Title: Windows Hello Glitch in Recent Update Locks Users Out: Essential Information You Should Know
Microsoft’s recent Windows security update—KB5055523, launched in April 2025—has brought about an unforeseen and irritating glitch impacting Windows Hello, the biometric authentication feature utilized in Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. This issue has resulted in some users being unable to access their devices, as they cannot log in using facial recognition or PIN after executing a system reset.
Here’s an overview of the situation, who is affected, and how to resolve it.
Grasping the Glitch
The issue arises when users initiate a system reset via the “Reset this PC” feature and select the “Keep my files” option. If the device has either Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM) or System Guard Secure Launch activated—a common security setup in contemporary systems—the reset procedure disrupts Windows Hello operations.
Post-reset, users impacted encounter error messages like:
– “Something went wrong, and your PIN isn’t accessible”
– “Sorry, something failed during face setup”
These messages hinder users from signing in through Windows Hello, effectively barring them from their devices.
Who Is Impacted?
This glitch affects users operating:
– Windows 11 version 24H2
– Windows Server 2025
And only under these specific circumstances:
– The device has DRTM or System Guard Secure Launch activated
– The user executes a system reset using “Keep my files”
Although this may seem like a limited situation, numerous enterprise and security-oriented users have these features activated, broadening the scope of the issue more than initially recognized.
Provisional Workarounds
Microsoft has acknowledged the situation but has not yet implemented a formal remedy. In the interim, users can regain access to their devices by manually reconfiguring Windows Hello.
Here are the steps for recovering access:
1. Re-enroll Your PIN:
– On the login interface, click “Set up my PIN” when prompted.
– Follow the instructions on the screen to generate a new PIN.
2. Reconfigure Facial Recognition:
– Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition
– Set up facial recognition anew from scratch
While these steps are fairly straightforward, they can cause considerable stress for users suddenly unable to access their devices, particularly in professional or urgent scenarios.
Additional Issues with KB5055523
This isn’t the sole problem associated with the KB5055523 update. Microsoft has also recently tackled a distinct bug related to the same update that led to the uninstallation of the Copilot feature on certain PCs. While some users appreciated the elimination of Copilot, it sheds light on the broader concern: even routine updates can unexpectedly hinder fundamental system functionalities.
Moreover, Microsoft has implemented a safeguard hold on devices using the SenseShield sprotect.sys driver due to another serious issue—blue or black screen errors—further complicating the update deployment.
What Lies Ahead?
Microsoft is currently probing into the Windows Hello glitch and is anticipated to issue a permanent solution in a forthcoming update. Meanwhile, users are advised to refrain from resetting their PCs with the “Keep my files” option if they depend on Windows Hello and have DRTM or Secure Launch enabled.
For IT administrators and corporate users, it may be prudent to postpone the implementation of KB5055523 until these issues are rectified or to prepare for the manual re-enrollment of Windows Hello credentials post-reset.
Concluding Remarks
While security updates are crucial for safeguarding systems against vulnerabilities, the recent Windows Hello glitch highlights the necessity for thorough testing and transparent communication from software providers. Currently, users can take solace in the existence of workarounds—but a permanent fix is eagerly awaited.
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