Support – EcoID II
Please read the following details for support with your BIO-key EcoID II fingerprint reader. It is important to review all details on this page.
Important Details & Usage
Important: Please ensure your Windows computer is up to date with Windows Updates, as new device drivers may be blocked if you are not current or awaiting a reboot to complete an install. See Windows Settings and Updates for status.
- Plugin the EcoID II fingerprint reader to a USB port
- Drivers should automatically download from Windows Update and install.
- Monitor the System Tray in the lower right for messages of installation and completion.
- You can confirm the drivers are installed by checking the Windows Device Manager for the biometric device.
- If drivers fail to download, you can get them from the Reader Documentation pages below.
- To install the drivers, use Windows Device Manager to update drivers, and point to the downloaded driver files.
Usage in Windows Hello:
- Go to user Accounts off the start menu.
- Select Sign-In Options.
- Assure a PIN is set, which will allow a biometric to be used.
- Select Enroll a Fingerprint, and follow the prompts to enroll.
- You may enroll more than one finger, but enroll only one finger per enrollment pass.
- Proceed to use your Fingerprint or PIN to log in to your Windows system
Note: Some domain-joined computers may limit the ability to use PINs or Biometrics as a domain security policy. Speak with your system administrator about opening those permissions to allow the use of the fingerprint reader.
Note: Some systems limit power to USB ports, which can cause the EcoID II scanner to go into low-power states that cause it to not function. To correct this go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional Sleep Options > Change Plan Settings > Change Advanced Power Settings > USB Settings > USB Selective Suspend Setting > Set to Disabled.
Select your operating system for full details:
Windows 10/11
EcoID II for Windows 10/11
The BIO-key EcoID II utilizes Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) drivers that are automatically downloaded from Windows Updates after the reader is connected.
Users enroll and manage biometric credentials via Windows Hello, within the PC Settings.
No additional 3rd party software is required to sign in to Windows using a fingerprint.
Installation and troubleshooting steps are described below.
Before Installing
- Ensure you have a valid Windows password and PIN, or set one up before using your fingerprint to sign in.
- Ensure that the PC is connected to the internet to allow for driver downloads.
- Ensure that there is no other fingerprint recognition software running, as that can cause conflicts with Windows Hello.
Connecting the USB reader
- Insert the EcoID II cable into any available USB port. The Windows Plug-and-Play New Hardware Wizard should appear and present you with the option to allow Windows to search for drivers.
- Windows will download the drivers from Windows Update and install them automatically
- If Windows Update is unable to locate the appropriate drivers, please review this section to ensure that Windows Update is enabled.
- To manually download drivers go back to the top and select EcoID II Driver Download for Windows.
How do I?
- How do I ensure Windows Updates are enabled on my PC?
- How do I verify the device was installed properly?
- How do I enroll my fingerprints in Windows Hello?
- How do I sign in to Windows Hello using my fingerprint?
Windows Updates
- Windows Updates should be enabled to allow for the reader driver to be automatically downloaded and installed once the reader is connected.
- You can verify your settings via: Start > Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options
- In the dropdown box for “Choose how updates are installed”, select “Automatic (recommended)
- Install updates automatically (recommended)
- Manual installation or download and installation options will also work
- Select the checkbox for “Allow all users to install updates on this computer”
- If your PC is a member of a domain, and Windows Updates are not enabled, please contact your IT Administrator.
To verify the device is properly installed
- Open the Windows Device Manager by: Start > Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Device Manager
- Ensure that “BIO-key EcoID II” is listed under “Biometric devices”
How do I enroll my fingerprints for Windows Hello?
- Click on Start > PC Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
- Click Add button under the Fingerprint section.
- You will be prompted to create a PIN if you do not have a PIN registered.
- To add another fingerprint, Click the “add another” button.
- On the Welcome Screen, click the “Get Started” button.
- Enter your PIN (this may have just been created)
- Swipe your finger across the reader. The progress bar will move as you enroll.
- Click Close to exit this wizard, or click “Add another” to enroll another finger.
How do I sign-in to Windows 10 using my fingerprints?
- If required, press CTRL-ALT-DEL or click/touch to view the sign-in screen.
- If not visible, click “Sign-in options” and select the fingerprint icon.
- Swipe your finger to sign-in to Windows.
Manual Driver Download for Windows
EcoID II Driver Download for Windows
Manually Download Drivers
If Windows Updates cannot be enabled, please follow the instructions to manually download the drivers from the Microsoft Updates website.
- You can download the latest drivers from Microsoft Update Catalog here: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=bio-key%20ecoid%20II%201236
- Select the Download Button for Windows 10 / 11
- To Manually install the driver:
- Extract the files from the previously downloaded “.cab” file (can use 7zip or similar)
- Go to device manager->Biometric Devices->BIO-key EcoID II->Driver tab and select “Update Driver,” Browse my computer for driver software and provide the path of the folder where you downloaded the driver and extracted the files.
Driver Update:
- You can download the latest drivers from Microsoft Update Catalog with this link: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=bio-key%20ecoid%20II%201236
- The drivers are compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11
If after confirming all these steps and actions, and assure you are not blocked due to domain policies, please advise of your exact issues and error messages to support@bio-key.com.
