How to Enable or Disable Biometrics in Windows 8.1
InformationStarting in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, a fingerprint registration application in PC settings is now included, thereby removing the need for a hardware manufacturer to provide such an application.
Local users (Microsoft and local accounts) are able to sign-in with a fingerprint (biometrics) by default in Windows 8.1 unless disabled.
Domain users will not be able sign-in with a fingerprint (biometrics) by default in Windows 8.1 unless enabled.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the use of any biometrics (ex: fingerprint) for all users in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
Local users (Microsoft and local accounts) are able to sign-in with a fingerprint (biometrics) by default in Windows 8.1 unless disabled.
Domain users will not be able sign-in with a fingerprint (biometrics) by default in Windows 8.1 unless enabled.
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the use of any biometrics (ex: fingerprint) for all users in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
EXAMPLE: Biometrics disabled
NOTE: This is in PC settings.
OPTION ONE
Enable or Disable Biometrics using a REG File
NoteThe .reg files below are for the registry key and value below.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Biometrics
Enabled DWORD
0 = Disable Biometrics
1 = Enable Biometrics
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Biometrics
Enabled DWORD
0 = Disable Biometrics
1 = Enable Biometrics
1. Do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.
2. To Disable Biometrics
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Disable_Use_of_Biometrics.reg
3. To Enable Biometrics
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Enable_Use_of_Biometrics.reg
4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK.
7. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
OPTION TWO
Enable or Disable Biometrics in Group Policy
NOTE: This option for using group policy is only available in the Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows RT 8.1 Pro, and Windows 8.1 Enterprise editions.
1. From the Start screen, start typing gpedit.msc, and press Enter when finished.
NOTE: You could also press Windows+R to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc, and click/tap on OK.
2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.
3. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and open Biometrics. (see screenshot below)
4. In the right pane of Biometrics, double click/tap on Allow the use of biometrics. (see screenshot above)
5. Do step 6 or 7 below for what you would like to do.
6. To Enable Biometrics
A) Select (dot) Enabled or Not Configured, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below step 7A)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
7. To Disable Biometrics
A) Select (dot) Disabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)
8. You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor window if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
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