Should you buy a PC fingerprint scanner for Windows Hello authentification?

Best answer: If you want to increase security and login speeds without investing in a new reckoner, so you lot should get a fingerprint scanner that works with Windows Hello.

Amazon: Eikon Mini ($20+)
Amazon: Verifi P5100 ($139+)

Fast and secure

Windows Hullo is a Windows 10 feature that allows you to log in to your device with your face or fingerprint. Apps can also work with Windows How-do-you-do so you tin log in to apps with your biometric data. This is convenient and is becoming more useful equally more apps and services support it. For example, there are multiple password managers that support Windows Howdy. You lot non only salve time logging into your devices just also jumping in and out of apps.

In addition to being more convenient, Windows Hello helps secure your device. Many people either use the same password across multiple devices or utilize very unproblematic passwords. With Windows Hello, you lot can create a complicated password once so apply your fingerprint to sign in in the future. You lot may even so have to occasionally enter your password, but y'all'll still save time overall and make your tech tougher to access.

Many new devices ship with fingerprint scanners or biometric cameras. All the same, if you lot're happy with your PC'due south hardware only simply want to add Windows Hullo support, an external fingerprint reader could exist perfect for you lot.

Desktop or portable

The type of fingerprint scanner that you'll need varies greatly on your setup. Tablets, 2-in-1s, and laptops will be best served by fingerprint readers that are roughly the size of a small USB drive. These let you to pop in the fingerprint reader and go out it in there as a permanent solution that doesn't raise your device's physical profile (plainly you lot tin also take information technology out when necessary). That's where the Eikon Mini comes in. These besides tend to be a lot cheaper than wired or camera solutions.

Desktops and all-in-ones are often hidden nether desks or have ports that are hard to reach. A wired solution that lets the fingerprint reader rest well-nigh your keyboard and mouse are all-time for these setups, If y'all take a desktop PC you might also want to consider a biometric camera that supports Windows Hello. Unfortunately, these come at a much higher cost. These also increase security and convenience and might suit your desktop better than a fingerprint scanner.

We've recommended two scanners below, one for each type of setup. Equally you can see, the prices vary wildly, merely that all depends on if yous want a permanent, wired solution or a smaller, low-contour version.

Small form factor

Eikon Mini

A small convenient scanner

The Eikon Mini is a low-profile fingerprint scanner that'due south perfect for laptops and ii-1s.

Robust security

Verifi P5100

A permanent solution to secure logins

The Verifi P5100 is a permanent setup ideal for a desktop or office figurer. It's a solid scanner merely comes at a high cost.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Larn more.

These are the best Netgear routers available now

Buyer's guide

These are the best Netgear routers bachelor at present

Love Netgear and want to better your home internet? Nosotros've rounded upward the best routers available now, whether you lot're looking to game, prepare up a mesh network, or merely enjoy lag-free internet in your home.