Share via

windows 8.1 and fingerprint biometrics

Anonymous
2013-10-20T09:15:34+00:00

Hi

I'm running Windows 8.1 on a Dell Latitude E4300 laptop (which Dell don't support running this OS. The laptop is equipped with a Broadcom BCM5880 Universal Serial Hub (USH) authentication processor and a Upek fingerprint scanner. Windows 8.1 natively loads a driver for the USH processor and scanner, however if I go to Control Panel and search for "biometrics" or "fingerprint" I get directed to Sin In Options, however fingerprint isn't displayed as an option. Broadcom don't supply drivers directly, so if I load the Dell driver (part of Controlpoint) the device then shows as a Controlpoint device in Device Manager, however still no biometrics option displays in Control Panel. I have used GPEdit to enable biometrics and to allow the use of fingerprinting at signon.

Is anyone able to clarify the support available for fingerprint scanners in 8.1 RTM as opposed to Preview (which had a fingerprint application)?

TIA

Jim

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

5 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-21T06:51:29+00:00

    Hi Jim,

    I would also suggest you to run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter to troubleshoot the device:

    a. Press Windows key to launch the Start screen.

    b. Type “Troubleshooting” without quotes and click on Troubleshooting.

    c. In the new window, click View all on the left pane.

    d. In the list of options, click on Hardware and devices.

    e. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

    If the issue is not resolved, I would also suggest you to contact the system manufacturer for better assistance.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-05-26T01:28:35+00:00

    That's funny that Microsoft still thinks that their troubleshooting utility actually is useful.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2017-09-28T20:24:39+00:00

    Thank you.  This solved it for me.

    Susan

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-22T10:54:59+00:00

    Hi Jim,

    Thank you for sharing the information.

    Glad to know that the issue is resolved. If you have any further issues on the computer, please post your question regarding Windows and we will be happy to help you.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2013-10-21T21:08:21+00:00

    Hi Rohit

    I can report the issue is now resolved. For anyone else who (foolishly) wishes to get the fingerprint scanner to work under Windows 8.1 on a Dell E4300 laptop, I did the following:

    1. Downloaded and applied the latest firmware upgrade for the Dell ControlVault hardware (= the BCM USH processor - see below). The firmware upgrade needs to be applied once the laptop has been booted to DOS running on a USB stick.
    2. Loaded a driver for the Broadcom BCM5880 USH processor from the Dell ControlPoint Security Driver Pack (this is a Windows 7 driver - version 6.1.7600.16385 dated 1 Oct 2013). Don't load the Controlpoint application files - the application is incompatible. Reboot. Device Manager then shows "ControlVault w/ Fingerprint Sensor" under Biometric Devices
    3. Ran gpedit.msc and enabled "Allow the the use of biometrics" and "Allow users to logon using biometrics" - these settings are under Local Computer Policy/Computer Configuration/Windows Components/Biometrics.
    4. Did a shutdown followed by a restart
    5. Searched on "fingerprint" to get to the "Sign Options" screen - Fingerprints should be the third option displayed. Register your fingerprint and test.

    It would be more elegant to break the BCM5880 driver out of the ControlPoint wrapper, however it works for now.

    HTH

    Jim

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments