
Instead of connecting, though, you receive an error that Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer. And to connect, you use a stored account that you've used before so you don't have to enter the password each time. Now let's say you want to connect to that PC from another device via Microsoft Remote Desktop. Sign into your PC with one of the passwordless options. On my main Windows PC, I have both fingerprint and facial recognition enabled as well as a security key as a backup.īut wait, here's a second problem. If your fingerprint scanner won't read your fingerprint, then you can turn to your security key. So for example, if your camera isn't working, then you could fall back on your fingerprint scanner. To grapple with that issue, I'd suggest setting up multiple authentication methods assuming your PC supports them. While robust passwords help you secure your valuable online accounts, hardware-based two-factor authentication takes that security to the next level. To use any of the Windows Hello options, you'll need to first set up a PIN if you haven't already done so.

In Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Let's see how this all plays out.įirst, you'll want to set up your alternative authentication method or methods. However, there are a couple of bumps in the road if you jettison the password sign-in this way. Not having the password field available could deter someone who steals or otherwise acquires your password and aims to use it to physically log into your PC.

The main limitation here is that this capability works only with Microsoft accounts, so you can't use it with a local account or an account with your organization.īut why remove the password sign-in option in the first place? Mostly for security reasons. You can take Windows Hello a step further by eliminating the password sign-in option on the Windows login screen so that it doesn't even appear.

How to find out if you are involved in a data breach - and what to do next
