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Microsoft's Windows Hello feature allows you to sign in to your computer using biometric methods such equally facial or fingerprint recognition. Many laptops come with built-in fingerprint readers. But if y'all have a laptop without a born reader, or you want to add fingerprint recognition to your desktop PC, yous can enlist the help of a 3rd-political party reader. What are your options, and how can you gear up an external fingerprint sensor? Allow'south go over the steps.

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If you already have a laptop with a fingerprint sensor, you're good to become. If you're in the market for a new laptop and want one with a fingerprint reader, several options are available.

Laptops with built-in fingerprint readers

  • Lenovo. Lenovo laptops have traditionally come with integrated fingerprint readers that you swipe or press.
  • HP. HP's Pavilion and Envy computers include fingerprint readers.
  • Dell. Many Dell laptops also come with fingerprint sensors.
  • Asus. Asus is some other manufacturer that outfits many of its laptops with fingerprint readers.
  • Acer. Many Acer laptops
    have built-in fingerprint sensors.

Other laptop makers offer fingerprint readers, just these v should provide a skillful starting point.

USB fingerprint readers for laptops

If your current laptop does not have an integrated fingerprint reader, you tin can easily add ane via a USB dongle or stick. Your all-time bet with a laptop is to buy a USB reader that plugs straight into a side USB port. You then only printing or swipe your finger on the sensor when needed.

Lexar is one manufacturer to consider as information technology makes a device that doubles as a USB drive and fingerprint reader. Kensington is too worth because every bit it offers a few different mini USB fingerprint sensors. The Eikon Mini USB fingerprint reader has received four stars via Amazon buyers. The Benss Fingerprint Reader Analyzer
has also earned positive grades on Amazon. The PQI Mini USB fingerprint reader is some other production that has garnered practiced reviews via Amazon.

USB fingerprint readers for desktops

You lot tin can also add a fingerprint sensor to your desktop computer. Withal, the kind of sensor you choose depends on the format and location of your desktop. If your desktop is correct on your desk with a USB port easily attainable, then a USB stick or dongle should work. But if your desktop is on the floor with no USB ports in arm'southward reach, you'll want a fingerprint reader that connects to USB port via a cable.

In this case, a few models are available. A company called Verifi makes several different fingerprint readers with USB cables. Digital Persona makes a cable-based fingerprint sensor that's earned adept reviews on Amazon. Another manufacturer worth because is Bio-Key, which makes several fingerprint readers, including the cable-continued EcoID. I use the Bio-Key EcoID with my Windows 10 desktop. Except for the rare glitch when it fails to discover my fingerprint the first time, the device has performed well.

Speaking of glitches, yous'll want to periodically clean the sensor on a fingerprint reader. I find that keeping this area clean helps reduce errors when detecting my fingerprint.

Setting up your fingerprint reader

Depending on the fingerprint reader you buy, setting it up should be a relatively simple plug-and-play matter. The included instructions and the vendor itself can hopefully help you with whatsoever technical issues.

From in that location, setting up the fingerprint reader as a Windows Hello device should be fairly quick and piece of cake. Before you lot tin can set up a Windows Hello device, you'll demand to have already created a Pin.

Connect your fingerprint reader to a convenient USB port. In Windows 10, go to Settings and then Accounts then Sign-in options. If your sensor is detected, a observe should appear under Windows How-do-you-do Fingerprint that reads: "Sign in with your fingerprint scanner (Recommended)." Click that option and then click the Set up up button (Figure A).

Figure A

At the Welcome to Windows Hullo window, click the Go Started push (Effigy B).

Figure B

At the next screen, enter your Pivot. And then repeatedly touch or swipe and elevator your finger on the sensor (Figure C). When finished, click Close to shut the Windows Howdy window.

Effigy C

You can now add together another fingerprint if you wish. Otherwise, sign out of Windows and and so try to sign dorsum in. This fourth dimension, choose your fingerprint, and you should be able to cosign via your sensor.