Microsoft updated facial recognition requirements: Windows Hello no longer works in the dark

After a recent Windows update, the Windows Hello unlock feature stopped working in the dark. Microsoft has confirmed that this is not a bug, but a deliberate tightening of biometric authentication requirements, writes Windows Central.

Previously, Windows Hello only used infrared (IR) sensors for 3D facial scanning, allowing for login in complete darkness. But with the April update, the system now additionally requires that the camera be able to see the user’s face — meaning a color webcam is now required.

The change was made due to a vulnerability that allowed attackers to bypass Windows Hello protection. According to Microsoft, the new approach should improve security, although it reduces usability.

Users have found that the requirement can be circumvented by manually disabling the webcam in Device Manager. In this case, Windows Hello works again only with IR sensors, but logically, the webcam becomes unavailable to other applications.

Recall that Microsoft recently accidentally replaced the usual Windows 11 startup sound with the Windows Vista startup sound in a test version of the system.