Windows Hello ESS Now Supports External Peripherals in Feb 2026 Update

Microsoft has quietly closed one of the more frustrating security gaps in Windows authentication: starting with the February 10, 2026 cumulative update (OS builds 26200.7840 and 26100.7840), external Windows Hello devices — notably peripheral fingerprint readers and compatible cameras — can now participate in Windows’ Enhanced Sign‑in Security ecosystem, bringing desktop and custom‑built PCs closer to the security parity long enjoyed by premium laptops.

Background​

For years, Windows Hello gave users an elegant alternative to typing a PIN or password: biometric authentication with face or fingerprint. But there was always a sting in the tail for desktop users and custom builders. Windows treated built‑in biometric hardware and peripheral sensors differently. Built‑in sensors could run inside a hardened environment that isolates biometric data using hardware features like TPM 2.0 and Virtualization‑Based Security (VBS), while many external USB devices — even IR cameras capable of facial recognition — were blocked from that hardened path.
That separation wasn’t just bureaucratic; it mattered for security. The hardened path, now commonly described as Enhanced Sign‑in Security (ESS), reduces the attack surface by keeping biometric data and the authentication pipeline inside protected hardware and software boundaries. Without ESS, a connected external sensor could still deliver convenience, but not the same resistance to local attacks, tampering, or certain spoofing techniques.
On February 10, 2026, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5077181 (OS builds 26200.7840 and 26100.7840) for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. Among the changes documented in that update is expanded support for peripheral authentication hardware: ESS-capable external fingerprint readers (and broader peripheral handling in the ESS model) are now recognized by Windows and can be enrolled from the Sign‑in options page. This marks a major step for desktop users who want the convenience of Hello without accepting reduced security.

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What Enhanced Sign‑in Security actually does​

The technical idea, in plain terms​

Enhanced Sign‑in Security is a protective model that ensures biometric authentication data and the logic that verifies it are processed and stored in a compartmentalized, hardware‑backed environment. Key elements of this environment include:

• Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) for secure key storage and attestation.
• Virtualization‑Based Security (VBS) which provides isolated memory regions using hypervisor protections.
• Biometric sensor firmware and drivers that meet the ESS compatibility requirements.
• Platform firmware support (for example, Secure Devices or SDEV ACPI tables in the device firmware for built‑in sensors).

When these elements are present and configured, Windows can ensure biometric templates and ephemeral secrets never leave the secure environment in cleartext, and that the sensor’s identity and integrity are attested before a sign‑in event completes.

Why ESS matters for threat models​

If your biometric pipeline is unprotected, local malware or sophisticated attackers with kernel‑level access potentially have more opportunities to intercept, replay, or tamper with biometric data. ESS significantly raises the bar by:

• Preventing simple user‑mode tools from enumerating or directly accessing biometric templates.
• Restricting which drivers/sensors can participate, based on firmware/driver signatures and supported interfaces.
• Enabling system diagnostics and visibility where sensors that don’t meet the ESS profile are explicitly marked as incompatible.

Put simply: ESS does not make Windows invulnerable, but it shifts biometric sign‑in from a soft target to a much more constrained and monitored one.

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What changed in the February 10, 2026 update​

The February 10 cumulative release introduced multiple fixes and feature rollouts; pivotal for this discussion is the change that allows certain peripheral biometric devices to be enrolled and used under ESS. Practically, that means:

• Administrators and end users can enroll supported external fingerprint readers from Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options and have those devices operate under ESS protections where hardware/driver/firmware compatibility exists.
• Systems running Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer expose an Enhanced sign‑in security toggle under Additional settings, letting you turn ESS on or off if your configuration and sensors permit.
• For systems on older branches (for example, certain 23H2 configurations), the UI shows a Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader toggle that controls peripheral usage when ESS is present or absent.
• The rollout is phased: as with most Windows feature expansions, availability depends on hardware, drivers, region, and Microsoft’s controlled feature rollout. Expect staged availability rather than an instantaneous universal flip.

This change does not magically make every external webcam or fingerprint reader secure — the peripheral must meet specific ESS compatibility requirements implemented by the device vendor (firmware and driver support) and the PC must meet the platform prerequisites (VBS, TPM 2.0, appropriate firmware entries).

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System and hardware requirements you need to know​

Not every PC or peripheral can immediately benefit from this change. The environment necessary to enable ESS for a sensor typically includes:

• Windows 11 with the relevant cumulative update applied (the February 10, 2026 release is the pivot point for the peripheral changes).
• TPM 2.0 present and enabled in firmware.
• Virtualization‑Based Security (VBS) capability enabled or available — some ESS features depend on VBS features being present and intact.
• Sensor firmware and drivers that explicitly support ESS — this usually means the vendor has produced firmware that implements secure attestation and a driver that uses the expected interfaces and signing model.
• Platform firmware configuration, such as Secure Devices (SDEV) ACPI table entries for built‑in devices; for peripherals, manufacturers must follow the ESS guidance to present the right signals to the host OS.
• Appropriate UVC (USB Video Class) driver behavior for IR webcams — ESS‑compatible IR camera modules typically rely on the standard UVC driver stack with vendor firmware that implements the secure features required.

