Windows 10: Surface Book 2 SB2 in clamshell mode disables Windows Hello to be used with external webcam

I have an external webcam Logitech BRIO - compatible with Windows Hello to be used when the SB2 is in clamshell mode connected to the Surface Dock with an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.. It never works when the lid is closed. The only way to use the BRIO webcam with Windows Hello is by opening the lid no clamshell mode, as soon as I close the lid no action in power settings when lid is closed, it is not going to sleep Windows Hello will be kind of deactivated and the BRIO webcam will not be detected. As soon as I open the lid, Windows Hello with the external BRIO webcam will work right away, coming from cold boot, resuming from sleep or hibernation, it always work. I think the SB2 is shutting down the Windows Hello system because it assumes the only camera is the built in. Is there a way to fix this behavior and allow the external camera to be used with Windows Hello as well with lid closed?



The entire reason I bought a clamshell, Dock and 40" 4k HD TV was so I could "dock" my machine when at the office/home and use it normally. I would like to be able to use Windows Hello when I sit down to work. You are currently allowing my phone to "lock" my PC when I walk away. Why can't I unlock my PC in clamshell mode ?

:)

 

Surface Book 2 (SB2) in clamshell mode disables Windows Hello to be used with external webcam

I have an external webcam (Logitech BRIO - compatible with Windows Hello) to be used when the SB2 is in clamshell mode (connected to the Surface Dock with an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.). It never works when the lid is closed. The only way
to use the BRIO webcam with Windows Hello is by opening the lid (no clamshell mode), as soon as I close the lid (no action in power settings when lid is closed, it is not going to sleep) Windows Hello will be kind of deactivated and the BRIO webcam will not
be detected. As soon as I open the lid, Windows Hello with the external BRIO webcam will work right away, coming from cold boot, resuming from sleep or hibernation, it always work. I think the SB2 is shutting down the Windows Hello system because it assumes
the only camera is the built in. Is there a way to fix this behavior and allow the external camera to be used with Windows Hello as well with lid closed? To me this is a bug in the hardware or Windows 10, any thoughts? Thanks

NOTE: I am not sure if this is a Windows Hello (Windows 10 system) or a Surface Book issue, for that reason I have posted the question in both forums/communities

 

Surface Book 2 (SB2) in clamshell mode disables Windows Hello to be used with external webcam

I disagree, it is not security, because If I just lift the lid 1/2 inch it will allow me to login using Windows Hello from the external BRIO webcam. Before I was using a pin to login, but I like the convenience of Windows Hello. To me this is a bug in
Windows 10 or the Surface Book. I have posted a case in Feedback Hub, unfortunately If I am the only one with this setup there will be no up votes, meaning no engineer will ever spend time on this bug.

 

Surface Book 2 (SB2) in clamshell mode disables Windows Hello to be used with external webcam

I think that is more of a security measure by design. If you prefer to use the device in clamshell mode, you probably should authenticate first, then put it in clamshell mode or use a PIN/password for that particular setup.

You can submit feedback if you would like to see that improved. Press Windows key + F to open the Feedback hub then send in your suggestions.