Add Windows Hello to your PC with one of these simple finger scanners
Best Windows Hello Finger Scanners Windows Central 2020
We’re fans of security and love Windows Hello, but not all Windows PCs support the use of it. Luckily, if you own a desktop PC that does not have a fingerprint reader, we’ve rounded up a few options that can be used to unlock support for Windows Hello. However, our favorite is the Eikon Mini, which is an excellent combination of quality and price.
Best Overall: Eikon Mini
USB 2.0 is utilized so you’ll be able to insert and use the Eikon Mini on older PCs, as well as new machines rocking USB 3.0 and above. The only issue with the Mini is that you need decent access to a USB port (preferably one on the front panel) on the computer case. Still, for laptops and other portable Windows 10-powered machines, you’ll be absolutely fine.
The best part is that you won’t have to install anything to make this fingerprint scanner work — just plug it in, and security is a fingerprint away. It is worth noting that the Eikon Mini is a “swipe” scanner, and thus you’ll need to swipe your finger across the reader, as opposed to resting the finger-like on most smartphones that use fingerprint authentication.
Pros:
- Super compact
- Reliable
- Seamless integration with Windows Hello
- Attaches directly to the PC
- Affordable
Cons:
- Awkward desktop use
Best Overall
Eikon Mini
Improve the security of all of your PCs
The Eikon Mini is an affordable, accurate, and compact fingerprint scanner that works just fine with Windows 10 and Windows Hello.
Premium Scanner: Verifi P5100
This scanner is made out of metal, so it has a premium build. It’s also compact in size and comes rocking a copy of Roboform password manager, just in case you’re still using the same password for all your online accounts. The Verifi P5100 doesn’t require you to swipe your finger but instead rest it on the sensor for the checks to be carried out. It’s pricey, but it’s fast and reliable.
Pros:
- Roboform password manager
- Super compact
- Reliable
- Connected by cable
- Premium build
Premium Scanner
Verifi P5100
Expensive for office environments
If you have the money to spare to invest in a fingerprint scanner and wish to purchase a durable and accurate one-touch reader, the P5100 is worth it.
Best Value: BIO-Key EcoID
The included hub allows you to connect the scanner to your desktop PC by not only the cable but by physically sticking it the hardware to keep it out of the way, thereby ensuring it’s convenient enough for quick access. It’s perfect for use with a desktop PC, and you don’t need to swipe a finger for your prints to be recognized.
Just be sure to overlook some unrecognized fingerprint scans, requiring you to press down on the reader a second time to get into Windows.
Pros:
- Great value
- Comes with OmniPass password manager
- Super compact
- Reliable
- Connected by cable
Cons:
- Sketchy at times
Best Value
BIO-Key EcoID
Goodbye finger swipe
This is placement finger reader, which means instead of having to slide your finger across a scanning strip, you rest your finger on the glass.
Best Portable: Kensington VeriMark
Models for single and multiple PC use are available, depending on your application. It’s not only priced well but can even be easily attached to a standard key ring for convenient portability. You’ll never lose your keys, and now you’ll never lose your fingerprint reader.
Owners of the Kensington VeriMark have shared concerns about the apparent lack of support for certain websites using FIDO U2F.
Pros:
- Great value
- Super compact
- Reliable
- Solid build
Cons:
- May not support some websites
Best Portable
Kensington VeriMark
Attach it to your key ring
Kensington has gone all out with the VeriMark, adding in superior biometric performance and 360-degree readability, as well as anti-spoofing protection.
Budget-friendly: DDSKY Scanner
Just don’t expect it to perform as well as more expensive options. The reader just isn’t as responsive as more pricey readers — think budget smartphone with a fingerprint reader compared against a flagship device — and you’ll sometimes have to scan your finger multiple times, but for the price, it’s a great way to make your PC more secure.
Pros:
- Great value
- Super compact
- Reliable
Cons:
- Not so good for desktops
- Not as fast
Budget-friendly
DDSKY Scanner
Hello Windows
The DDSKY Scanner works well but costs very little to convert your Windows PC into a more secure environment.
Bottom line
Despite so many great and varied options, the Eikon Mini is our number one pick. It’ll not only work well on your desktop PC but also a notebook too. This fingerprint reader is also affordable and works well with Windows Hello.
Regardless of which you choose, you’ll be able to use Windows Hello on your PC. Other picks in our collection will also work well with Windows 10, depending on which product you prefer the look of. If you’d like to save some money, DDSKY has you covered with its more affordable portable fingerprint scanner.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Rich Edmonds is a staff reviewer at Windows Central, which means he tests out more software and hardware than he cares to remember. Joining Mobile Nations in 2010, you can usually find him inside a PC case tinkering around when not at a screen fighting with Grammarly to use British words. Hit him up on Twitter: @RichEdmonds.
Cale Hunt is a full-time writer for Windows Central, focusing mainly on PC hardware and VR. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and when he has some free time, you can usually find him practicing guitar or reorganizing his ever-growing library. If you hear him say, “Sorry!” it’s only because he’s Canadian.
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