M1 iMac - always allow Touch ID?

[jclardy]

We have a shared M1 iMac in our office, but we prefer to shut it down overnight. The problem is of course that Touch ID only activates once you've entered your password one time. Is this a hardware restriction? Or is there a way to allow us to log in via Touch ID after a cold boot?

My hunch says no since iOS devices all require pin codes after reboot, but I feel for a desktop the security policy is a bit different from a device that you carry around with you everywhere.

 

[chabig]

A password is always required to unlock the Secure Enclave after a cold boot. Once unlocked, a fingerprint will summon the password from the Secure Enclave for future logins. I would recommend leaving the machine on 24/7.

 

[4sallypat]

A password is always required to unlock the Secure Enclave after a cold boot. Once unlocked, a fingerprint will summon the password from the Secure Enclave for future logins. I would recommend leaving the machine on 24/7.

That's exactly what I do with all my Macs - leave them on 24/7.

The only annoying thing about Touch ID is that the password will be required to type in after restarts as well as prior to app & system updates.

I wish the updates can be done with the Touch ID....

 

[za9ra22]

We have a shared M1 iMac in our office, but we prefer to shut it down overnight. The problem is of course that Touch ID only activates once you've entered your password one time. Is this a hardware restriction? Or is there a way to allow us to log in via Touch ID after a cold boot?

My hunch says no since iOS devices all require pin codes after reboot, but I feel for a desktop the security policy is a bit different from a device that you carry around with you everywhere.

It's a security measure to help prevent the system being accessed and used after a theft.

The answer is to leave the system powered, but set to sleep, overnight. A password will still be required from time to time, particularly after updates are installed, but almost all modern systems are designed to be left running. In the case of the iMac, power consumption while sleeping is very low.

 

[jclardy]

It's a security measure to help prevent the system being accessed and used after a theft.

The answer is to leave the system powered, but set to sleep, overnight. A password will still be required from time to time, particularly after updates are installed, but almost all modern systems are designed to be left running. In the case of the iMac, power consumption while sleeping is very low.

Yeah I'm ultimately fine with leaving my machines on, I do that with my laptop. The issue here is the power in the office is a bit sketchy so I don't like leaving it powered while the power may fluctuate overnight. I guess I'll just get a UPS for it, that was the plan anyways.

 

[4sallypat]

..... the power in the office is a bit sketchy so I don't like leaving it powered while the power may fluctuate overnight. I guess I'll just get a UPS for it, that was the plan anyways.

A definite must for all my desktop computers: battery backup!

Have it on all my electronics at home and work.

 

[coso]

To me it's good that I have to enter the password sometimes. Or I would just forget it eventually