Understanding the Device Health Check: Windows Hello

Purpose: Enabling Faster, More Secure, Passwordless Logins

To make logging into your computer faster, easier, and more secure, many modern devices are equipped with Windows Hello. This feature allows you to sign in instantly using your face or fingerprint, eliminating the need to type your password.

This health check simply identifies whether your computer has the special hardware required to use this convenient and highly secure feature.

How it Works: Unlocking Your PC Like a Smartphone

Think about how you unlock your smartphone—you likely use your face or your fingerprint. Windows Hello brings that same seamless experience to your computer.

It uses highly secure, specialized hardware:

• Face Recognition: This isn’t just any webcam. It’s a special infrared (IR) camera that maps your face in 3D. This means it can’t be fooled by a photograph and works even in low-light conditions.
• Fingerprint Reader: A built-in scanner that reads your unique fingerprint for instant access.

This biometric information is securely stored and encrypted on your computer’s dedicated security chip (TPM). It never leaves your device and is never sent to Microsoft or our company.

What Your Results Mean

This check is informational and identifies an optional, premium feature.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
Hello Ready(Pass)	Your device supports passwordless login. Your computer has a built-in fingerprint reader or a compatible face-recognition camera, allowing you to use Windows Hello.	No action is required. If you’d like to use this feature, you can easily set it up yourself in your computer’s “Sign-in options” settings.
Standard Login(Warning)	Your device uses PIN/Password login.  Your computer does not have the specialized biometric hardware. This is the standard for many fully supported devices.	No action is required. You will continue to log in securely with your PIN, which is our company’s standard for fast and secure access.

Frequently Asked Questions

My computer uses “Standard Login.” Is it less secure?

• No. Your work PIN is also a form of passwordless login that is tied directly to your specific device and its security chip. It is highly secure and is our company’s standard. Windows Hello is an optional convenience built on top of that security.

Do I have to use Windows Hello if my device is “Ready”?

• No, it is completely optional. You can continue to use your PIN if you prefer.

If I use Windows Hello, does the company have my fingerprint or a picture of my face?

• Absolutely not. This is a critical point of privacy. Your fingerprint or face data is converted into a secure digital signature that is stored and encrypted only on your local computer’s security chip. It never leaves your device and is never accessible by our company, Microsoft, or anyone else.

How do I set it up on a “Hello Ready” device?

• You can go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and follow the on-screen instructions to register your face or fingerprint.

Purpose: Ensuring a Safety Net for Major Updates

When your computer receives a major software update, like a new version of Windows, there is a small chance it could cause an unexpected issue. To protect against this, Windows has a built-in safety feature that acts like a big “undo button.”

This health check simply verifies that this “undo button”—known as the rollback feature—is available on your computer. This ensures that if an update causes a problem, the IT department can quickly and easily revert your computer to its previous state, minimizing disruption to your work.

How it Works: The 10-Day Safety Window

After a major update is installed, your computer automatically saves a copy of your old system files. This backup allows you to “roll back” if needed.

• This “undo button” is available for a limited time, typically 10 days.
• After 10 days, the old files are automatically deleted to free up disk space.

Our health check looks to see if this rollback option is currently enabled on your device. This is an informational check to help IT prepare for upcoming upgrades.

What Your Results Mean

This check is only for IT’s information and does not require any action from you.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	“Undo Button” is Active Your computer has the standard rollback feature enabled. This provides a safety net for upcoming major updates.	No action is required. Your system is configured correctly.
WARNING	“Undo Button” is Inactive The rollback feature is currently disabled on your device. This is common if it has been more than 10 days since your last major update, or due to other system settings.	No action is required from you. This is a warning for IT’s awareness only. It does not mean your computer is broken, and it will not prevent you from receiving future updates, including Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

I received a “Warning.” Does this mean I won’t get the Windows 11 upgrade?

• No. You will still receive all required updates. This check is purely informational for IT to understand the status of your device. It does not block any upgrades.

