Requirements:


  • Firm issued workstation
  • Workstation enrolled with Windows Hello


Overview:


Smith + Howard utilizes Microsoft's Windows Hello system on workstations. This system, in conjunction with the firm's Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enrollment, increases the security for both the workstation and all of the firm's online accounts that may be used on that workstation. Windows Hello can make it easier to log in to your workstation by using biometrics or other authorization options to log in instead of typing in a password each time. Additionally, by using Windows Hello the workstation can pre-authorize the user to log in to online resources and limit the need for using MFA at each individual website.  This guide includes information on using Windows Hello once the workstation has been enrolled. 


 

Using Windows Hello to Log In to Your Firm Workstation


Using Windows Hello to log in to Windows is very similar to using your firm password to log in. From the Windows Log In Screen, these options are available, depending on the Windows Hello method(s) you chose during enrollment:


Logging in via "Face: or "Fingerprint":


Once the workstation is enrolled with Windows Hello using either of these options, the workstation will immediately begin prompting for them from the Windows Log In Screen. 


  • Using "Face" Windows Hello: Your workstation will unlock when you look at the workstation's onboard camera.
    • Note: Windows Hello cannot use external cameras for authentication. Only the onboard camera can be used.
  • Using Fingerprint Windows Hello: Your workstation will unlock when you scan your fingerprint on your workstation's fingerprint reader. The same fingerprint must be used, and the reader will need to pick up on exactly the same portion of the fingerprint that used during enrollment.
    • Note: The fingerprint scanner on your workstation works best with clean, dry fingertips. The scanners used by Dell can be more sensitive than those from other manufacturers.


Logging in via PIN


Once the workstation is enrolled with Windows Hello PIN, the option to use a PIN to log in will be available via the Windows Log In Screen.

  • From the Windows Log In Screen, choose "Sign-in options"
  • Click on the log in method that you would like to use
  • The PIN option will look like this:
  • The next time you access the Windows Log In Screen, the workstation will default to the last-used option




Should you run into any issues or need assistance, please contact the help desk. You can submit a ticket HERE , by emailing the help desk at [email protected], or by calling 404.879.3434/ x3434.