If any of these items are missing, Windows will either prevent peripheral enrollment when ESS is enabled, or ask you to disable ESS to allow that peripheral to work (with the corresponding security trade‑offs).
Because the hardware and firmware side is vendor‑driven, the presence of an IR camera alone is not enough — the camera must be explicitly certified or advertised as supporting ESS by its maker.

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How to check if your system can use ESS with an external device (practical steps)​

• Confirm you have the February 10, 2026 cumulative update or later installed and that Windows Update shows you are up to date with the latest cumulative updates.
• Open Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options.
• On Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, look for Additional settings > Enhanced sign‑in security. If the toggle is present, ESS is configurable on your system.
• On systems still on older branches or 23H2 UI patterns, look for Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader in Additional settings.
• Plug in your external fingerprint reader or IR webcam and attempt to enroll it in Windows Hello.
• If the sensor is ESS‑capable and the platform prerequisites are met, the sensor will enroll and the system will indicate ESS is active.
• If the device is not ESS‑capable, Windows will allow enrollment only if ESS is turned off, or it will mark the device as incompatible if ESS is required.
• Use Windows Security > Device security to check the Enhanced Sign‑in Security status in the Device security pane. The OS provides diagnostic entries if a sensor is unavailable due to incompatible hardware or if ESS is enabled.

Note: Enterprise management (Intune, Group Policy) can modify visibility and enrollment settings. Be mindful that Intune or corporate baselines may grey out toggles or prevent peripheral enrollment on managed machines.

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Choosing the right external sensor: what to look for​

If you plan to add Windows Hello to a desktop or a docked laptop, make these the top checklist items:

• IR and depth sensing for facial recognition: Windows Hello face requires an infrared/depth sensor, not just an RGB webcam. Look for explicit IR or depth sensor mentions.
• Vendor statements about ESS support: prioritize devices that advertise explicit support for Enhanced Sign‑in Security or Windows Hello ESS/“Windows Hello certified” on their spec sheet. If the vendor page is ambiguous, contact the manufacturer for firmware/driver roadmap.
• Driver model and UVC compatibility: ESS‑capable cameras usually rely on standard UVC drivers enhanced by vendor firmware. Avoid devices that require proprietary stacks unless the vendor documents ESS support.
• Fingerprint reader compatibility: look for dedicated Windows Hello fingerprint readers that explicitly mention Windows Hello integration rather than generic “biometric” marketing.
• Firmware update path: ensure the vendor provides firmware updates and clear instructions to maintain ESS capability over time.
• Manufacturer reputation and documentation: vendors that publish technical notes about Hello support, ESS readiness, and driver signing are preferable.

If your priority is security, buy only sensors that explicitly state ESS compatibility. If your priority is convenience and budget, a standard Windows Hello compatible peripheral will still work, but you might need to disable ESS to use it — accept the tradeoff deliberately.

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Practical security implications and caveats​

• ESS is not an absolute panacea. ESS raises the difficulty of local compromise, but it does not eliminate the need for good system hygiene: keep firmware and drivers updated, use antivirus and endpoint protections, and follow least‑privilege practices.
• Enrollment order can matter. On some Windows builds, the first biometric you enroll can determine the system’s ESS state (for example, enrolling a non‑ESS sensor first may set ESS off). If you want ESS on, enroll an ESS‑capable sensor first on a clean state.
• Corporate policies and management can override user intent. On managed devices, Intune or Group Policy can block external camera sign‑in or force ESS states; check with your IT if you don’t see the expected toggles.
• Rollout and availability will be phased. Even though the change landed in the February 10 cumulative package, Microsoft typically uses controlled feature rollout mechanisms. Don’t assume immediate global availability; hardware, region, and staged rollout factors will affect when your machine sees the feature.
• Driver and firmware quality matters more than ever. Vendors need to implement firmware that supports secure attestation and compatible drivers. A cheap peripheral that claims “Hello compatible” may function without ESS and therefore provide reduced protections.
• Update risks. Major cumulative updates (including KB5077181) have historically had patch‑day issues for some users. Back up critical data and create a system restore point before major updates if you rely on stable production environments.

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Real‑world scenarios: why this change matters to builders and desktop users​

• Custom PC builders who prefer dual‑monitor setups and dedicated peripherals no longer must give up the ESS protections that have been historically tied to laptops. That’s important for users handling sensitive data in home offices, small businesses, and developer setups.
• Shared desktop environments (e.g., hot desks, makerspaces) benefit because ESS reduces the risk that local tooling or a maliciously modified app can exfiltrate or spoof an enrolled biometric template.
• Organizations that issue external fingerprint readers as an enrollment option can now consider peripheral deployments without forcing users to compromise the platform hardening model — provided the devices are ESS‑qualified and IT policies accommodate the change.

