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5 Best Windows 11 Fingerprint Readers for Laptops & PCs

Take a closer look at our top picks now

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Windows introduced biometric sign-in support with Windows 10. It allows you to log into the computer with a fingerprint or face ID.

However, older computers lack the hardware to run Windows Hello sign-in, requiring you to use an external fingerprint scanner. So, what are the best Windows 11 fingerprint readers?

You can use third-party fingerprint scanners if you don’t have the hardware that supports Windows Hello sign-in.

Unfortunately, finding the right scanner could be a challenge. Some areincompatible with Windows Hello, while others are poorly constructed and break down after a few uses.

To make it easy for you, we have curated a list of the best Windows 11 fingerprint readers that will save you time and money and is compatible with Windows Hello. Keep reading to find out more.

How does an external fingerprint reader work?

A fingerprint reader uses three ways to scan a fingerprint: optical sensor, a capacitive scanner, and ultrasonic sensor.

What are the best Windows 11 fingerprint readers?

Verifi P5100

The Verifi P5100 is superiorly built and is exceptionally reliable. The P5100 uses a larger silicon sensor that is significantly better and more accurate than an optical sensor.

The Verifi P5100 also supports password managers and offers a free password manager,RoboForm. Installing and using the fingerprint reader is seamless.

Verifi P2000

The Verifi P2000 is the best Windows 11 fingerprint scanner for people who are tight on budget.

Although this does not have the high-end features of most other fingerprint scanners, it does the job for most people and is affordable.

The slide sensor reads your fingerprint on the first swipe every time. Just like the Verifi P5100, this also comes with the free edition of RoboForm password manager and is also Windows Hello compatible.

Kensington VeriMark Reader

The Kensington VeriMark Reader is another small and portable fingerprint scanner for your Windows PC, which is about the size of your thumb’s tip. The Kensington VeriMark Reader comes with a keychain fob that you can use to carry with you when you are on the go.

Although this is Windows Hello compatible, it also comes with FIDO 2nd factor authentication, which you can use to protect your cloud files on Chrome.

The Kensington VeriMark Reader encrypts your fingerprint data, protecting it from being hacked and stolen.

DigitalPersona Reader

The DigitalPersona Reader is more geared towards businesses. People who want a durable fingerprint reader with tons of purposes can use this reader. The software can be a little tricky to install, but if you are using it at your workplace, the IT department can help install it.

This fingerprint reader is best avoided for home use cases; it is suitable for small-scale to large-scale organizations, and hence, we recommend you use this at your workplace if biometric security is important.

Lexar Jumpdrive Fingerprint Reader

The Lexar Jumpdrive Fingerprint Reader does not only serve as an external fingerprint reader; the fingerprint scanner comes with 64GB of additional storage.

The files are encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption. The best thing about this fingerprint reader is that you can use both the drive and the fingerprint reader simultaneously and register up to 10 fingerprints.

Also, the Lexar jumpdrive does not only offer 64GB of storage capacity. It comes with multiple storage sizes that you can choose from. Remove the device as it is a little bigger and protrudes.

How do I set up my external fingerprint reader?

Setting up your external fingerprint reader is quite simple. Connect your fingerprint reader to your computer. Once connected, it will automatically install the drivers. Once the drivers are installed, restart your computer.

Now to set up your fingerprint, follow these steps:

As most Windows devices don’t have the required hardware to support biometric login, the best alternative to using them is by using an external fingerprint scanner.

If you want a device that can run the latest version of Windows with a built-in fingerprint reader, then you shouldcheck our best laptops with fingerprint scanner guidefor more information.

That’s why we picked out the 5 best Windows 11 fingerprint scanners that range from affordable to feature-rich scanners, and we can’t wait for you to try them out.

5 Best Windows 11 Fingerprint Readers for Laptops & PCs#

How does an external fingerprint reader work?#

What are the best Windows 11 fingerprint readers?#

Verifi P5100#

Verifi P2000#

Kensington VeriMark Reader#

DigitalPersona Reader#

Lexar Jumpdrive Fingerprint Reader#

How do I set up my external fingerprint reader?#