Windows 7 comes with a new Windows Biometric Framework. This framework includes new components that standardize use if fingerprint based biometric devices.
In earlier versions of Windows, biometric device makers had to provide software such as device drivers, software development kits (SDKs) and other software to support their devices.
Microsoft noted in a whitepaper on the Windows Biometric Framework that the proliferation of these proprietary stacks resulted in incompatibility issues, compromised the quality and reliability of the system, and made servicing and maintenance more difficult. By incorporating the core biometric functionality into the operating system, Microsoft aims to bring biometric device support on par with other classes of devices.
A new Control Panel called Biometric Device Control Panel is included which provides an interface for deleting stored biometrics information, troubleshooting, and enabling or disabling the types of logins that are allowed using biometrics. Biometrics configuration can also be configured using Group Policy settings.