Windows Hello is getting two new features in Windows 10 2004

Windows Hello, which is an all-in-one biometric authentication process baked into Windows 10, is getting enhancements in the May 2020 Update.

With every Windows 10 feature update, Microsoft has tried to improve Windows Hello authentication.

The May 2020 Update, otherwise known as Windows 10 2004, is expected to be released this week, and users will have two new ways to use Windows Hello.

The first new feature adds Windows Hello PIN sign-in to Safe mode, which means you won't have to rely on your password when troubleshooting Windows 10 in Safe Mode.

The second feature allows you to rely on Windows Hello for signing into your Microsoft account.

Windows Hello in Safe Mode

With Windows Hello support in Safe Mode, Microsoft says it's taking another step forward to make its platform less dependent on traditional passwords.

To enable Windows Hello and use it in Safe Mode, follow these steps:

1. Set up Windows Hello authentication from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
2. After setting up Windows Hello, go to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery.
3. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
4. In boot menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. In the next menu, select 5 or press F5 to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking. You can also choose 4 or press 4 to use Safe Mode without network.
6. Click on Windows Hello PIN icon and sign in to your device.

If you don't want to use Windows Hello in Safe Mode, you will need to disable it from the Settings > account > Sign-in options.

Passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts

You will also be able to use passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts on Windows 10.

To enable passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts, follow these steps:

1. Head to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Select 'On' under 'Make your device passwordless.'

Once enabled, you can use your Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN to log in to your Microsoft accounts.

Windows 10's May 2020 Update with Windows Hello improvements, WSL 2, a new way to reset your PC, and other new features are expected to begin rolling out this week.

Compared to Windows 10 1909, which felt more like a service pack, Windows 10 2004 is full of new features that should make it an exciting update.