Technology Tips – Published October 2022 in the Guide and Digest
By Don Trauger – Kennett
Windows 11 offers several different sign-in options for your computer. Facial recognition and the Fingerprint reader are the two that require specialized hardware. Other sign-in options include the familiar Password, Pin number, Security key and Picture password. Many new computers come configured with a Fingerprint reader. This device speeds up the sign-in process and is the fastest option overall.
My Dell computer has the fingerprint reader embedded in the top of the On-Off button. Very cool, although it took me a while to locate it as it’s an unmarked button.
Set up the Fingerprint reader by right clicking the Start button in the lower left corner of the screen, then click Settings. Click Accounts on the left. Click Sign-in options then click PIN in the center of screen and click Set up. Follow the screen prompts. The PIN is required as a backup to the Fingerprint reader. After your 4 digit PIN number has been entered, click Fingerprint recognition above in the list, then click Set up. Follow the many screen prompts to lift and rest your finger on the Fingerprint reader.
Close any open windows and reboot the computer to test the Fingerprint reader at sign-in. If you encounter a problem, you can still sign in using your PIN number. If the problem continues with the Fingerprint reader you might want to redo the set-up process.