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Troubleshooting and common issues​

If you run into problems, these are the standard troubleshooting steps:

• Confirm the update is installed (check Windows Update > Update history). If you don’t have the February 10, 2026 cumulative update or later, you won’t have the peripheral ESS improvements.
• Check BIOS/UEFI settings: ensure TPM 2.0 is enabled and that virtualization features required for VBS are available (some systems require firmware toggles).
• Verify Windows Security Device security pane for ESS indications. If ESS is off or sensors are incompatible, Windows usually shows explanatory messages.
• Update device drivers and firmware from the peripheral vendor’s support page. Generic or old drivers are a common cause of enrollment failure.
• Consider the enrollment order: on some configurations, enrolling an ESS device first can flip the system into ESS On state.
• Check for management policies: corporate settings may block peripheral enrollment or grey out toggles.
• If updates fail or system instability appears after installing an update, consult known issues and consider uninstalling the update temporarily while backing up and following vendor guidance.

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Risk assessment and what vendors should do next​

Manufacturers of biometric peripherals must act carefully to make the most of ESS support:

• Publish clear documentation about ESS readiness and firmware/driver requirements.
• Provide firmware update mechanisms and signed drivers that adhere to Microsoft’s ESS guidance.
• Test devices across the permutations of Windows branches (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) and document known restrictions.
• Cooperate with enterprise management solutions so IT admins can deploy ESS‑qualified peripherals at scale.

From a user perspective, the risk of adopting non‑ESS peripherals is unchanged — they function, but without the hardened protections. If you handle sensitive data or want the strongest protection for your biometrics, insist on ESS‑certified hardware.

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Windows Hello beyond sign‑in: passkeys and app/web integration​

One of the less obvious but extremely practical benefits of bringing peripherals into ESS is downstream integration with passkeys and passwordless sign‑ins for apps and websites. When Windows Hello is protecting a credential inside a hardware‑backed environment, the system can use those keys for FIDO2 passkey flows that extend beyond the local login screen.
That means a desktop with an ESS‑qualified fingerprint reader or IR camera can handle local sign‑in and also be used to unlock passkeys for supported browsers and apps — all while keeping those cryptographic secrets in the protected environment. For people who want end‑to‑end passwordless usage, that convergence increases both convenience and security when the entire pipeline is ESS‑qualified.

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Final verdict: overdue, practical, but vendor‑dependent​

This change is unambiguously good news. Desktop users and custom builders have long been the odd ones out in Windows Hello’s security model; bringing external sensors into the ESS fold corrects that imbalance and helps move the platform toward more consistent, hardware‑backed biometric protection.
That said, the value of this improvement depends on hardware vendors and platform readiness. The operating system now recognizes and supports peripheral ESS scenarios, but vendors must supply firmware and drivers that meet ESS requirements for the feature to deliver real security benefits. In the meantime, users should:

• Verify their system meets TPM/VBS prerequisites.
• Prefer ESS‑certified peripherals when security matters.
• Keep firmware and drivers updated.
• Be cautious around major updates, backing up before installing cumulative feature releases.

If you’re a desktop user who’s been waiting to have Hello match laptop levels of security, the wait is finally over — technically. Practically, ensure your peripheral vendor supports ESS and confirm your PC’s platform prerequisites before celebrating; once the pieces align, you get the convenience of biometrics without the old security tradeoffs.

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Source: MakeUseOf Windows Hello finally works with external sensors, and it’s about time

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft’s latest Canary‑channel preview for Windows 11—delivered as KB5077230 and shipped as Insider Preview Build 28020.1619—pushes continuity and accessibility forward in ways that matter for day‑to‑day productivity: Cross‑Device Resume gains real, practical Android‑to‑PC handoff scenarios (Spotify playback, Copilot‑opened Microsoft 365 files, certain phone browsers), while Narrator receives fine‑grained personalization controls that let screen‑reader users decide what information is announced and in which order. The update also broadens biometrics through Windows Hello Enhanced Sign‑in Security (ESS) to some peripheral fingerprint sensors, tightens voice input workflows with new timing controls, and continues Microsoft’s slow, measured approach to rolling out feature work from Insider experiments into broader channels.

Background and overview​

Windows Insider Preview Build 28020.1619 (KB5077230) arrived in the Canary Channel as a targeted, incremental release focused less on UI redesigns and more on polishing continuity, accessibility, and device‑level security. The Canary Channel is the most experimental Insider track, and this build reflects that posture: it’s a place for Microsoft to expand the capability surface and gauge real‑world behavior before moving features into Dev, Beta, or Release Preview rings.
At a glance, the build’s headline items are:

• Expanded Cross‑Device Resume for Android → PC workflows (Spotify, Copilot‑opened files, selected browsers).
• Narrator personalization, letting users choose which UI control properties Narrator speaks and the readout order.
• Windows Hello ESS support extended to qualifying peripheral fingerprint readers (match‑on‑sensor and vendor certificate requirements apply).
• Voice input refinements for Voice Typing and Voice Access (including a configurable “wait time before acting” and simplified setup flows).
• Small productivity and experiential updates (for example, an update to Paint with freeform rotate and tweaks to the out‑of‑box experience delivered to select Insiders).

