Windows Weekly (Audio) WW 937: Vexed by Perturbations - What just happened to Windows Hello!?
Jun 18, 2025
Windows Hello faces backlash for malfunctioning in low light, raising user security concerns. The hosts humorously recount their Lenovo shopping experiences while navigating the latest updates in Windows features. They dive into AI developments, including Copilot Vision's launch and the evolving partnership between Microsoft and AMD for Xbox. The complexities of app development and Microsoft's history are explored, shedding light on industry challenges and innovations, all presented with entertaining banter and insightful commentary.
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Episode notes
Windows Hello Fails in Darkness
- Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell discuss Windows Hello facial recognition failures in the dark after a security patch.
- Paul shares frustration with repeated failures to recognize his face even when directly in front of the camera.
Use Light or Fingerprints
- Use room lighting to ensure Windows Hello facial recognition works properly.
- Consider using fingerprint readers as a reliable alternative when lighting conditions are poor.
Security Trade-offs Impact Functionality
- Microsoft's Windows Hello ESS secures features like Recall but introduces complexity and limits biometric options.
- This security update may have caused Windows Hello to stop working well in low-light conditions.
