Windows 11 won’t make you wait for face unlock to fail before typing your PIN, and the fix is already in a new build
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Build 26340.9882 on November 6, introducing a change to the sign‑in experience that displays the PIN entry field while Windows Hello continues to scan a face or fingerprint. Previously, users had to wait for facial recognition to succeed or fail, or manually select “Sign‑in options” to type a PIN, adding extra clicks especially in dim lighting or when the sensor was obstructed. The new build shows the prompt “Look at the camera or enter your PIN,” allowing whichever method works first to be used instantly. The update also streamlines failed face attempts by offering a “Retry face sign‑in” button and places the PIN box beneath combined camera/fingerprint prompts on devices with multiple sensors. The feature arrives without requiring registry tweaks, though it remains limited to Insider participants and experimental builds may contain bugs.
💡 Why It Matters
- · Faster credential entry reduces friction for users in low‑light or wet‑finger scenarios, improving daily productivity without compromising Windows Hello’s security model.
