Microsoft fingerprint reader in windows 7

beefybarn · 9 Nov 2009 at 23:27

Hi, got a fingerprint reader that worked fine in vista but in 7 it wont even allow me to install the software, it blocks it saying due to compatibility problem. Has anyone got one of these working in windows 7 and please explain how, cheers Kev.

ShakenNstirred · 10 Nov 2009 at 05:58

from microsofts website
"Fingerprint Reader products will not run on Windows 7"
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/support/fingerprintreader.mspx

beefybarn · 10 Nov 2009 at 07:48

Yeah, have read that, typical microsoft cannot even support thier own products on thier own operating system. Was just hoping someone had managed to find a way of getting them to work, as it worked in Vista.

Broken Hope · 10 Nov 2009 at 07:52

Really surprised Microsofts own hardware isn't supported, especially considering they added the biometric framework in Windows 7.

K1LLSW1TCH · 10 Nov 2009 at 08:08

Maybe there'll be an update in the future.

At least I hope so. Biometrics are much safer than conventional passwords.

Burnsy2023 · 10 Nov 2009 at 13:34

I have a HP Fingerprint reader which I bought from eBay for £15. It was literally plug and play in 7. Drivers were downloaded from Window Update and then it was accessed from the control panel.

One of the easiest hardware installations I've done.

Meatball · 10 Nov 2009 at 14:27

I have one on my laptop which came with Vista originally. When I upgraded to Windows 7 it pointed me to the website with updated windows 7 drivers. Fingerprint use is supported out the box with Windows 7. I can log in with a fingerprint and authorise any UAC prompts on standard accounts with it.

theheyes · 10 Nov 2009 at 16:41

Same here, bog standard Lenovo laptop with fingerprint reader installed automatically. Bit of a bummer MS own product support is a bit flaky in this regard.

theheyes · 10 Nov 2009 at 16:47

K1LLSW1TCH said:
Maybe there'll be an update in the future. At least I hope so. Biometrics are much safer than conventional passwords.

Better actually to have two factor authentication with a password and biometric rather than just replace it. I must admit though I do find it a lot more convenient for my laptop just using the finger swipe.