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I have a working fingerprint reader in Windows Hello.

If I wish to add another Windows Hello capable fingerprint reader to Windows, will both work?

Or do I definitely have to disable one to use the other?

Giacomo1968
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Daniel
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  • So this question is about connecting multiple fingerprint readers, correct? – Giacomo1968 Feb 01 '23 at 18:53
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    Yes it is about connecting multiple fingerprint **readers**, and using all of them (not at the same time), preferrably without disabling any of them. – Daniel Feb 01 '23 at 19:10

2 Answers2

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You can add a Windows Hello fingerprint on the fingerprint reader. That works just fine.

You can only have one working fingerprint reader. Windows will assume the working fingerprint reader to pass the Hello reading to Windows.

So you very likely need to enable only the one reader you are using.

I have done some searching and there is no suggestion anywhere I have seen that you can have more than one reader. So just stick with one and disable the other.

The purpose for one fingerprint reader with multiple fingerprints is so that if one fingerprint does not work, you can try the other and it might work.

John
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  • You use the word “fingerprint” but never state “fingerprint reader.” Is that what you mean? That Windows allows multiple fingerprint readers? Meaning when you say, “You do not have to disable either. You can use both.” Do you mean that two readers can be used? – Giacomo1968 Feb 01 '23 at 18:50
  • Windows allows multiple fingerprints on the fingerprint reader. I did clarify for everyone reading. – John Feb 01 '23 at 18:51
  • The question is about multiple fingerprint readers. So when you state, You do not have to disable either. You can use both.” Do you mean that two readers can be used? – Giacomo1968 Feb 01 '23 at 18:52
  • I have further clarified. – John Feb 01 '23 at 18:53
  • So I can have 2 readers, but I have to disable *readerA* if I wish *readerB* work? – Daniel Feb 01 '23 at 19:11
  • I have not seen 2 readers on numerous machines, but I would disable one so the the one you are using works properly – John Feb 01 '23 at 19:12
  • I did some searching and there is no suggestion you can have more than one reader so just stick with one. – John Feb 01 '23 at 19:26
  • "No suggestion you can have more than one": in spite of there is no suggestion: **can** windows handle more than one or **no**? This question only 2 kind of people can answer: a.) Has deep knowledge in Windows drivers (especially in Hello compatible ones), or b.) Has two readers and already tried using them. Anything else are just assumptions. – Daniel Feb 02 '23 at 06:38
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I have tested 2 readers, and they can work perfectly.

You however need to register your fingers on both of them to work (ie. if you've registered your index finger on ReaderA, it will not work with ReaderB. You'll have to register it with ReaderB too to make it work with it).

Other than that, no limitations: you can login with using either one without disabling the other.

Daniel
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