Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Linux Mint 22.2 includes Fingwit, a graphical tool for enrolling fingerprints and enabling them for supported authentication prompts. It can handle screensaver unlocks, sudo, and administrator apps, but it may not replace the account password at the first login after boot—especially when home-directory encryption or a keyring is involved.
What Fingwit does in Linux Mint 22.2
Fingwit is built into Linux Mint 22.2 as its fingerprint configuration tool. It uses fprintd and a PAM module designed to switch between fingerprint and password authentication when fingerprint-only authentication would fail. The release notes describe support for the screensaver, sudo commands, and administrator applications. Linux Mint 22.2 release notes · Linux Mint’s explanation of Fingwit
How to enable fingerprint authentication
- Open Fingwit from the Linux Mint application menu. It is the graphical fingerprint configuration tool included with Mint 22.2.
- Check whether Fingwit detects your fingerprint reader. If it does, follow the on-screen enrollment process and register a finger.
- Test the enrolled finger at the authentication prompts you intend to use, such as the screensaver unlock or a
sudoor administrator-app prompt. Enrollment alone does not establish that every prompt or sensor works as expected.
Why Mint may still ask for your password
A fingerprint does not necessarily replace the password for the initial login after boot. Linux Mint’s release notes say that users with an encrypted home directory or a keyring still need to type their password at the login screen. Once the encrypted home or keyring is unlocked, Fingwit can handle supported prompts. Mint explains that dynamic password fallback also avoids session crashes in encrypted-home-directory cases.
- Screensaver unlock: Fingerprint authentication is supported when the sensor and enrollment work.
sudoand administrator applications: These are supported authentication targets.- Initial login after boot: A password may still be required, particularly when an encrypted home directory or keyring is in use.
Check whether your fingerprint reader is supported
Fingwit relies on fprintd and libfprint; it does not add support for every fingerprint sensor. A Mint moderator advises that if Fingwit does not show the reader, the hardware is unsupported. Check the device’s exact USB vendor and product ID rather than relying on the laptop’s model name. Mint forum guidance on identifying supported fingerprint readers
#1 Best Overall
![ineo USB Fingerprint Reader for Windows 10/11, Windows Hello, One-Touch Login & Screen Lock, Plug & Play, Password-Free, 5ft Cable [Not for Mac]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dBey3dy0L._SL160_.jpg)
- BIOMETRIC SECURITY: USB fingerprint reader provides advanced biometric authentication to secure your computer and protect sensitive data with your unique fingerprint.
- ONE-TOUCH COMPUTER LOCK: Instantly lock your Windows computer with a single touch using the Win + L shortcut, providing quick security when stepping away from your desk.
- FAST AND ACCURATE SCANNING: High-precision optical sensor delivers reliable fingerprint recognition with quick response time for seamless login and authentication.
- PLUG AND PLAY CONVENIENCE: Simple USB connection with easy setup process allows you to start using fingerprint security within minutes without complex installation.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Sleek and portable biometric scanner features a space-saving footprint that fits comfortably on any desk without cluttering your workspace.
- Open a terminal and run
lsusb. - Find the fingerprint reader in the output and note its vendor:product ID, shown in a format such as
05ba:000a. - Compare that exact ID with the libfprint supported-device list.
- If Fingwit detects the device, enroll a finger and test the sensor in practice.
The libfprint list is for a development version, and device support can change. Treat a listed ID as a useful check, not a guarantee that a particular Mint installation will work with it.
Using an external USB fingerprint reader
A Mint troubleshooting report documents a DigitalPersona U.are.U 4500 with USB ID 05ba:000a enrolling and verifying through fprintd. That makes this reader a candidate to investigate, not a universal compatibility guarantee. Mint report on the DigitalPersona U.are.U 4500
Rank #2
- Windows Hello for Windows 10/11 - Only works with Windows Hello on Windows 10/11 PCs and laptops. Plug the USB fingerprint reader into your computer and sign in with one touch. Not compatible with Mac, macOS, Linux or Chrome OS.
