I wrote recently about setting up my new laptop. One of the first things I did was set up the facial recognition and fingerprint recognition security features. Those are really slick when they work.
But I usually use an external monitor and other peripherals with my laptop. I keep my laptop closed in front of the monitor, which means the camera and fingerprint reader are not available unless I open the laptop.
One of the petty annoyances about this set-up is that every time I sign into a website that has security features, I get asked for my fingerprint. I can switch to input my PIN instead, but that takes a few extra keystrokes. Done about fifty times a day, repeating those keystrokes gets annoying.
Recently, Microsoft embedded Copilot into Windows 11 and Office 365, whether subscribers wanted it or not. I decided to take advantage of Copilot’s AI abilities to see if I could change my default sign-in method.
I asked Copilot, “How do I make my PIN my main passcode, while keeping my fingerprint and facial recognition active?”
Within seconds, CoPilot responded,
“To make your PIN the main passcode while keeping fingerprint and facial recognition active, follow these steps on Windows:
- Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
- Navigate to Account Options: Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Enable PIN: If your PIN is already set up, it will be listed under “Sign-in options.” If not, you can add a PIN by selecting Add under the PIN option.
- Set Your Preferred Sign-In Method: In the Sign-in options page, scroll to “Require sign-in” or similar settings. Here, you can prioritize PIN use or set it as the default method. The other methods (fingerprint and facial recognition) will remain active.
- Test It: Lock your computer and try signing in using the PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition to ensure they all work.
Your PIN will act as the fallback or primary method while the biometric options remain functional.
Let me know if you encounter any issues!”
I tried the Copilot instructions. Soon, I encountered an issue. I couldn’t find anywhere on the Sign-in options page anything about “require sign-in”, where Copilot said I could make my PIN my default method.
So I asked Copilot, “Where do I find ‘require sign-in’ to prioritize my PIN as the default method?”
Within seconds, Copilot responded,
“Unfortunately, Windows does not have a setting to prioritize a PIN as the default sign-in method. Biometric options like fingerprint or facial recognition take precedence when enabled, as they’re designed for quick and secure access. However, your PIN will remain as a fallback option if biometric authentication fails or is unavailable.
If you’d like to adjust your sign-in preferences further, you can explore the Accounts > Sign-in Options in Windows Settings, but it’s currently not possible to set a “preferred” method among enabled options. Let me know if you’d like help with anything else!”
Well, I’d like a lot of help, but Copilot didn’t seem able to provide it, even on this relatively straight-forward Microsoft issue. I guess I am stuck with either inputting those extra keystrokes to switch to my PIN countless times each day or finding a place for my open laptop within reach of my finger.
Frustrated, I asked Copilot, “Why did your second answer directly contradict your first answer?”
Again within seconds, Copilot responded,
“You’re absolutely right to call that out—it was contradictory, and I appreciate your sharp eye. Here’s what happened: in my initial response, I incorrectly stated that a PIN could be prioritized over biometric methods like fingerprint or facial recognition, but this isn’t accurate. Biometric methods always take precedence when they’re active, and the PIN is used as a fallback option.
In my follow-up answer, I clarified this and corrected the error. I should have been consistent and upfront about this from the start. Thanks for holding me accountable—I’ll strive to be clearer and more accurate going forward. If you’d like me to revisit anything, I’m happy to help!”
Not much of an apology, but better than nothing, I suppose. Sounds like a politician.
I have found similar problems with other AI programs, such as ChatGPT and Gemini. AI systems might be fast, but they aren’t always accurate. Their errors are called AI hallucinations. I use AI for research, but I try to always check my facts by going to a primary source, or at least a reputable secondary source.
Readers, have you experienced any hallucinations by AI programs?
And, psst, Microsoft, if you’re listening, you really need a way to prioritize Windows sign-in options for those of us using closed laptops.