These aren’t blockbuster features on their own. Taken together, however, they represent Microsoft’s ongoing shift from demonstrating possibilities to solving the friction points that actually prevent cross‑device and accessibility features from being widely useful.

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Cross‑Device Resume: what’s new, and why it finally feels useful​

What Microsoft expanded​

Cross‑Device Resume (often shortened to “Resume”) first appeared as a concept to reduce friction when moving activities between a phone and a PC. Build 28020.1619 expands vendor and app support so that users can:

• Resume Spotify playback from an Android phone on the PC.
• Continue browsing sessions from certain phone browsers (Vivo Browser is explicitly called out).
• Open files that were started in the Microsoft Copilot app on supported phones—then continue editing in the corresponding Microsoft 365 PC app if installed, or in the default browser as a fallback.

These behaviors are implemented as cloud‑linked activity handoffs: metadata about the activity is registered so the PC can offer to continue the session. If the native desktop app exists, Resume prefers the app; otherwise it falls back to the browser.

Why the change matters​

Previous iterations of Resume were conceptually promising but limited in scope—mostly demos and OneDrive document continuity. This build makes the capability practically useful by:

• Supporting popular consumer scenarios (music playback, Copilot/365 document workflows).
• Working with a range of OEM Android partners (HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomi are among those mentioned).
• Implementing a sensible app‑first fallback model (app → browser).

For knowledge workers, students, and anyone who switches between devices mid‑task, the reduced context switching can add meaningful time savings and reduce friction at the boundary between mobile and desktop.

Limitations and the vendor/app dependency problem​

This progress comes with important caveats:

• Resume is not universal. It relies on cooperation from phone OEMs, app developers, and Microsoft services. If an app or phone vendor doesn’t implement the required integration, Resume won’t work.
• Offline files stored only on the phone are not supported. Resume depends on cloud‑accessible metadata or files.
• User experience can be inconsistent: if the desktop app isn’t installed, the file opens in a browser—which can feel jarring compared with native behavior.

Put bluntly: Resume can be transformative where it’s supported, and invisible where it’s not.

Practical steps to try Resume (for Insiders)​

• Ensure your Android phone is enrolled and linked under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices (or the Phone/Link to Windows setup flow).
• On a supported phone, open an eligible app (Spotify, Copilot, or a supported browser) and start an activity.
• On the PC, watch for the Resume prompt or open the relevant app (or browser). If the desktop app is installed, the content should open there; otherwise the browser will act as a fallback.
• If Resume doesn’t appear, check Feedback Hub and confirm the phone’s OEM is listed as supported.

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Narrator personalization: giving screen‑reader users control​

The change in plain terms​

Historically, Narrator prioritized completeness—speaking labels, roles, states, values, and other control metadata by default. That comprehensive approach sometimes produced overly verbose or poorly ordered announcements for advanced users.
Build 28020.1619 introduces user‑configurable Narrator announcement settings. Insiders can now:

• Choose which properties are announced (labels, roles, states, values).
• Reorder the sequence of announced properties to match personal navigation habits (for example, “Button, Submit” vs “Submit, button”).
• Reduce verbosity for specific control types to minimize cognitive load.

Why this matters to accessibility​

Accessibility is not one‑size‑fits‑all. Screen‑reader users have diverse workflows and preferences; the ability to shape Narrator’s verbal output closes a longstanding gap between generic verbosity and personal needs.
Benefits include:

• Less cognitive overhead for experienced users who want only essential cues.
• Better compatibility with complex web components and modern app controls.
• A more predictable Narrator cadence across different apps, reducing disorientation when switching contexts.

Potential pitfalls and edge cases​

• Customization increases complexity: less technical users could disable important announcements by overzealous tweaking.
• App developers must continue to provide accurate control metadata; otherwise, custom Narrator settings could produce confusing results if elements are mislabelled.
• Web content built without accessibility semantics (ARIA roles, labels) may still be poorly announced even with personalization turned on.

How to use the new Narrator controls​

• Open Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
• Explore the new “Personalize what Narrator announces” section.
• Test with common apps (browser, Mail, Office) and adjust announcement order and properties to find a balance between informativeness and verbosity.

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Windows Hello ESS: peripheral fingerprint support and its implications​

What changed​

Windows Hello Enhanced Sign‑in Security (ESS) now supports some peripheral fingerprint sensors—that is, external USB or Bluetooth readers—provided they implement match‑on‑sensor authentication and carry required vendor certificates. Match‑on‑sensor means that the fingerprint matching occurs on the sensor hardware itself, rather than in software on the host PC, which reduces exposure of biometric templates.

