Windows 11 test build lets users use PIN, face, or fingerprint simultaneously
★ Add us as a preferred source on GoogleTL;DR
Microsoft is testing a Windows 11 build that allows users to use a PIN, face recognition, or fingerprint to sign in without waiting for biometrics to finish, though a PIN is still required after a restart.
Microsoft is testing a new sign-in behavior in Windows 11 Experimental channel build 26340.9882. Users can now use a PIN, face recognition, or a fingerprint to unlock the device, with the fastest method being accepted first. This change removes the need to wait for biometric recognition to finish before typing a PIN. However, Microsoft says a PIN is still required first after a restart or at certain other times.
The update also includes two new Security log events, 4628 and 4629, in Event Viewer to record which Windows Hello methods are set up and used. In the Beta channel, build 26320.9876 adds a feature that temporarily raises screen brightness to help face recognition work in dark rooms. This can be toggled in Settings under Facial recognition.
Another change in Experimental (Future Platforms) channel build 29704.1000 adds individual camera, microphone, and location access controls for desktop apps. Previously, these were handled by device-wide settings. Microsoft has not provided a release date for these features for the general public.
