Latest news with #WindowsHello
Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Phone Arena
Windows Hello just got its 'dark mode' disabled – here's why
In April, Windows Hello stopped working in the dark, and many Windows 11 users believed it was a bug. However, now it appears that Windows requires both IR sensors and a webcam for Windows Hello, and it wasn't a bug but a feature. Before this change, Windows Hello used only the IR (infrared) sensors to create a 3D facial scan for you so you could log in. This is pretty similar to how Face ID works on the iPhone. IR sensors also work in low-light environments, and this is why, previously, you could log into your Windows 11 laptop using Windows Hello in the dark. However, there was a vulnerability discovered in Windows Hello that had Microsoft update how it works for authentication. Now, it requires color cameras to see a visible face when signing in, on top of the IR as most webcams need a light source to illuminate your face and surroundings to "see", many people have discovered Windows Hello no longer works in the dark or in low-light conditions. Curiously enough, users have found that disabling your webcam from Windows Device Manager makes Windows Hello rely only on the IR sensors for scanning your face and is once again able to log you into your computer in the dark. However, disabling your webcam isn't an ideal solution, as this way you won't be able to use it for video calls. Apparently, the change to Windows Hello was made to fix a spoofing vulnerability. So, at least, Windows Hello should now be more secure, but it's quite sad to see that you won't be able to log into your laptop from bed. I think this change in Windows Hello is a classic example of security improvements coming at the cost of convenience. Yep, it's understandable that Microsoft had to address the spoofing vulnerability, but it's still frustrating that something as simple as logging in comfortably in the dark is no longer possible without workarounds.
Mint
4 days ago
- Mint
Windows Hello face unlock now doesn't work in the dark by default
If you have been relying on Windows Hello facial unlock to access your Windows 11 PC, you may have noticed that it no longer functions in the dark. This is a result of the Windows 11 update OS Build 26100.3775, which was released in April. The update means that Windows 11 users can no longer unlock their PCs in low-light conditions unless their device has a webcam that supports colour cameras to see a visible face during sign-in. Here are the details. As spotted by Windows Central, Microsoft now requires better security protocols to improve Windows Hello. In the Windows change log, Microsoft stated that post this update, or a later one, Windows now needs colour cameras to power Windows Hello. '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.' This change has been introduced to fix a vulnerability, specifically CVE-2025-26644, which allowed for Windows Hello spoofing. With this update, the technology company has addressed the issue. The vulnerability summary describes it as an "Automated recognition mechanism with inadequate detection or handling of adversarial input perturbations in Windows Hello allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing locally.' Previously, for those unfamiliar with the system, Windows Hello relied solely on infrared sensors to detect a 3D scan of your face, similar to how Apple's Face ID works. In terms of real-world changes, you will now need to be in a well-lit environment to use facial unlock. This may involve increasing your screen's brightness to illuminate your face or simply switching on a light if you are in a dark room.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Microsoft has disabled a 'key feature' to enhance Windows security
Microsoft has enhanced the security of the Windows operating system but for that it has disabled a crucial feature. The company has quietly updated Windows Hello 's face unlock feature, which now prevents it from working in dark rooms. As per the tech giant, this isn't a bug but a deliberate change made in April to patch a serious spoofing vulnerability. While the fix enhances security, it removes a key functionality many Windows 11 users relied on. The change, spotted by Windows Central, has been noted by some Surface Laptop users who claimed that they can no longer use their face to sign into their laptop in a dark room. '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,' says Microsoft in its April Windows Update patch notes. How Windows Hello technology works Windows Hello leverages a combination of both colour cameras and infrared (IR) sensors, allowing for authentication even in complete darkness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The vulnerability was discovered by researchers at Nanyang Technological University 'Automated recognition mechanism with inadequate detection or handling of adversarial input perturbations in Windows Hello allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing locally,' the researchers said. The flaw was rated "important" by Microsoft, though the company noted it was "less likely" to be exploited by malicious actors locally on a device, and it has not been publicly disclosed or exploited. Meanwhile, for users who rely heavily on dark-room unlocking, a temporary workaround exists: disabling the webcam in Windows 11's Device Manager. However, there is a catch. This 'change' by users renders the camera unusable for all other applications, including video calls, making it an impractical solution for most users and a clear trade-off between convenience and security. HP EliteBook Ultra G1i Review: Thin, light, power in a premium package
The Verge
5 days ago
- The Verge
Microsoft's Windows Hello facial recognition no longer works in the dark
Microsoft's Windows Hello face unlock feature no longer works in dark rooms, and it's not a bug. Microsoft quietly made the change to Windows Hello in April, in order to fix a vulnerability with Windows Hello spoofing. Fixing the security flaw has now removed key functionality from Windows Hello in Windows 11. Windows Central spotted April's change after some Surface Laptop users have noticed they can no longer use their face to sign into their laptop in a dark room. '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,' says Microsoft in its April Windows Update patch notes. You can get Windows Hello to continue working in a dark room if you disable your webcam in the Windows 11 Device Manager, but then this means you can't use your camera in any apps or video calls. It's a workaround if you only use the camera to unlock your laptop, but most people will want the camera to function inside video calling apps. Microsoft uses a combination of the color camera and IR sensors to detect a face for its Windows Hello feature. The security vulnerability, discovered by the Nanyang Technological University, was rated 'important' by Microsoft, and hasn't been publicly disclosed or exploited. Microsoft even suggests it's 'less likely' that a malicious actor would exploit this locally on a device. We've reached out to Microsoft to see whether the company might get Windows Hello working in the dark again in the future, and we'll update you accordingly.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Microsoft Blocks Windows Insider Canary Build With 'Really Bad Bug'
Microsoft has halted the release of a new Windows Insider Canary build after it discovered a bug that severely affects basic system functioning. The issue impacts core features across the operating system, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, USB accessory support, and camera use, which also affects Windows Hello authentication. The bug was found before any affected builds were delivered to Insiders. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider Program described the bug as "really bad" and explained that the problem is tied to a recent code change in unreleased builds. The timing is notable, though, as it comes just a week ahead of Microsoft's Build 2025 conference, which starts on Monday, May 19. But overall, it means that some exciting new features, including AI-powered upgrades for the Settings app, will not arrive as soon as planned. Microsoft says a fix has been created and is being checked. If all goes well, a new Canary build with the fix should be ready for release by the end of this week. The Canary channel is used to try out the latest builds and is known for giving users early access to new Windows changes.