Why is my “undo button” disabled?

• The most common reason is that it has been more than 10 days since the last major Windows update, and the system has automatically cleaned up the old files to save space. This is normal behavior.

Why is this feature important?

• It’s a recovery tool. In the rare event an update causes a critical problem, this feature allows IT to restore your computer to a working state in minutes, rather than hours.

Do I need to do anything to enable it?

• No. This is a system-level feature that is managed automatically by Windows and our IT policies. There is no action you need to take.

Purpose: Preventing Unauthorized Changes to Your Computer

One of the most common ways that malware and viruses cause damage is by making changes to your computer without your permission. User Account Control (UAC) is a critical, built-in Windows security feature that acts as a final checkpoint, asking for your approval before any program can make important changes.

This health check verifies that this essential security checkpoint is active and configured correctly.

How it Works: The “Are You Sure?” Doorman

Think of UAC as a conscientious doorman for your computer.

• When you or a program tries to do something significant—like install new software, change a security setting, or modify a core system file—the doorman steps in.
• It temporarily pauses everything and asks: “A program is trying to make major changes. Are you sure you want to allow this?”

This simple pause is incredibly powerful. It’s your opportunity to stop a malicious program in its tracks before it can take control of your system. If you didn’t intentionally start the action, you can simply click “No.”

Our health check verifies that this doorman is on duty and hasn’t been told to “just let everyone in without asking.”

What Your Results Mean

This is a fundamental security setting that protects the integrity of your computer.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
Protected(Pass)	Your security checkpoint is active. UAC is enabled and will prompt you for approval before significant changes are made to your computer.	No action is required. Your system is configured securely.
At Risk(Warning)	Your doorman is letting everyone in. This means UAC is technically on but is configured to “Never Notify.” It allows all changes without asking for your permission, which defeats its entire purpose.	This is a security risk.  Please contact the IT Help Desk so we can restore this vital security prompt.
Exposed(Fail)	The doorman has been fired. UAC has been completely disabled. Any program, including malware, can make any change it wants to your computer without any warning or approval.	This is a top priority security risk. Please contact the IT Help Desk IMMEDIATELY. Your device is highly vulnerable to compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Those pop-ups are annoying. Why can’t I just turn them off?

• That pop-up is your most important moment of defense. While it can seem like an interruption, it’s the feature that prevents a malicious email attachment or website from silently installing ransomware or spyware. The brief moment of inconvenience is a massive security benefit.

How is this different from my antivirus?

• Your antivirus looks for programs that are known to be bad. UAC protects you from the actions of any program, even ones that seem legitimate. If a seemingly safe program suddenly tries to change a core security setting, UAC will stop it and ask you first.

Did I do something wrong to disable it?

• It’s unlikely. Sometimes, the installation of other applications (especially older ones) can change this setting without your knowledge. This check is designed to find and fix these configuration errors.

Purpose: Maintaining Your Computer’s Digital Immune System

Your computer’s software, like any complex system, can have vulnerabilities discovered over time. System updates are the essential “vaccines” and “security patches” that protect your device from these newly found threats. This health check verifies that your computer is receiving these critical updates in a timely manner.

Keeping your system updated is the single most effective thing we can do to protect your computer—and our company data—from ransomware, viruses, and other cyberattacks.

How it Works: A Quick Check-Up

Think of this check as a quick, automated visit to the doctor for your computer. It asks three simple questions:

1. Are there any critical check-ups overdue? The system looks for any available Critical Security Updates from Microsoft that haven’t been installed yet. These are urgent fixes for serious vulnerabilities.
2. When was your last check-up? It checks the date of your last successfully installed update to ensure your computer’s defenses aren’t getting old. We require an update at least every 30 days.
3. Is the clinic open? It verifies that the Windows Update service itself is turned on and working correctly, ensuring your computer can receive new security patches when they become available.

