- Enable file transfer via USB after connecting your phone to PC.
- Open Settings > System > Software Infomation > Tap 6-7 times on Build Number > Go back and then select Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.
- If you have Google Drive or OneDrive storage remaining on your account, you can use it to upload your files from your Android phone.
Basic Fixes
- Ensure your phone is unlocked: Keep this in mind while connecting to PC.
- Check the USB cable and desktop port: If there is wear and tear on either side of the the USB cable, try another cable to connect your Android phone to Windows PC.
- Update Windows 11 software version and Android OS version: Install the latest version to check if the problem is solved.
Fix 1: Enable File Transfer via USB
When you connect your Android phone to a PC, it often goes into charging mode. Meaning, the phone will charge itself from the Windows PC and won’t do anything else. You need to make changes from the notification center to transfer data.
Pull down the notification center from the top and then check the notification from the Android system. Tap on it, and it will offer an option to change from Charge only to Transfer data .
Fix 2: Try Enabling USB Debugging in Developer Options
USB debugging is the bridge between the computer and your Android smartphone. Once it’s enabled, it lets you access your phone which in turn can receive commands and files from the PC. So we suggest enabling the same on your Android phone.
Open Settings > System > Software Infomation > Tap 6-7 times on Build Number > Go back and then select Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging .
Fix 3: Update USB Drivers
Windows comes with default Universal Serial Bus controllers (USB) drivers built-in. If these drivers are corrupted or out of date, it may create problems with the Android phone connection on the PC . You need to update the USB drivers from the Device Manager menu. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open Device Manager on your PC.
Step 2: Scroll down to the Universal Serial Bus controllers menu. Expand it.
Step 3: Select the relevant USB port that’s giving you trouble.
Step 4: Right-click on it and then use Update driver from the context menu.
Windows OS will find and install relevant USB drivers from the internet for you. Restart the PC and try connecting the Android phone to the PC again.
Fix 4: Upload to Cloud Storage
If you have Google Drive or OneDrive storage remaining on your account, you can use it to upload your files from your Android phone. Then, download them on your PC using the web browser.
Tip: Check out our recommendations for the best Windows Hello fingerprint readers for your PC .
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A Windows Hello USB fingerprint reader can make the mundane task of logging in to your Windows PC an easy and convenient affair. If you want to save time, here are some of the best external fingerprint readers you can buy for your PC.
Arcanite USB Fingerprint Reader
Arcanite USB Fingerprint Reader
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The Arcanite fingerprint reader is small, compact and resembles the dongles for wireless mouse or keyboard. It plugs into a USB-A port and protrudes slightly with the scanner on top. The sensor is positioned at the top of the reader, so it’ll work best only on vertically oriented USB ports.
Registering the device with Windows Hello allows you to store up to ten fingerprints. So, if multiple users access your PC, each can log in using their biometrics. While the Arcanite fingerprint reader works straight out of the box, you may have to download the device driver from Arcanite’s website if prompted.
What We Like
- Small and tiny
- Affordable
- Stores up to 10 fingerprints
What We Don’t Like
TEC Mini Fingerprint Scanner
TEC Mini Fingerprint Scanner
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While Arcanite’s fingerprint reader should work fine for most people, it only unlocks your PC. TEC’s mini fingerprint, thanks to its proprietary software, goes one step ahead by allowing you to unlock locked files and folders.
The TEC fingerprint reader draws parallels to the one from Aracnite in the design department. It has a sensor on the top portion of the dongle for easy access. However, it has an ordinary build quality and may disintegrate after a few months. As such, we’d recommend against repeatedly plugging the dongle in and out of the USB port to extend the scanner’s life. On the upside, it’s affordable and won’t drain your pocket.
What We Like
- Small and portable
- Unlock files and folders
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Poor build quality
Yoidesu Fingerprint Reader
Yoidesu Fingerprint Reader
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Yoidesu’s offering comes with a side-mounted scanner, unlike the fingerprint readers from Arcanite and TEC. This design makes it a better choice for those who use a laptop over a PC. You can leave it plugged into a USB port on the side and use it like a built-in scanner.
Above all, it has a better build quality, thanks to the metal construction. At the same time, the Yoidesu fingerprint reader has a larger footprint compared to the devices above. At the same time, you can register up to ten fingerprints. Moreover, the scanner boasts snappy unlocking speeds, so you should be able to unlock your laptop in the blink of an eye.
What We Like
- Faster response time
- Excellent build quality
- Larger footprint
- Stores up to 10 fingerprints
What We Don’t Like
- N/A
Verifi P2000
Verifi P2000
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The Verifi P2000 is also compatible with some popular apps and password managers. So, if you use LastPass or 1Password, you can access all your credentials using just your fingerprint.
What We Like
- Reliable
- Works with apps and password managers
What We Don’t Like
- Works with older versions of Windows
Kensington VeriMark
Kensington VeriMark
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Kensington is synonymous with security. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, secure solution for Windows Hello, the VeriMark fingerprint reader is the best option. In fact, it’s being deployed in U.S. Federal Government institutions and organizations, and has some of the best acceptance rates for a fingerprint reader.
That said, it doesn’t work on a plug-and-play basis with Windows 11. As such, you may need to download the drivers manually. But, if you can get past this step, we highly recommend VeriMark for professional users who want to keep their accounts secure.
What We Like
- Reliable
- Able performer
- Practical design
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Not plug-and-play
A fingerprint reader is arguably more secure while a webcam is more convenient since you just have to look into it. You can pick either of them depending on your preference.
A long and difficult password can be harder to crack and might just be safer than using a fingerprint reader. But most of the time, a fingerprint reader is good enough since it’s both secure and convenient.
You can use Windows Hello on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.
