how to reinstall facial recognition in Optional Features?

Rodney Longoria 0 Reputation points
2026-11-06T07:10:33.1966667+00:00

how to reinstall facial recognition in Optional Features?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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  1. DaveM121 946.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-06T07:47:11.26+00:00

    1

    Open the Settings App.

    Go to System - Optional Features.

    Click the 'View Features' button, in the list, type facial in the resulting list, are you able to reinstall Facial Recognition from there?

    2

    If not, in the Settings App, go to Accounts - Sign In Options.

    Please provide a screenshot of that window.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-06T07:11:05.9266667+00:00

    Reinstall Windows Hello Face by removing it from Windows 10 Optional Features, restarting, and then adding it again while connected to the internet.

    Reinstall Windows Hello Face

    1. Press Windows key + R.
    2. Enter:
         ms-settings:optionalfeatures
      
    3. Select OK to open Optional features.
    4. Under Installed features, search for Windows Hello Face.
    5. Select it, choose Remove, and wait for removal to finish.
    6. Restart the computer.
    7. Return to Optional features.
    8. Select + Add a feature.
    9. Search for and select Windows Hello Face, then select Add.
    10. Keep the computer online until installation finishes because Windows Update downloads the feature content. Depending on the Windows 10 build, Optional Features may instead appear under Settings > Apps > Apps & features.^1^

    Restart Windows once more after installation.

    Set up facial recognition again

    Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello), select Set up, and complete the scan. Windows Hello Face requires a Hello-compatible infrared camera; an ordinary webcam alone is insufficient.^2^

    If the feature is missing or installation fails

    • Confirm that the computer model supports Windows Hello Face and has a compatible infrared camera.
    • Open Device Manager, then check Cameras and Biometric devices for the IR camera and Windows Hello Face Software Device.
    • If either device has an error, right-click it, select Uninstall device, restart Windows, and allow Windows to reinstall its driver. Microsoft’s biometric troubleshooting guidance documents this driver-reinstallation sequence.^3^
    • Check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates for camera or biometric drivers.
    • If Windows reports that it cannot find a compatible camera, obtain the camera/IR driver from the PC manufacturer. Do not replace the manufacturer’s driver with the generic UVC driver, because that driver might not support Windows Hello facial recognition.^4^

    References

    1. Add, remove, or hide Windows features (windows-10)
    2. Configure Windows Hello
    3. Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security
    4. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/camera/camera-doesn-t-work-in-windows#general-troubleshooting)
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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