News

Microsoft Takes Wraps Off 'Modernized' Windows Hello

Windows 11 users will see a new and improved Windows Hello interface, Microsoft said recently.

The "modernized Windows Hello" is currently in preview for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build users. It integrates UI elements that align it closer with Windows 11's look and feel, according to a Microsoft a blog post last week.

"The updated Windows Hello visuals are designed to facilitate fast and clear communication and appear on the Windows Sign-in screen as well as other authentication flows such as passkey, Microsoft Store and many more," said Microsoft.

[Click on image for larger view.] Figure 1. Microsoft's new Windows Hello experience in Windows 11.

Windows Hello, which was first introduced in Windows 10, is the company's multifactor authentication solution that uses PIN, fingerprints and face recognition to log in to a Windows machine. Along with the UI change, Microsoft recently introduced Passkeys (which uses public-key cryptography for authentication) into its current preview of Windows Hello on Windows 11.

Microsoft said that its passkey module will also receive the same revamped UI look and feel. "We redesigned Windows security credential user experiences for passkey creating a cleaner experience that supports secured and quick authentication," it said. "Users will now be able to switch between authentication options and select passkey/devices more intuitively."

[Click on image for larger view.] Figure 2. Microsoft passkey sign-in screen in Windows Hello.

Those in the Dev Channel of Microsoft's Insider Preview can start previewing the updated Windows Hello in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2200 (KB5044376), which was released on Oct. 25. The other major addition to this preview (outside the normal number of fixes and tweaks) is enhancements to Windows Studio Effects, Microsoft's AI-powered feature that adds special effects to video and sound for specific Windows devices with compatible Neural Processing Units (NPUs).

About the Author

Chris Paoli (@ChrisPaoli5) is the associate editor for Converge360.

Featured

  • Nebula

    Ahead of AGI, Microsoft and OpenAI Redefine Their Partnership

    In a recapitalization announced Tuesday, OpenAI has launched a new public benefit corporation (PBC) called OpenAI Group, giving Microsoft a 27 percent ownership stake valued at approximately $135 billion.

  • Veeam Acquires Securiti AI To Unify Data Resilience and AI Security

    Veeam Software is making a strategic move into AI and data security by acquiring Securiti AI for $1.7 billion.

  • Microsoft Adds 'Mico' Virtual Assistant to Copilot in Major Fall Update

    In a significant feature update, Microsoft on Thursday said it is reshaping its Copilot AI platform with features that deepen user personalization and enable real-time group collaboration, among other perks.

  • Nutanix Partner Central Rolls Out To Boost Channel Engagement

    Nutanix on Wednesday launched a new platform, Partner Central, to give its channel partners a unified digital workspace for managing sales, tracking incentives and collaborating more effectively.

Most   Popular