ARCANITE USB Fingerprint Reader for Windows 11/10 Hello Desktop, Laptop, 0.05s 360-Degree Sensor Security Device Login, Security Lock

I had a Kensington fingerprint reader that ended up getting lost in a move across the country. I was always frustrated by that reader as it would only detect my fingerprint in perfect conditions. Showered recently? Nope. Hot outside and sweating? Nope. Cold and fingers dry? Nope. I assumed that was the way these readers are.Since I lost the Kensington one, I figured I would see what other options were out there. I am not familiar with Arcanite, but it had many favorable reviews. I decided to try it out, and I am thoroughly impressed by its reliability. I don't have exact figures, but I went from < 50% reliability to >90% reliability. I use this for Windows Hello, so the tolerances are fairly tight.One thing to note is if you're on a desktop, you'll want to get a USB standalone receiver to plug this into.

I had no issues setting it up. It feels well built and I feel it's at a good value. It reads my prints quickly and accurately. For some reason though, it won't load the drivers correctly for all the USB ports. It connects fine to many different hubs but only half of my ports directly.

As a licensed clinical professional and healthcare administrator, I’m constantly accessing sensitive patient records and protected files on a secure workstation. I purchased the ARCANITE USB Fingerprint Reader to streamline access and improve data security without the hassle of typing a password multiple times a day.I'm currently running this device on an Asus TUF ROG laptop equipped with an AMD processor, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, AMD Radeon 8GB dedicated graphics, and Windows 11 Professional. It plugs directly into a USB port (not via a USB hub), as I’ve read several mixed reviews regarding reduced functionality when routed through hubs. I took that advice seriously, and I believe it contributed to the device’s solid performance so far.Pros:Effortless Login: Signing in and unlocking the workstation is as easy as a single touch. It saves time and reduces frustration—especially in clinical or professional environments where efficiency and confidentiality matter.Compact & Lightweight: Although the construction is basic and feels quite minimalistic, it's discreet and doesn’t obstruct adjacent USB ports.Plug and Play: Installation was straightforward. Windows Hello recognized the reader immediately, and setup took less than five minutes.Secure Access: For a behavioral health professional, fast access must be paired with HIPAA-conscious security. This reader strikes a practical balance.Cons:Basic Build: The physical device feels a bit flimsy. Based on build quality alone, I would have estimated a retail value closer to $15.Occasional Delay: There have been rare moments of brief lag during fingerprint recognition, though not enough to disrupt workflow.Final Thoughts: If you're using a high-performance AMD system with Windows 11 Pro, and you prefer fast, password-free access to your machine, this is a solid little tool. While it won’t impress you with fancy features or premium design, it gets the job done. From a medical and professional standpoint, I’d recommend it—with the caveat that it works best when plugged directly into the machine.

Review Update Sept 14, 2022This works so well I've ordered one for my wife's laptop. Not only is this a quick and easy way to log onto our computers but it also prevents others from visually capturing our passwords or PIN.Review update April 12, 2022This fingerprint reader is great. It very quickly reads my fingerprint, logging into my windows 10 desktop. I've tried my other fingers (not recorded) and they won't falsely let me gain access. Only my recorded finger works. Great product.Initial Review March 27, 2022With a laptop and phone that have fingerprint readers I wanted one for my desktop PC also. I ordered this from Amazon on Saturday and it arrived the next morning (how do they do that!).I plugged the fingerprint reader into a front panel USB 2.0 port, then set up the fingerprint reader using User account modifications built into Windows 10. It was quick and simple to set up and it works like a charm. My desktop comes out of sleep in about 4 seconds, then with the fingerprint reader just one more second and I'm in and ready to go.FYI I'm using a Windows 10 Local account, not Windows HelloI recommend this fingerprint reader.

I added a TEC brand reader to my main laptop a few years ago and it has worked flawlessly. Purchased a new laptop for just our financial stuff and purchased this reader to go with it and it rarely works. Plugged it in, mapped two different fingerprints, works fine the first couple of times then quits working. I map two fingers because I have a tendency to not wear gloves and get cuts on my fingers preventing a successful scan. Whenever it would not scan on the new laptop I would scan the same finger using the TEC reader on my main laptop and it would work fine. Then I used the TEC scanner on the new laptop and it worked fine so it wasn't the laptop or my fingers. I ended up throwing this away and getting another TEC reader and again, works flawlessly on the new laptop.Don't waste your money on this one as it is truly worthless.

Just installed and is working very good. Sometimes it takes two reads to get it. For the price you can't miss with this finger print reader.