What Your Results Mean

This is one of our most important security checks. An out-of-date computer is a vulnerable computer.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
Up-to-Date(Pass)	Your system’s defenses are current. You have no urgent security patches pending, and your last update was recent.	No action is required. Thank you for keeping your device secure.
Updates Required(Warning)	Your computer is missing important updates. This means either there are critical security updates waiting to be installed, or it has been over 30 days since your last update.	Please take action to secure your device: 1. Ensure you are connected to the internet. 2. Run Windows Update manually (in Settings > Update & Security). 3. Restart your computer to complete the installation. A restart is often required.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	The update service is broken. This is a critical system error. Your computer is unable to even check for or receive new security updates, leaving it permanently exposed.	This is a top priority security risk. Please contact the IT Help Desk IMMEDIATELY. This must be fixed by a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to update so often?

• Cybercriminals discover new security holes every day. Microsoft releases updates to “patch” these holes as soon as they’re found. Frequent updates ensure your computer’s defenses are always one step ahead of the attackers.

Will updates slow down my computer?

• While the update process itself uses resources, running a modern, updated system is much more secure and often performs better. The biggest cause of post-update slowness is not restarting the computer to finish the installation.

Can’t I just ignore the warning?

• No. An unpatched computer is the number one way that ransomware and other serious malware get into a company’s network. Ignoring this warning puts your data, and the entire company, at significant risk.

Purpose: Ensuring a Responsive and Productive Experience

To ensure your computer can handle your daily tasks without slowing down or freezing, we perform health checks on all devices. The “System Memory (RAM)” check measures a critical component that determines how well your computer can multitask.

Sufficient RAM is one of a computer’s most important features for a smooth, efficient, and frustration-free workday, especially when using modern tools like Windows 11.

How it Works: Your Computer’s Workbench

The best way to understand RAM is to think of it as your computer’s digital workbench.

• Every application you open (like Outlook, Teams, or a web browser) takes up space on this workbench.
• A computer with too little RAM has a small, cluttered workbench. When you try to do too many things at once, the computer has to constantly put tools away (saving to the slow hard drive) to make room for new ones. This is what causes lag, stuttering in video calls, and a generally slow experience.
• A computer with enough RAM has a large, spacious workbench. You can have many applications open and switch between them instantly because there’s plenty of room for everything. This results in a fast and responsive system.

Our health check simply measures the size of your computer’s “workbench” to ensure it’s large enough for your work.

What Your Results Mean

The check confirms your computer has enough RAM for its intended use—either as a standard device or a more powerful AI-ready “Copilot+ PC.”

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Sufficient Memory Detected  Your computer has enough “workbench space” (at least 4 GB for a standard PC or 16 GB for a Copilot+ PC) to run modern applications smoothly.	No action is required. Your system meets the performance standard.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	Insufficient Memory Detected Your computer does not have enough memory to provide a good experience with today’s software. This is a primary cause of system slowness and performance issues.	This cannot be fixed with a simple software update. Please contact the IT Help Desk immediately to schedule a device replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this a problem now? My computer used to work fine.

• As software becomes more powerful—especially web browsers with many tabs, and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams—it requires a larger “workbench” to run effectively. An amount of RAM that was acceptable a few years ago is no longer sufficient for today’s demands.

Can’t you just install more memory in my computer?

• In most modern company laptops, RAM is integrated directly into the main board and cannot be easily upgraded. To ensure reliability and performance, the most effective solution is to replace the device with a modern one that meets the current standard.

Why do “Copilot+ PCs” need so much more RAM?

• The advanced, on-device AI features of Copilot+ PCs are incredibly powerful and require a much larger “workbench” (at least 16 GB) to operate. This extra space ensures that AI tasks can run in the background without slowing down your primary work.

Purpose: Proactively Searching for Hidden Threats

While our standard anti-virus is the security guard at the front door, some advanced threats are designed to sneak past it. This health check is a much deeper-level scan—it acts like a digital detective who performs a thorough investigation inside your computer to look for signs that a malicious actor is already hiding within the system.

This proactive hunt is our most advanced layer of defense, designed to find and neutralize threats that have already bypassed traditional protection.

How it Works: The Digital Detective’s Investigation

Our detective doesn’t just look for known “bad files.” It searches for suspicious behavior and clues that hackers leave behind. This includes:

• Checking for unusual behavior: We look for programs running from strange locations. This is like finding someone working out of a supply closet instead of a designated office—a major red flag.
• Looking for hidden backdoors: Hackers often leave behind hidden ways to get back into a system. Our detective checks for these, similar to looking for a key hidden under the doormat that would allow an intruder to re-enter at will.
• Monitoring for suspicious communications: We check if your computer is making secret “phone calls” to known malicious servers on the internet. This is a sign that an intruder is trying to steal data or receive new commands.
• Searching for abandoned tools: The scan looks for hacking tools or suspicious files left behind in temporary storage areas, much like a detective searching a crime scene for evidence.

All these clues are put together. A single minor clue might be nothing, but several clues together create a strong indication of a compromise.

What Your Results Mean

This is our most serious security check. Please review your result carefully.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
All Clear(Pass)	No signs of compromise found. Our digital detective has completed its sweep and found no suspicious activity or indicators of a hidden threat.	No action is required. Your system appears to be clean.
ACTION REQUIRED(Warning – Suspicious Activity Detected)	One or more potential signs of a compromise have been found. This is a critical alert. While not 100% conclusive, there is enough suspicious activity to indicate your device may be compromised by an active threat.	This is a security incident. Follow these steps IMMEDIATELY: 1.  Disconnect your computer from the network. (Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi). 2.  Stop using the computer. Do not log out. Leave it as-is. 3.  Contact the IT Help Desk IMMEDIATELY and report a security alert.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from my regular anti-virus?

• Your anti-virus is the security guard checking IDs at the door. This scan is the detective investigating inside the building for intruders who may have slipped past the guard.

I received a warning. What did I do wrong?

• You likely did nothing wrong. Modern phishing attacks and malware are incredibly sophisticated and designed to trick even the most careful users. Our priority is not to assign blame, but to contain the threat and secure the device as quickly as possible.

Why is the “Action Required” response so urgent?

• If a device is compromised, an active threat could be stealing data, trying to access other systems on our network, or installing ransomware. Disconnecting the device immediately is the most critical step to contain the damage and prevent the threat from spreading.

Purpose: Enhancing Security and Startup Performance

To ensure every company computer is secure, reliable, and modern, we perform routine health checks on all devices. The “System Boot Method” check verifies that your computer is using the latest industry-standard technology to start up.

This fundamental check ensures your device can take advantage of modern security features and is compatible with current operating systems like Windows 11.

How it Works: An Analogy

Think of your computer’s boot method as the way you start a car.

• Legacy BIOS is the old-fashioned way: a simple metal key in an ignition. It gets the job done, but it’s a decades-old technology with minimal security features.
• UEFI is the modern equivalent: a push-to-start button connected to a smart system. It’s not just about starting the engine; it also runs a security check, starts up much faster, and enables advanced features.

UEFI is the new standard because it provides a more secure and efficient foundation for your entire computer system. Our health check simply verifies that your computer is using the modern “push-to-start” method.

What Your Results Mean

The check will result in one of two outcomes. Below is a simple guide to understand your result and the required action.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Modern Boot Method Detected (UEFI) Your computer starts up using the modern, secure, and efficient UEFI standard.	No action is required. Your system is configured correctly.
ACTION REQUIREDFAIL	Outdated Boot Method Detected (Legacy BIOS) Your computer is using the older, less secure Legacy BIOS method. This prevents it from using critical security features and makes it incompatible with Windows 11.	This requires a technical adjustment. Please contact the IT Help Desk to schedule a time for a technician to update your system’s configuration. This is not something that can be fixed with a simple click, and it’s important that it’s done correctly by our IT team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

My computer starts up just fine. Why does this matter?

