You can now use biometrics or set up a PIN to login on your UNSW-managed Windows devices.
In August 2025, UNSW IT staff piloted passwordless authentication on Windows devices. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with early adopters saying it's easy to set up and use, and that it significantly improved their login experience.
Passwordless is now available as an opt-in service for all UNSW staff on their UNSW-managed Windows devices.
Powered by Windows Hello for Business (WHFB), passwordless authentication is a secure way to log in to your University-managed devices using biometrics such as a fingerprint or facial recognition. Biometric options depend on your devices’ hardware, so the alternative is a secure, six-digit PIN.
Why make the switch?
There are many good reasons to use biometrics or a PIN to login, including:
- stronger security for University-managed devices
- faster, easier access to your work
- no more zID password hassles
- enhanced cyber security for all UNSW systems.
How do you get started?
You can begin setup immediately on your IT-managed Windows devices by following our step by step guide.
To learn more about using biometrics or a PIN to login, check out the FAQs for staff or visit the Cyber security programs website.
Watch the video to learn more about key benefits and the set up process.
Passwordless login will be available for Mac users soon.
Privacy collection notice
Personal information (including your biometric information) that you provide is used by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for the sole purpose of enabling Windows Hello for Business (WHFB) for user authentication on your UNSW device. The provision of this information is voluntary, and you do not have to provide biometric information to use WHFB. If you do provide your biometric information, it is encrypted and stored locally on your UNSW device and is never sent to external devices or servers. Nobody has access to your raw biometric data. All personal information is managed in accordance with UNSW’s Information Governance Policy and Privacy Management Plan.
For assistance or if you have any questions, please email the cyber security mailbox.
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