Microsft says Windows Hello no longer works in the dark, and it's NOT a bug

If you’ve noticed Windows Hello refusing to unlock your PC in a dark room lately, you’re not alone.
The change first showed up back in April, but little did anyone know that it was a feature. Windows Central today reported that the behavior isn’t a bug, but a feature.

Previously, Windows Hello relied on infrared (IR) sensors to scan your face in 3D. That’s why it worked great in low light—IR doesn’t need much to see your features clearly. However, Microsoft has now updated the system to require both an IR and a regular color webcam.

In other words, your face now has to be visible, not just scannable. This shift was buried in the April Patch Tuesday release notes, tied to a security fix. Microsoft says the new setup protects against spoofing attempts that could trick facial recognition.

Also read: 5 Best Windows Hello Webcams to Log In With Your Face

While it’s a security feature, it can be annoying for some who use a PC in dim light, just like me. Most webcams don’t perform well in the dark, so Windows Hello can’t verify your face anymore. That’s why users are suddenly forced to turn on a light just to sign in.

Still, there’s a workaround floating around online. Disabling your webcam in Device Manager brings the old behavior back—IR-only login, no visible face needed. But that also means you lose the webcam for video calls. Remember, Microsoft isn’t planning to roll this back, either.

Also read: How to Change the Minimum PIN Length in Windows 11