Security tradeoffs and advantages​

• Match‑on‑sensor is stronger than host‑based matching because biometric templates and the matcher are kept inside the sensor’s secure environment, decreasing the attack surface on the PC.
• Vendor certificate requirements provide an additional supply‑chain control around which devices can integrate with ESS.
• This move expands the reach of ESS for users on desktops or laptops that lack built‑in fingerprint readers, enabling higher assurance authentication for more devices.

However, some risks and operational considerations remain:

• Peripheral sensor security varies by manufacturer and firmware. Not all external readers are created equal—only those meeting the match‑on‑sensor and vendor‑cert requirements will be supported.
• Enterprises must consider device procurement and attestation: to use peripheral ESS at scale, IT teams will need to validate vendors and potentially manage firmware updates.
• User education is still required. Peripheral sensors introduce a new set of user flows (pairing, driver updates, certificate provisioning) that can trip less technical users.

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Voice Typing and Voice Access: small changes, big user impact​

The “Wait time before acting” setting​

Voice input sits on a tension between responsiveness and accidental activation. Build 28020.1619 adds a “wait time before acting” for Voice Typing, letting users set a short buffer between recognized speech and execution of commands (e.g., punctuation, command phrases).
Why that matters:

• Users with variable pacing or those who switch between dictation and commands can tune the system to their cadence.
• It reduces false positives where the system misinterprets casual speech as a command.

Streamlined setup for Voice Access​

Voice Access setup is simplified to ensure correct speech model downloads and microphone selection. That reduces initial friction and increases the probability that users will successfully adopt voice control.
Practical takeaway: these are iterative quality‑of‑life improvements that matter most to users who rely on voice input as primary interaction modality.

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Developer and OEM implications​

Developers and OEMs are central to making these features work well:

• App developers must adopt the APIs or intents that enable Resume handoffs. Without developer participation, Resume remains spotty.
• OEMs of Android phones provide the integration points for Copilot‑opened files and browser handoffs; progress will track OEM participation and testing.
• Peripheral fingerprint vendors must implement match‑on‑sensor with the required attestation to integrate with Windows Hello ESS.

For enterprise IT:

• Test peripheral ESS devices before broad deployment.
• Educate helpdesk staff on new handset ↔ PC Resume scenarios to reduce support noise.
• Update accessibility testing plans to include Narrator personalization behaviors and verify app metadata quality.

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Rollout strategy and what to expect as an Insider​

KB5077230 (Build 28020.1619) is live in the Canary Channel and is rolling out gradually via Microsoft’s controlled‑feature toggles. Expect:

• Phased availability: not all Insiders will see features immediately.
• Controlled rollouts for Cross‑Device Resume: vendor and app dependencies make staged deployments necessary.
• Feedback loops: Microsoft asks Insiders to file actionable feedback in Feedback Hub for device linkage, Resume behavior, and Narrator settings.

If you’re an Insider wanting to experiment:

• Use a secondary device or VM for Canary builds—Canary remains experimental and may be less stable than Dev/Beta.
• Report specific failures with logs and repro steps in Feedback Hub to increase the chance Microsoft can reproduce and fix issues.
• Monitor whether features arrive as server‑side toggles—even fully updated PCs may not show functionality until the server flags the account.

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Security, privacy, and operational analysis​

Cross‑Device Resume: privacy and telemetry​

Resume’s design uses cloud‑linked metadata to coordinate resumption. That model is convenient, but users should be aware that:

• Metadata about what you were doing is recorded in the cloud to enable the handoff. Microsoft’s design intends to be opt‑in and controllable, but users should verify account settings and linked device permissions.
• Insiders and IT admins should ask whether organizations with strict data governance policies want to permit cross‑device handoffs for corporate accounts.

Practical mitigations:

• Control Resume on a per‑app basis where possible.
• For enterprises, consider limiting Resume to unmanaged or consumer devices and check Microsoft’s administrative controls for feature enablement.

Peripheral fingerprint ESS: stronger but not bulletproof​

Match‑on‑sensor plus vendor attestation raises the bar compared with host‑based fingerprint matching. Still:

• Peripheral device firmware integrity matters. Vendors must support secure update paths and attestations.
• IT procurement should include attestation validation and a firmware‑update plan.

Voice controls and accidental actions​

The “wait time before acting” is a thoughtful step to reduce accidental voice actions, but users and admins should still:

• Train users in correct voice command structure.
• Monitor for false activations and adjust settings where necessary.

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How to test and report issues (practical checklist)​

• Ensure your PC is enrolled in the Windows Insider Program and set to the Canary Channel.
• Update to the latest Build 28020.1619 (KB5077230) via Windows Update and restart.
• Link your Android phone via Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices and confirm the phone is recognized.
• Test Cross‑Device Resume with a supported app (Spotify, Copilot, or a supported browser), then attempt to continue the activity on the PC.
• Configure Narrator personalization under Settings > Accessibility > Narrator and test with a range of apps and web pages.
• If using an external fingerprint sensor, confirm vendor documentation for match‑on‑sensor support and ESS certification; install vendor drivers and pair the device per instructions.
• When things go wrong: collect repro steps, timestamps, and any error messages, then file feedback via Feedback Hub under the relevant category (Accessibility, Devices & Drivers, Linked Phone).

