Windows Login Using RFID Module And Arduino | RFID Project

Windows Login Using RFID Module And Arduino | RFID Project

Are you looking for a simple yet effective way to enhance your computer security? Implementing RFID-based authentication provides a contactless and convenient method to access your Windows system. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through setting up a Windows login system using an RFID module and Arduino.

Introduction

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is widely used for access control due to its simplicity and security. By integrating an RFID module with an Arduino and connecting it to your Windows PC, you can authenticate users via RFID cards or tags to unlock your computer automatically.

What You’ll Need

• Arduino Uno (or compatible microcontroller)
• RFID-RC522 Module
• RFID Cards or Tags
• USB Cable to connect Arduino to PC
• Windows PC
• Programming Environment: Arduino IDE
• Software: A custom script or tool to listen for RFID input and trigger Windows login

How It Works

The core idea is to read RFID card data with Arduino and then send a specific command or signal to Windows to log in or unlock the session. This can be achieved via serial communication, where Arduino transmits the RFID UID to a Windows application that then executes a lock/unlock command.

Setting Up the Hardware

• Connect the RC522 RFID Module to Arduino:

RFID Module

Arduino Uno Pin

SDA

Pin 10

SCK

Pin 13

MOSI

Pin 11

MISO

Pin 12

GND

GND

RST

Pin 9

3.3V

3.3V

• Insert RFID cards/tags for registration and testing.

Programming Arduino

Upload the following code to your Arduino:

CopyRun#include <SPI.h>
#include <MFRC522.h>

#define SS_PIN 10
#define RST_PIN 9

MFRC522 rfid(SS_PIN, RST_PIN);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  SPI.begin();
  rfid.PCD_Init();
  Serial.println("Place your RFID card/tag near the reader");
}

void loop() {
  if ( !rfid.PICC_IsNewCardPresent() || !rfid.PICC_ReadCardSerial() ) {
    return;
  }

  String uidString = "";
  for (byte i = 0; i < rfid.uid.size; i++) {
    uidString += String(rfid.uid.uidByte[i] < 0x10 ? "0" : "");
    uidString += String(rfid.uid.uidByte[i], HEX);
  }

  Serial.println(uidString);
  delay(1000);
}

This code reads the RFID UID and sends it via serial to the connected PC.

Integrating with Windows

To automate Windows login, you'll need a small program on your PC that listens to the serial port for RFID UID data sent from Arduino. When a recognized UID is detected, the program can trigger Windows’ Unlock command or simulate a login using scripting tools like AutoHotkey or PowerShell.

Sample AutoHotkey Script:

CopyRun; AutoHotkey script to listen for RFID UIDs and unlock Windows
#Persistent
SerialPort := "\\.\COM3" ; Replace with your Arduino COM port

; Open serial port (requires additional library or external script)
; When UID detected:
; Run, rundll32 user32.dll,LockWorkStation ; To lock workstation
; or perform other actions

; Note: Implementing serial communication in AutoHotkey may require external DLLs or utilities

Alternatively, you can write a Python script using pySerial to listen for serial data and then use Windows API calls to unlock the session.

Security Considerations

While RFID-based login offers convenience, ensure that:

• RFID cards are securely stored.
• The system is protected against relay attacks.
• You combine RFID authentication with other security measures.

Conclusion

Using RFID modules with Arduino to control Windows login is an innovative way to improve security and convenience. While setting up the hardware is straightforward, integrating the system with Windows requires some scripting. With proper implementation, this project can serve as a secure and contactless authentication method for your PC