Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition feature has stopped working in dark environments after a recent update, addressing a spoofing vulnerability and enhancing security, but leaving users to seek workarounds.
The change, implemented in April, was first noticed by Surface Laptop users who could no longer use facial recognition to log in under low-light conditions. According to Microsoft’s April Windows Update patch notes, “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 update effectively disabled face unlock in dark environments, as color cameras struggle to capture images without sufficient light.
A temporary solution for affected users is to disable the webcam in Device Manager, which restores Windows Hello functionality in the dark. However, this workaround comes with a significant trade-off: it disables the camera for all applications, including video conferencing software, thereby limiting its practicality for many users.
Windows Hello’s facial detection relies on both a color camera and infrared (IR) sensors. The security vulnerability that prompted the update was identified by researchers at Nanyang Technological University and was rated “important” by Microsoft. Although the specifics of the vulnerability remain undisclosed, Microsoft believes that exploitation is “less likely” on a local device, suggesting a relatively low risk to individual users.
Microsoft has been contacted regarding the possibility of restoring Windows Hello functionality in dark environments in the future. The article will be updated with any response from the company, potentially offering further insight into their plans for addressing this issue and restoring the functionality that many users have come to rely on.
