After buying a webcam, make sure you have a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Connect the webcam to the PC via the USB cable and that should be all you need for basic webcam functionality. (Some webcams require you to install their utility software for Windows Hello to function, however.) In the Windows 10 or Windows 11 Settings menu, search for "Set up face sign-in." Then click the "Facial recognition (Windows Hello)" menu. You'll first need to add a PIN code as a backup -- don't pick something too obvious.

Setting up Windows Hello simply requires your PC to "look" at you for several moments, recording your face.

From then on, just be sure that your PC is using your webcam (though it should by default). Windows Hello setup requires simply looking at the screen while the webcam looks at you and records your image. If for some reason it fails, the PIN will allow you access to your PC.

The best Windows Hello Webcam is the Lenovo Performance FHD Webcam. Most people will find that this 1080p webcam covers all the necessary bases: It's reliable, it's affordable, and most importantly, it adds Windows Hello functionality to a PC for easy biometric login.

The webcam, a USB cable to connect it to your PC, and a desktop or laptop with Windows 10 or Windows 11 are all you need. We've never seen a webcam that uses a proprietary USB cable, but you can always spend a few dollars and buy a longer one if for some reason if it's too short.

You may need to download proprietary software from the webcam to enable more advanced features. Basic Windows Hello functionality should be plug and play, however.