Microsoft Updates Windows Hello: Face Unlock Feature Affected in Dark Rooms

Microsoft’s Windows Hello face unlock feature has undergone a significant change that affects its usability in dark rooms. This alteration is not a bug but rather a deliberate update made by Microsoft in April to address a security vulnerability associated with Windows Hello spoofing.

Following the update, many Surface Laptop users have reported that they can no longer use facial recognition to sign into their devices in low-light conditions. According to the April Windows Update patch notes, Microsoft stated, “After installing this update or a later Windows update, for enhanced security, Windows Hello facial recognition requires color cameras to see a visible face when signing in” Windows Central spotted.

While there is a workaround to enable Windows Hello to function in dark environments—by disabling the webcam in the Windows 11 Device Manager—this solution comes with significant drawbacks. Users who choose this option will find that their camera becomes unusable in any applications or during video calls. This workaround may be acceptable for those who primarily use the camera for unlocking their laptops, but most users will likely prefer to retain camera functionality for video conferencing and other applications.

Microsoft employs a combination of color cameras and infrared (IR) sensors to accurately detect faces for its Windows Hello feature. The security vulnerability that prompted this update was identified by researchers at the Nanyang Technological University and was classified as “important” by Microsoft. Notably, this vulnerability has not been publicly disclosed or exploited, and Microsoft has indicated that it is “less likely” for a malicious actor to exploit this issue locally on a device security vulnerability.

As of now, Microsoft has not provided any information regarding potential future updates that may restore the functionality of Windows Hello in dark environments. We have reached out to the company for further clarification and will provide updates as they become available.