Windows 10 has an easy-to-use fingerprint authentication feature that protects your computer from unauthorized access. In addition to securing your PC, fingerprint authentication also gives you access to password-free sign-in on your favourite apps and websites. Here’s how to add fingerprint authentication to your Windows 10 computer in three simple steps.
Step One: Enable BitLocker
If you want to add fingerprint authentication to your Windows 10 computer, the first step is to enable BitLocker. BitLocker is a feature that encrypts your computer’s hard drive, and it’s required for fingerprint authentication. To enable BitLocker, go to the Control Panel and search for BitLocker.
Click on Turn on BitLocker and follow the prompts. You’ll need to choose how you want to unlock your computer, and you’ll also need to create a recovery key in case you forget your fingerprint. Once BitLocker is enabled, you can move on to the next step.
Step Two: Get an External Drive
If you don’t have an external drive, now is the time to get one. This will be used to store your computer’s backup image, which you’ll need in case something goes wrong during the fingerprint authentication process. You can find external drives at most electronics stores. Look for one that is at least 1 TB in size and has a USB 3.0 connection.
Once you have your external drive, connect it to your computer and open the Control Panel. In the search box, type backup and then select Back up your computer.
Step Three: Attach the External Drive and Start Encrypting
If you want to add an extra layer of security to your computer, you can encrypt your hard drive using BitLocker. This will prevent anyone from being able to access your data without your fingerprint. To set up BitLocker, you’ll need an external hard drive that you can use to store the encryption key. Follow these steps
Step Four: Install Windows 10 on New PC
- Make sure that your new PC meets the requirements for Windows 10.
- If you’re using an optical drive to install Windows 10, insert the installation media into your PC, and then restart your PC.
- On the Get important updates screen, select Not right now, and then select Next.
- On the Install Windows screen, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
- On Which type of installation do you want? screen, select Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications.
- On the Ready to install screen, select Install.
Step Five: (Optional) Delete Files from USB Drive
If you have any sensitive or personal files on your USB drive, you may want to delete them before adding fingerprint authentication. To do this, open File Explorer and navigate to your USB drive. Right-click on the file or folder you want to delete and select Delete. Confirm that you want to delete the file by clicking Yes. Repeat this process for any other files or folders you want to delete from your USB drive.
Step Six: Remove Encrypted Drive, Reconnect, and Enter Pin Code
If you have an encrypted drive, you’ll need to remove it before proceeding. To do this, open the Control Panel and go to System and Security. Click on BitLocker Drive Encryption and then click Manage BitLocker. Select Turn Off BitLocker for the drive you want to remove encryption from and then enter your PIN code. Click Decrypt Drive and then wait for the process to finish. Once it’s done, reconnect the drive and enter your PIN code when prompted.
Step Seven: Unplug Encrypted Drive and Use as Usual
Now that you have added fingerprint authentication to your Windows 10 computer, you can unplug your encrypted drive and use it as usual. You will not need to enter a password every time you want to access your data; simply scan your fingerprint and the drive will unlock. If you are ever away from your computer and need to access your data, you can use the on-screen keyboard to enter your fingerprint and unlock the drive.
