Introduction to the Windows Biometric Framework
This topic provides information about the Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) for the Windows 7 operating system.
It provides an introduction to WBF, together with guidelines that independent hardware vendors (IHVs), independent software vendors (ISVs,) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) should follow when they integrate fingerprint biometric devices with the Windows 7 platform.
WBF is discussed in detail, including the following:
- An overview of WBF and its components.
- An overview of the biometric user experience that WBF provides.
- Guidelines for developing WBF-compatible biometric device drivers and components.
- Guidelines for the distribution of WBF-compatible biometric device drivers and components.
In this section
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
This topic provides an overview of the Windows Biometric Framework (WBF). |
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This topic describes the Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) core platform. |
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In Windows 7, Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) provides a user experience for fingerprint biometric devices that is consistent with the user experience throughout the Windows operating system itself. This topic describes this user experience. |
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This topic describes how you can manage the Windows Biometric Framework (WBF). |
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Windows Biometric Framework driver and component distribution |
This topic describes Windows Biometric Framework (BMF) driver and component distribution in Windows 7. |
Introduction
Biometrics is an increasingly popular technology that provides convenient access to systems, services, and resources. Biometrics relies on measuring an unchanging physical characteristic of a person to uniquely identify that person. Fingerprints are one of the most frequently used biometric characteristics, with millions of fingerprint biometric devices that are embedded in personal computers and peripherals. In addition, Windows 10 introduces support for facial recognition software.
The Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) provides support for biometric devices through a new set of components. These components improve the quality, reliability, and consistency of the user experience for customers who have fingerprint and IR camera biometric devices.
This content is intended for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), independent hardware vendors (IHVs), and independent software vendors (ISVs) who want to support biometric devices in Windows 10.
WBF improves the quality, reliability, and manageability of biometric device drivers and related components. In addition, WBF provides software developers with a common development platform and set of APIs, and gives users a more consistent biometric experience across the operating system.
Terminology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| biometric unit (BU) | A common representation of a biometric device that is provided by the Windows Biometric Service (WBS). |
| BU adapter | A plug-in component of a BU that provides software support for hardware functionality that is not supported by a biometric device. |
| Biometric Service Provider (BSP) | A kernel-mode service provider that interfaces with WBS. |
| Fingerprint Management Application (FMA) | A third-party application that extends WBF by providing management capabilities and enables additional scenarios, including enrollment experiences, Web single-sign-on, and management of proprietary attributes of a fingerprint biometric device. |
| Windows Biometric Driver Interface (WBDI) | An interface that biometric device drivers use to plug into WBF. |
| Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) | A framework that is introduced in Windows 7 that provides a consistent user experience and management interface for all fingerprint biometric devices. |
| Windows Biometric Service (WBS) | The service that manages all fingerprint biometric devices through WBDI-compliant device drivers. |
Related topics
Windows Biometric Framework API