- Plug-and-Play Fingerprint Login - No extra app is needed on most genuine Windows systems. Insert the USB fingerprint scanner, set up fingerprint sign-in through Windows Hello, and unlock your PC without typing long passwords every time.
- Fast 0.5s 360° Recognition - Capacitive fingerprint technology supports quick authentication in about 0.5 seconds. 360° touch recognition helps read your fingerprint from different angles for faster, smoother daily login.
- Compact Scanner for PC & Laptop + Multi-User Support - Small, lightweight USB design works well for desktops, laptops, office PCs and shared home computers without built-in fingerprint sensors. Supports multiple Windows accounts and up to 10 fingerprints per user account. Smart-ID security helps protect saved passwords and encrypted folders with fingerprint access.
- Important Notes — Please Read Before Purchase - Support for Win10/11 32/64 bit original system. Not fit for the streamlined version. The Lite version has trimmed the biometric component, the fingerprint login device will not be able to recognize the Hello fingerprint option.It merely supports Windows Hello, does not fit for encrypting USB drives/files, and can merely support Windows system.It is recommended to prioritize plugging into the USB 2.0 interface of the motherboard. USB 3.0 docking stations are prone to power supply/interference and unstable recognition.
Before buying an external sensor, confirm the exact USB ID against libfprint’s device list, check the operating-system architecture and any Linux-compatible firmware or driver requirements, and review the seller’s return policy. Also check whether it is a swipe or touch sensor and whether its USB form factor suits your laptop or desktop. Compatibility is device-specific; the reader’s brand or product name alone is not enough.
Linux Mint 22.2 support period
Linux Mint 22.2 is an LTS release supported until 2029, according to the Linux Mint release notes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Designed for Windows 10: Supports Windows Hello Authentication
- Fast Fingerprint Authentication
- Documents/Folder Encryption
- 360° Fingerprint Recognition | Multi-Fingerprint Registration
- [24/7 Customer Support] Please send a message directly to our store to assist you if you are encountering any difficulty with using this item. Our team is always here happy to assist you. Kindly see the product description below for the troubleshooting instruction with installing the driver for this device.
Rank #4
- Instant Windows Hello Integration: Seamlessly access your Windows 10/11 PC with Microsoft-certified biometric authentication. Replace cumbersome passwords with one-touch fingerprint login through the native Windows Hello framework-no third-party software required
- Microsoft-Certified Security: Officially supports Windows Biometric Framework and Windows Hello. 0.001% False Acceptance Rate and 0.1% False Rejection Rate-bank-grade security for your desktop
- Plug & Play No Drivers Needed: Zero driver installation for genuine Windows systems-automatic recognition upon connection (95%+ compatibility). For custom Windows builds, a free driver update is available via the included quick-start guide
- 10 Fingerprints Fast for Everyone: Store up to 10 unique fingerprints for family members or shared workstations. Lightning-fast authentication in under 0.5 seconds-no waiting, no frustration
- One-Click Lock Privacy at Your Fingertips: Lock your PC instantly with a single keystroke when you step away from your desk. Includes 1.5m/5ft extension cable for flexible, ergonomic desktop placement
Rank #3
- Certified to Microsoft’s highest fingerprint security standards (ESS & SDCP) for robust, hardware-isolated authentication. Supports next-gen Windows features, including Copilot Recall and Windows Hello with ESS support.
- Windows Hello ready for fast, password free fingerprint login to Windows and Microsoft 365 accounts
- On device fingerprint storage keeps biometric data securely within the key. Supports privacy regulations (GDPR, BIPA, CCPA) through on device biometric processing; TAA compliant.
- Reliable wired USB fingerprint authentication with USB C and USB A compatibility for desktop PCs.
- Consistent, all condition 360° fingerprint recognition.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