• While your computer may seem to start normally, the older Legacy BIOS method lacks crucial security protections that happen “under the hood.” For example, it cannot use a feature called “Secure Boot,” which prevents malicious software from loading when your computer turns on. Updating to UEFI ensures your device is protected from these advanced threats.

Is my computer broken or did I do something wrong?

• No, your computer is not broken, and you did not do anything wrong. This is a system setting that is sometimes configured by the manufacturer. Our check simply identifies devices that need to be brought up to the current company standard for security and performance.

What happens if I don’t get this fixed?

• Your device will be more vulnerable to certain types of viruses and will not be eligible for future upgrades, including the mandatory move to Windows 11. It is essential to contact IT to have this setting corrected.

Purpose: Ensuring Future Compatibility and Performance

To ensure your work computer is secure, efficient, and ready for the future, we perform routine health checks on all devices. The “System Architecture” check verifies that your computer’s core components meet the modern standard required by today’s software, including Windows 11 and our essential business applications.

This check is a fundamental step to confirm your device can run current and future software securely and effectively.

What is System Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit)?

Think of your computer’s architecture as the width of a highway.

• An older 32-bit system is like a two-lane country road. It works, but it can only handle a limited amount of traffic at once, making it slow and inefficient for modern demands.
• A modern 64-bit system is like a multi-lane superhighway. It can handle a massive amount of information simultaneously, leading to better speed, enhanced security, and the ability to run powerful, modern applications.

The entire technology industry has moved to the 64-bit standard. This check ensures your device is on the superhighway, not the country road.

What Your Results Mean

The check verifies that both your computer’s processor (its brain) and its operating system (Windows) are the modern 64-bit type.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Modern Architecture Detected Your computer has a 64-bit processor and a 64-bit operating system. It meets the current standard for performance, security, and compatibility.	No action is required. Your device is up-to-date.
ACTION REQUIRED(FAIL)	Outdated Architecture Detected Your computer is using older 32-bit hardware or software. This version is no longer supported by modern applications (like Windows 11) and poses a security risk.	This cannot be fixed with a simple software update.Please contact the IT Help Desk immediately to arrange for a device replacement. We will ensure you get a modern computer that allows you to work securely and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this a problem now? My computer seems to work.

• While your current device may still function, it cannot run the latest software or receive critical security updates. As we upgrade our business tools and operating systems (like the move to Windows 11), 32-bit systems will no longer be compatible, preventing you from doing your work.

Can I just update my computer to fix this?

• Unfortunately, no. A computer’s architecture is tied to its physical hardware (the processor). This is not something that can be changed through a software update. The only solution is to replace the device with a modern one.

What are the benefits of a 64-bit system?

• A 64-bit computer provides enhanced security, runs noticeably faster, and is compatible with all the software you need to do your job today and in the future.

Purpose: Searching for Hidden Backdoors Used by Hackers

While your firewall acts as the main locked door to your computer, sophisticated malware often tries to open its own secret, unguarded backdoors to communicate with attackers. This health check is a specialized security sweep that acts like a digital patrol, checking for any of these known “hacker backdoors” that might have been left open on your system.

This proactive hunt is designed to find evidence of a compromise that might otherwise go completely undetected.

How it Works: A Security Patrol for Your Computer’s Doors

Think of your computer as a large building with thousands of numbered doors, known as network ports.

• Legitimate Doors: A few doors are used for normal business, like Door #443 for secure web browsing. These are the main entrances, and they are well-guarded by your firewall.
• Hacker’s Favorite Doors: Hackers and malware have a list of their favorite, obscure door numbers that they love to use as secret entrances and exits (e.g., door #4444, #5555, #31337). On a secure system, these doors should always be locked, sealed, and unused.

