Learn how to use Windows Hello to log into the WRDS website
Introduction
To better protect your personal data and your WRDS account from unauthorized access, WRDS requires that you use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when logging in.
For more information on MFA, see Multi-factor authentication.
If you have a Windows computer that supports Windows Hello, you can use it to provide MFA when you log in to the WRDS website.
Important: Windows Hello can only be used with the WRDS website. If you are using a different WRDS access method, such as SSH, or are connecting to the WRDS PostgreSQL server, you should use Duo Mobile or one of the alternate MFA methods instead.
If you are using a macOS computer, see How to Log in to WRDS using Touch ID instead.
Requirements
In order to use Windows Hello to log in to the WRDS website, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be using Windows 10 or later
- Your PC hardware must support Windows Hello (i.e. it must provide a fingerprint sensor or a camera that supports facial recognition). Alternatively, you can configure Windows Hello to use a PIN, which does not require a fingerprint sensor or supported camera.
- You must have configured Windows Hello on your Windows computer to use either PIN, fingerprint, or camera-based facial recognition. Verify your chosen method works successfully on its own before proceeding.
- You must be using a supported browser, such as Google Chrome 73 or later.
Setting up Windows Hello
To set up Windows Hello, you will need to access the Other Options dialogue in the Duo push prompt that appears during your log in to the WRDS website. If you have not logged in to the WRDS website recently, you can access this menu during your next log in to WRDS.
If you have logged in to the WRDS website recently, or have clicked the Remember Me checkbox recently in a previous login prompt, you can try the following to trigger a Duo prompt:
- Use a browser tab/window in incognito mode (preferred option)
- Use an unremembered device, such as the Chrome browser on your Windows computer if you haven't logged in to WRDS from that computer before
- If neither of the above options work for you, please contact WRDS Support and ask for help setting up Windows Hello.
When the Duo prompt appears in your web browser after login, click the Other options link.
Select Manage Devices from the list.
Select an existing way to verify your identity. Most users should select Duo Push if they use Duo Mobile.
Now you are in Duo's Device Management page. Select Add a Device.
Select Windows Hello from the list.
Read the prompt, then click Continue on the next screen.
Follow the Windows Hello instructions on the next screen to verify your identity by entering your PIN, scanning your fingerprint, or pointing your face to your camera. The prompt shown will differ depending on the type of authentication you have set up for Windows Hello. The image below shows the Fingerprint verification screen.
- If you are using a PIN with Windows Hello, Windows may prompt you to Save your passkey. Confirm, then select Continue to proceed.
- Then, in the next screen, click Continue to finish setup.
Using Windows Hello to log in to WRDS
You can now use Windows Hello to fulfill the MFA requirement when you log in to the WRDS website.
You can switch back and forth between Duo MFA methods using the Manage Devices screen, such as to go back to using Duo Mobile if away from your macOS computer.
Troubleshooting
Windows Hello doesn't work in Incognito mode
That is correct, you cannot use incognito mode / private browsing mode with Windows Hello to receive MFA prompts. Use of incognito mode is only suggested as an option for the initial setup of Windows Hello if you already have an remembered device. For all further log in attempts, do not use incognito mode.