This gadget lets you easily add a fingerprint reader to your Windows 10 desktop PC

Verimark Desktop Fingerprint Reader Lede
Verimark Desktop Fingerprint Reader Lede (Image credit: Kensington)

What you need to know

  • Kensington announced the VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key today.
  • It allows you to add a fingerprint reader to your desktop setup easily.
  • The VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key works with Windows Hello and is FIDO U2F certified.

Many of the best fingerprint scanners are built for laptops. Several of them are convenient dongles that plug into the USB port on the side of a device. That setup is great for portable computers but doesn't work well with desktop PCs. The VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key is designed for desktop setups and has a 3.9-foot cable to work with different configurations.

The fingerprint reader could also work well with several of the best all-in-one PCs, though some of them already have biometric scanners built in.

The fingerprint reader within the device supports 360-degree readability and has anti-spoofing technology. Kensington highlights that it beats the industry standard for false rejection rate and false acceptance rate.

With its various security features and certifications, the VeriMark Desktop Fingerprint Key can meet standards for GDPR, BIPA, and CCPA. It's also TAA-compliant, meaning it can be used in U.S. Federal government institutions and organizations.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.