Windows Hello: Biometric Authentication by Default in Windows 10

Microsoft has announced an ambitious plan to replace passwords with biometric identifiers in it's yet to be released Windows 10 operating system. The race to replace passwords has been on for years, however, "Windows Hello" offers perhaps the most realistic chance of eradicating the archaic but ubiquitous authenticator.

Using a combination of hardware and software, Windows Ten devices, both traditional and mobile, will offer the ability to authenticate users via iris, fingerprint and face.

"For facial or iris detection, Windows Hello uses a combination of special hardware and software to accurately verify it is you – not a picture of you or someone trying to impersonate you," said Joe Belfiore, vice president of the operating system group at Microsoft. "The cameras use infrared technology to identify your face or iris and can recognize you in a variety of lighting conditions."

Computers with built-in fingerprint scanners will be Windows Hello compatible after Windows Ten installation. Newer Windows 10 capable machines will contain Windows specialized hardware, including fingerprint readers, illuminated IR sensors or other biometric sensors.