Our health check performs a simple but critical task: it sends a security patrol to walk the perimeter of your computer and check if any of these known “hacker doors” are propped open. An open door of this type is a massive red flag.

What Your Results Mean

This is a critical security check that looks for active signs of a potential compromise.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
All Clear(Pass)	No suspicious backdoors found. Our security patrol has checked all the known high-risk entry points and found them to be secure.	No action is required. Your system appears to be secure.
ACTION REQUIRED(Warning)	A suspicious backdoor has been found open. This is a critical alert. It indicates that malware could be running on your system, communicating with an attacker, or listening for commands.	This is a security incident. Follow these steps IMMEDIATELY:  1.  Disconnect your computer from the network. (Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi). 2.  Stop using the computer. Do not log out. Leave it as-is. 3.  Contact the IT Help Desk IMMEDIATELY and report a security alert.
Test Inconclusive(Fail)	The patrol could not complete its check. We were unable to get a clear view of your computer’s network status, likely due to a network connection issue.	Please take the following steps: \ 1. Ensure you are connected to the internet. 2. Restart your computer and let the check run again. 3. If this result persists, contact the IT Help Desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the Firewall Status check?

• The Firewall is the policy that says all backdoors should be locked. This Suspicious Ports check is the patrol that physically verifies the locks haven’t been broken or bypassed. It’s an active hunt for evidence of a breach.

Did I do something wrong to open this port?

• Almost certainly not. These ports are opened by malicious software that runs without your knowledge, often after clicking a link in a phishing email or visiting a compromised website. Our goal is to contain the threat, not to assign blame.

Why is the “Action Required” response so urgent?

• An open backdoor means an attacker could be actively stealing your data, listening to your activity, or using your computer to launch further attacks on our company network. Disconnecting the device immediately is the most critical step to contain the damage.

Purpose: Ensuring Room for Essential Software

To ensure your computer can reliably run the operating system, business applications, and future updates, we perform health checks on all of our devices. The “Storage Capacity” check verifies that your computer’s main storage drive (its hard drive) is large enough to meet modern requirements.

This is a fundamental check to ensure your device has enough room for Windows 11 and the tools you need to do your job.

How it Works: The Size of Your Digital Filing Cabinet

Think of your computer’s storage drive as its digital filing cabinet.

It’s important to distinguish between two different things:

1. Free Space: This is how many empty drawers you have left.
2. Storage Capacity: This is the total size of the entire filing cabinet itself.

A small filing cabinet will fill up quickly and won’t have room for the new, larger folders required by modern software like Windows 11.

This health check does not look at your free space. It measures the total, physical size of the filing cabinet to see if it meets the minimum standard (at least 64 GB for a standard PC, or a larger 256 GB for an AI-ready Copilot+ PC).

What Your Results Mean

The check determines if your computer’s hard drive is large enough for today’s needs.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
PASS	Sufficient Storage Capacity Your computer’s storage drive is large enough to accommodate the operating system and our standard business applications.	No action is required. Your device meets the size requirement.
ACTION REQUIRED(Fail)	Insufficient Storage Capacity The storage drive in your computer is too small to reliably run modern software. It will not have enough space for Windows 11 and its required updates.	This cannot be fixed with a software update.The drive size is a physical hardware limitation. Please contact the IT Help Desk immediately to schedule a device replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my drive size a problem now? It has enough free space.

• Windows 11 and modern applications require significantly more space than older versions. Even if your small drive has free space now, it won’t be enough to handle future mandatory updates and software installations, which can cause the system to fail.

Can you just install a bigger hard drive in my computer?

• In most modern laptops, the storage drive is an integrated component that is not easily replaced. To ensure system reliability, the standard and most effective solution is to replace the entire device with one that meets current specifications.

Why is the requirement higher for a Copilot+ PC?

• The advanced AI features of Copilot+ PCs, like instant search and on-device assistants, require very large data models to be stored locally. This requires a significantly larger “filing cabinet” (at least 256 GB) to function.