Microsoft Fingerprint Reader

Microsoft Fingerprint Reader was a device sold by Microsoft, primarily for homes and small businesses. The underlying software providing the biometrics was developed by Digital Persona. First released on September 4, 2004,^[1] this device was supported by Windows XP and Windows Vista x86 operating systems.^[2] It was discontinued shortly after Windows Vista was released.^[3]

Fingerprint readers can be more secure, reliable and convenient than a traditional password,^[4] although they have been subject to spoofing. A fingerprint recognition system is more tightly linked to a specific user than, e.g. an access card, which can be stolen.^[5]

Functionality

The Fingerprint Reader's software allows the registration of up to ten fingerprints per device. Login names and passwords associated with the registered fingerprints were stored in a database on the user's computer.^{[citation needed]}

On presentation of an authorized fingerprint, the software passes the associated login names and passwords to compatible applications and websites, allowing login without a keyboard. If the software finds that the particular fingerprint does not match one it its database, it declines the access.