This article refers only to the following hardware and software combination: PrerequisitesThere are lots of fingerprint reader devices and different versions of Windows. Based on how well the fingerprint reader works in Windows 7 despite Microsoft's insistence, there's certainly evidence for that perspective.
A cynic might speculate that Microsoft is trying to cut corners on support costs and force users to buy new hardware with a policy of planned obsolescense. No one expects ancient devices to be supported by a manufacturer for eternity, but it's frustrating when Microsoft discontinues support for using its own devices with its own software. If you try to install the driver software anyway, Windows blocks it for 'compatibility reasons.' However, using the instructions in this post, you can install the software and use the fingerprint reader successfully in Windows 7 (32-bit edition only). If you have a Microsoft Fingerprint Reader, Microsoft will tell you that it won't work with Windows 7.