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Critical assessment: strengths, concerns, and what comes next​

Strengths:

• The update moves cross‑device continuity from concept to practicality by prioritizing real workflows (document editing, music playback).
• Narrator personalization is a long‑overdue power user control that will materially improve usability for many screen‑reader users.
• Peripheral ESS support democratizes stronger biometric sign‑in for desktops lacking built‑in readers.

Concerns and risks:

• Feature reach depends heavily on OEMs and third‑party developers. Where cooperation is missing, user experience will be inconsistent.
• Cloud‑linked Resume raises privacy questions that will need clear administrative controls for enterprise deployments.
• Peripheral ESS improves security only if vendor firmware and attestation are strong; supply‑chain vetting will be essential.

What to watch for next:

• Broader developer adoption of Resume intents and APIs—Watch for Microsoft to publish developer guidance or SDK support that simplifies implementation.
• Movement of these features from Canary → Dev/Beta → Release Preview, which signals readiness for wider distribution.
• Administrative controls for enterprises to manage Resume behavior and peripheral ESS policies at scale.

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Conclusion​

KB5077230 (Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1619) is not a flashy OS overhaul. Instead, it represents the steady, iterative work Microsoft must do to make cross‑device continuity and accessibility actually useful in daily life. By expanding Cross‑Device Resume to include Spotify, Copilot‑opened Microsoft 365 files, and select phone browsers, Microsoft removes friction from several high‑value scenarios. By giving users control over what Narrator announces and in which order, the company acknowledges that one default voice cadence does not fit all needs. And by extending Windows Hello ESS to peripheral fingerprint sensors, Microsoft broadens the practical security posture for devices that previously lacked strong biometric options.
These changes are meaningful because they address the small, stubborn frictions that stop people from adopting new paradigms. The tradeoffs—vendor dependencies, privacy design choices, and varied device security—are real, and organizations and power users should evaluate them before rolling features into production. For Insiders and early adopters, the build is a useful playground to shape the feature set through feedback. For everyone else, the release is a sign that Microsoft is pulling the threads of continuity, accessibility, and security together—carefully, incrementally, and with an eye toward real usability rather than demo‑grade spectacle.

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Source: Windows Report https://windowsreport.com/windows-1...evice-resume-and-introduces-narrator-control/

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft’s latest Insider flight quietly closes a key gap in Windows Hello’s security story: Windows Hello Enhanced Sign‑in Security (ESS) can now protect sign‑ins made with supported peripheral fingerprint readers, bringing the same hardware‑anchored assurances to desktops and kiosks that laptops and integrated devices have enjoyed for years. This capability — delivered in preview via KB5077230 (Canary build 28020.1619) and rolled in related preview packages earlier in the year — extends ESS beyond built‑in sensors and makes high‑assurance biometric sign‑on available to a far broader set of Windows 11 PCs.

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Background / Overview​

Windows Hello is Microsoft’s biometric authentication framework for Windows, offering face, iris, and fingerprint sign‑ins that replace passwords with local biometric assertions tied to device‑resident cryptographic keys. Enhanced Sign‑in Security (ESS) is the higher‑assurance variant: when ESS is enabled, biometric templates and the matching operation are isolated in protected hardware or secured memory regions so that matching cannot be observed or tampered with by regular system software. Historically, ESS support was limited to devices with integrated, vendor‑certified sensors. That left many desktop and kiosk deployments reliant on lower‑assurance external readers — or forced to accept PINs and passwords instead.
Microsoft’s recent preview updates change that calculus. The Insider release notes for KB5077230 make explicit that ESS now supports peripheral fingerprint readers when a supported device is attached and enrolled through Settings. The company and multiple independent outlets confirm the feature is rolling to Canary and Release Preview channels and will be phased out more broadly using controlled rollouts.
Why was this necessary? Many enterprise and public‑facing scenarios — shared workstations, kiosks, clinical workstations, and desktop PCs in regulated environments — rely on external USB or Bluetooth fingerprint sensors. Until now, administrators either accepted the weaker security model for those peripherals or deployed integrated hardware. Extending ESS to supported peripherals makes it possible to combine the convenience of fingerprint sign‑in with the stronger hardware protections ESS offers.

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What KB5077230 and related updates actually deliver​

ESS support for peripheral fingerprint sensors — the headline​

• Peripheral fingerprint readers that implement the ESS contract and are explicitly supported by their vendor can now participate in the ESS trust boundary.
• To use a peripheral ESS reader, plug the supported reader in, then go to Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options and follow the Windows Hello enrollment prompts. Enrolled peripheral fingerprints will be handled by the ESS protection model.

