Image: marchmeena29, Getty Images/iStockphoto

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

SEE: Cybersecurity: Let'due south get tactical (free PDF)

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

Laptops with born fingerprint readers

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

Other laptop makers offer fingerprint readers, but these five should provide a good starting point.

USB fingerprint readers for laptops

If your current laptop does not have an integrated fingerprint reader, you can easily add together one via a USB dongle or stick. Your best bet with a laptop is to purchase a USB reader that plugs directly into a side USB port. You lot and so merely press or swipe your finger on the sensor when needed.

Lexar is one manufacturer to consider equally information technology makes a device that doubles as a USB bulldoze and fingerprint reader. Kensington is besides worth considering equally it offers a few dissimilar mini USB fingerprint sensors. The Eikon Mini USB fingerprint reader has received four stars via Amazon buyers. The Benss Fingerprint Reader Analyzer
has as well earned positive grades on Amazon. The PQI Mini USB fingerprint reader is some other product that has garnered expert reviews via Amazon.

USB fingerprint readers for desktops

You can as well add together a fingerprint sensor to your desktop estimator. However, the kind of sensor you choose depends on the format and location of your desktop. If your desktop is right on your desk with a USB port easily accessible, then a USB stick or dongle should work. Simply if your desktop is on the flooring with no USB ports in arm's reach, you'll want a fingerprint reader that connects to USB port via a cablevision.

In this example, 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 good reviews on Amazon. Some other manufacturer worth considering is Bio-Key, which makes several fingerprint readers, including the cablevision-connected 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, you'll desire to periodically clean the sensor on a fingerprint reader. I find that keeping this expanse clean helps reduce errors when detecting my fingerprint.

Setting upward your fingerprint reader

Depending on the fingerprint reader you buy, setting it upwards should exist a relatively simple plug-and-play matter. The included instructions and the vendor itself can hopefully help y'all with any technical issues.

From in that location, setting upward the fingerprint reader as a Windows How-do-you-do device should be fairly quick and easy. Earlier y'all can set up a Windows Hello device, you'll demand to take already created a Pivot.

Connect your fingerprint reader to a convenient USB port. In Windows 10, go to Settings and then Accounts and and then Sign-in options. If your sensor is detected, a observe should appear nether Windows Hi 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 Hello window, click the Get Started push button (Figure B).

Figure B

At the adjacent screen, enter your PIN. Then repeatedly touch or swipe and lift your finger on the sensor (Figure C). When finished, click Close to close the Windows Hi window.

Figure C

You can now add together some other fingerprint if you wish. Otherwise, sign out of Windows and then endeavor to sign dorsum in. This fourth dimension, choose your fingerprint, and yous should be able to authenticate via your sensor.