services, enhancing security with two-factor authentication and built-in brute force protection.
- Security Features: Utilizes the TPM to store credentials that cannot be extracted, safeguarding against external threats.
- Cost and Accessibility: Many organizations ask, "is windows hello free?" while evaluating total cost structures—the intrinsic value of a passkey approach can also help reduce overall costs related to traditional SMS OTP systems.
Windows Hello FAQs#
What is Windows Hello?#
Windows Hello is a secure, biometric-based technology that allows users to sign in to their Windows devices using facial recognition, iris scans, or fingerprints.
How does Windows Hello enhance security?#
Windows Hello enhances security by using biometric data, which is way more difficult to crack than traditional passwords. By requiring the device and a second factor (e.g. biometrics, PIN, etc.), Windows Hello provides two-factor authentication and effectively resists brute-force attacks.
Can Windows Hello be used on all Windows devices?#
Windows Hello is available on most modern Windows devices (Windows 10 and Windows 11) that have the necessary hardware like infrared cameras or fingerprint readers, complemented by additional options such as a windows hello hardware authenticator.
Igor Gjorgjioski
Head of Digital Channels & Platform Enablement, VicRoads
We hit 80% mobile passkey activation across 5M+ users without replacing our IDP.
See how VicRoads scaled passkeys to 5M+ users — alongside their existing IDP.
Read the case studyWhat are the benefits of using Windows Hello in a business environment?#
Windows Hello for Business provides robust security features, such as device attestation and certificate-based authentication, making it suitable for enterprise environments seeking to enhance security and compliance. This solution seamlessly integrates passkey infrastructures into a corporate setting while addressing queries like "what is windows hello for business" and ensuring an optimal security posture. See also our blog post on Microsoft Entra passkeys.
About Corbado
Corbado is the Passkey Intelligence Platform for CIAM teams running consumer authentication at scale. We help you see what IDP logs and generic analytics tools can't: which devices, OS versions, browsers and credential managers support passkeys, why enrollments don't turn into logins, where the WebAuthn flow fails and when an OS / browser update silently breaks login, all without replacing Okta, Auth0, Ping, Cognito or your in-house IDP. Two products: Corbado Observe layers observability for passkeys and any other login method. Corbado Connect adds managed passkeys with analytics built in (alongside your IDP). VicRoads runs passkeys for 5M+ users with Corbado (+80% passkey activation). Talk to a Passkey Expert →
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