The rollout model and where you’ll see it first​

• The feature first appeared for Insiders in Canary and Release Preview channels in January–February 2026, packaged into preview quality updates such as builds in the 28000, 26200, and 26100 series (KB5077230 / KB5074105 family). Controlled feature rollout means not every device will immediately see the new behavior even after the update is installed.

Administrative control and policy​

• ESS remains a configurable behavior. Administrators can manage ESS via Group Policy / MDM settings and use existing controls to allow or block external biometric devices. The Windows platform also provides a toggle for end users to temporarily disable ESS when a peripheral must be used on systems where ESS would otherwise block external sensors. Microsoft’s guidance historically emphasized that device manufacturers choose defaults and that some policy is available for enterprises to tune behavior.

What’s not changing​

• ESS does not change the cryptographic model: biometric templates are not exported off the device, and the matching operation remains isolated in the trusted hardware domain when supported.
• Only sensors that are explicitly ESS‑capable and supported by their vendor will gain ESS protections; legacy or generic readers will not be auto‑upgraded to the ESS model. Vendors must ship drivers/firmware that integrate with Windows ESS.

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Why this matters: real security and deployment benefits​

1. Hardware‑anchored matching for more devices​

Before this change, a lot of desktop hardware could use Windows Hello functionally but not under the stronger ESS protections. By allowing peripheral readers into the ESS trust model, Microsoft is expanding hardware‑anchored biometric protections to more real‑world setups — shared desks, thin clients, kiosks, clinical workstations, and upgrade paths for older fleets. That means biometric matching operations and templates can now be kept out of reach for most malware and user‑land attacks on those systems when a compliant reader is used.

2. Reduced friction for secure authentication​

Admins who previously had to trade security for accessibility — choosing external readers because integrated sensors weren’t available in a form factor — can now give users the convenience of fingerprint sign‑in without sacrificing the protections ESS offers. This lowers barriers to adoption for biometric authentication in enterprise fleets.

3. Better alignment with modern identity strategies​

Windows Hello integrates with Microsoft’s broader identity story (Azure AD/Entra, Windows Hello for Business, and passkeys). Expanding ESS to peripherals helps organizations move away from passwords more broadly, enabling consistent policy enforcement for biometric credentialing across device classes.

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Risks, caveats, and technical realities — what to watch out for​

Peripheral drivers and the trust chain​

Permitting external hardware deeper access to security primitives increases the importance of supply‑chain and driver trust. The ESS model depends on vendors shipping readers that meet the new hardware/firmware expectations and on Windows drivers properly registering ESS capabilities. If a peripheral’s firmware or driver is flawed, the promise of ESS can be undermined. Organizations should insist on vendors that provide clear ESS certification statements and signed drivers. Treat vendor claims cautiously and require test evidence before wide deployment.

Increased attack surface unless managed​

External readers add physical and logical attack vectors: USB-based peripherals are susceptible to physical tampering, supply‑chain substitution, or malicious firmware. ESS reduces the risk of template theft and replay at the OS level but does not eliminate risks from compromised firmware or vendor code that runs inside a reader’s trusted environment. Security teams must combine ESS with asset management, firmware update policies, and physical controls in high‑security contexts.

Compatibility and user experience​

Not all external readers will immediately work. Vendors will need to supply drivers that advertise ESS capability, and older off‑the‑shelf readers may remain non‑ESS. Users who expect “plug and play” may be frustrated if their peripheral is functional as a biometric device but not ESS‑protected; IT should prepare communication and testing plans. Also note that not every preview channel user will see the capability immediately due to Microsoft’s controlled rollouts.

The temporary ESS toggle: both helpful and potentially risky​

Microsoft exposes a toggle that temporarily disables ESS to allow peripheral sign‑in where ESS would otherwise block it. That aids troubleshooting and real‑world use, but it can also be misused to weaken protections. Administrators should audit and limit who can change the ESS toggle and consider using policy controls to prevent users from disabling ESS in managed environments.

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Enterprise implications — policy, auditing, and rollout guidance​

Policy and deployment recommendations​

• Inventory current fingerprint hardware and identify models with vendor support for ESS. Require vendors to produce explicit ESS compatibility documentation and signed drivers.
• Test candidate readers in a lab that mirrors production policies and endpoint management tooling (Intune/Group Policy) before mass roll‑out.
• Use MDM/Group Policy to lock down the ESS toggle in sensitive environments so users cannot weaken sign‑in protections. Microsoft’s administrative templates and CIS benchmarks already include recommended settings tied to ESS behavior.

Auditing and monitoring​

• Enable diagnostic logging and event collection for Windows Hello operations on pilot devices. If you use central SIEM tooling, capture Windows event logs relevant to biometric sign‑ins and driver installations to detect unexpected peripheral enrollments.
• Consider pairing ESS peripheral deployments with built‑in Sysmon support (available in preview builds) or Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious driver loads or USB device usage spikes. Modern Insider builds are introducing more native monitoring features that can be useful for security telemetry.

