# Setting up Debian based Linux PC with Fingerprint Authentication

Here’s the complete step-by-step guide including cosmic-greeter setup for fingerprint login on Pop!\_OS

####  

#### Fingerprint Setup on Pop!\_OS (Lenovo ThinkPad with COSMIC)

1. Install Required Packages

```bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt install fprintd libpam-fprintd
```

2. Reinstall cosmic-greeter (if needed). Ensure the login manager is working:

```bash
sudo apt install --reinstall cosmic-greeter
```

3. Enable Fingerprint in PAM

```bash
sudo pam-auth-update
```

4. Use arrow keys to select "Fingerprint authentication". Press Space, then Tab → Enter
5. Enroll Your Fingerprint

```bash
fprintd-enroll
```

6. Swipe your finger until you see enroll-completed. You can specify a finger

```bash
fprintd-enroll -f right-index-finger
```

7. Reboot

```bash
sudo reboot
```

#### After reboot

1. Go to Settings > Users — you should see "Fingerprint Login" enabled
2. Use Fingerprint
3. At login: Swipe instead of typing password
4. For sudo: Run sudo ls and use your finger

#### Troubleshooting  


1. No fingerprint option?  
    sudo pam-auth-update --enable fprintd

BIOS conflict (ThinkPad):

<span class="svelte-1fz0gqk">Enter BIOS → </span>**<span class="svelte-1fz0gqk">Security → Fingerprint</span>**<span class="svelte-1fz0gqk"> → Disable </span>**<span class="svelte-1fz0gqk">"Predesktop Authentication"</span>**