Pre-boot Authentication Methods

If the Pre-boot is required on a computer as part of Full Disk Encryption, users must authenticate to their computers in the Pre-boot, before the computer boots. Users can authenticate to the Pre-boot with these methods:

• Password - Username and password. This is the default method.

  The password can be the same as the Windows password or created by the user or administrator.

• Smart Card - A physical card that you associate with a certificate. Users must have a physical card, an associated certificate, and Smart Card drivers installed.

• Passwordless authentication - Allows users to securely access their device without entering a password. For more information, see Passwordless Pre-boot Authentication.