Lifecycle and firmware updates​

• Treat fingerprint readers like any security‑critical component: require secure firmware update mechanisms and a documented vendor update cadence. Maintain a procurement policy that favors vendors that support authenticated firmware updates and rapid patching for vulnerabilities.

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User guidance and setup — practical steps​

• Verify you have the necessary Windows update (Insider preview initially; broader rollout as updates become generally available). Note that Controlled Feature Rollouts mean you may not see the feature immediately.
• Choose a vendor‑supported ESS peripheral: check vendor documentation for “ESS” or “Enhanced Sign‑in Security” support and signed driver availability.
• Plug in the peripheral, open Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options, and enroll your fingerprint as you would with an integrated sensor. If the device is ESS‑capable and configured correctly, Windows will handle the enrollment under the ESS model.
• If you must use a peripheral on a machine where ESS blocks it, use the “Sign in with an external camera or fingerprint reader” toggle in Settings to allow a temporary exception — but only when necessary, and revert it afterwards. For managed devices, enforce the desired default through policy.

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Tests, troubleshooting, and the reality of preview releases​

Preview builds are, by design, iterative and not final. Early adopters should expect small regressions and UI oddities; community reports from Insiders flagged issues around lock screen stability in some preview packages earlier in the cycle. If you deploy ESS peripheral readers into a pilot, monitor for unusual behavior (lock screen errors, enrollment failures, or driver crashes) and be ready to roll back or uninstall preview updates if required. Microsoft’s release cadence uses Canary/Beta/Release Preview channels to surface problems before broad distribution, and updates are gradually enabled via Controlled Feature Rollout to reduce mass impact.
Common troubleshooting pointers:

• Confirm the reader has a signed driver and that the vendor advertises ESS support.
• Check Device Manager for driver status and Windows Update for supplemental driver packages.
• Review Event Viewer under Windows Logs and the Microsoft‑Windows‑Hello logs to capture enrollment or match errors.
• If behavior is inconsistent across domain‑joined machines, verify group policy / MDM settings that control biometric and sign‑in behavior.

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How this fits into broader Windows security improvements​

KB5077230 and its related preview packages aren’t just about fingerprints. The same update sets include a handful of other quality, accessibility, and platform changes — improvements to Cross‑Device Resume, Narrator personalization, MIDI services, Smart App Control management, and Secure Boot certificate updates have been delivered alongside ESS peripheral support. These combined changes show Microsoft balancing security hardening with practical usability in long‑deployed features. Administrators should view the peripheral ESS rollout in the context of these broader platform adjustments, because interactions (for example, Secure Boot certificates and drivers) can affect update behavior and device compatibility.

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Vendor responsibilities and what to ask before you buy​

If you’re purchasing peripheral fingerprint readers for ESS use at scale, insist on answers to these questions:

• Does the device support Windows Hello Enhanced Sign‑in Security? Can you provide a whitepaper or certification proof?
• Are drivers distributed through Windows Update / Windows Hardware Compatibility channels, and are they code‑signed?
• How are firmware updates delivered? Are they authenticated and auditable?
• What is the vendor’s patch cadence and vulnerability disclosure policy?
  These practical vendor assurances matter because ESS is only as strong as the hardware and firmware implementing its trust boundary.

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Final assessment — strengths, limits, and a pragmatic path forward​

KB5077230’s support for peripheral ESS is a meaningful step forward. It solves a real operational problem — extending high‑assurance biometric authentication to desktops and other devices that rely on external readers — and does so while preserving the core security model that keeps biometric templates and matching within protected hardware domains. For many organizations and use cases, that means better security without added user friction.
However, the improvement is not a panacea. ESS expands the protective boundary only when vendors ship compatible hardware and drivers; it does not eliminate firmware‑level threats or negate the need for good procurement practices and device lifecycle management. The temporary ESS toggle, while useful for troubleshooting, introduces a human‑factor risk if left unchecked in production environments. And preview‑channel teething issues remind us that cautious piloting and phased deployment remain essential.
Practical next steps:

• Pilot ESS‑capable peripherals on a representative set of endpoints and gather telemetry.
• Update procurement and vendor‑evaluation checklists to include ESS support, signed drivers, and secure firmware update capabilities.
• Harden policy controls to prevent users from weakening ESS protections where they matter most.
• Monitor Microsoft’s Controlled Feature Rollout and release notes so you know when the capability reaches your device classes and update rings.

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Windows Hello’s promise has always been to make secure sign‑in easier and more widely available. With KB5077230 and the ESS peripheral expansion, Microsoft narrows the gap between convenience and security for a huge class of Windows devices. The benefits are real — but they depend squarely on hardware vendors, administrators, and security teams doing the hard work of verification, policy, and lifecycle management. Deploy thoughtfully, test thoroughly, and insist on vendor transparency: that’s the best route to gaining the convenience of fingerprints without sacrificing the protections ESS is designed to provide.

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Source: Windows Report https://windowsreport.com/kb5077230...enhanced-windows-hello-sign-in-security-more/