Overview
Biometric authentication lets you sign in to your NOVAdevice with your face or fingerprint instead of typing your password. It is faster than a password and more secure, because your sign-in is tied to your specific device. Your face and fingerprint information is stored securely on your NOVAdevice.
Biometric sign-in is supported on all NOVAdevices beginning January 1, 2027:
- Windows NOVAdevices use Windows Hello for Business.
- macOS NOVAdevices use Touch ID.
Biometric options by device
| Option |
Windows NOVAdevice |
macOS NOVAdevice |
| Facial recognition |
Yes, with Windows Hello. Look at your camera to sign in. |
Not available |
| Fingerprint |
Yes, with Windows Hello, if your NOVAdevice has a fingerprint reader. |
Yes, with Touch ID. The sensor is at the top right of your keyboard. |
| Backup sign-in |
Windows Hello PIN. A PIN is required and works when facial recognition or fingerprint is unavailable. |
Your Mac password. You must enter it after your Mac restarts, and occasionally at other times. |
Windows Hello for Business
Windows Hello for Business combines something you have (your NOVAdevice) with something you are or know (your face, fingerprint, or PIN).
Touch ID
Touch ID lets you unlock your Mac when it wakes from sleep, approve system changes, and fill in saved passwords with your fingerprint. You can add up to three fingerprints to your account.
If you keep your laptop closed at your desk
If you work with your NOVAdevice closed and connected to a dock and external monitor, the built-in camera and fingerprint sensor aren’t available.
- Windows: You can sign in with your PIN, or purchase a supported external webcam to use facial recognition.
- macOS: You can sign in with your password, or use an Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
Not every webcam works with Windows Hello. Facial recognition requires a Windows Hello–compatible camera with infrared (IR) sensors.
Requirements
- A Windows or macOS NOVAdevice
- Your Villanova account, with multi-factor authentication set up
- For biometric sign-in with your laptop closed: a supported external webcam (Windows) or a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (macOS)
Instructions
Set up Windows Hello for Business (Windows)
Windows may prompt you to set up Windows Hello after you sign in. If it does, follow the on-screen prompts. To set it up yourself:
- Select Start, then Settings.
- Select Accounts, then Sign-in options.
- Select PIN (Windows Hello), then Set up. Verify your identity when prompted, then create your PIN.
- Select Facial recognition (Windows Hello) or Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), then Set up.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to finish.
Set up Touch ID (macOS)
- Select the Apple menu, then System Settings.
- Select Touch ID & Password in the sidebar.
- Select Add Fingerprint and enter your Mac password.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, lifting and resting your finger on the Touch ID sensor until your fingerprint is recorded.
- Choose which tasks you want to use Touch ID for, such as unlocking your Mac.