Dell Sells a Windows Hello ESS-Compatible Mouse

Back in February, Microsoft added support for external Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS)-compatible fingerprint readers to Windows 11 via that month’s Patch Tuesday updates. Given how rare normal(non-ESS) Windows Hello-compatible peripherals are, it wasn’t clear what would come of this. But here’s an interesting new entry, a $45 Windows Hello ESS-compatible Dell mouse that’s shipping right now.

“Secure your data with a Windows Hello fingerprint sensor that features ESS, adding an extra layer of biometric protection,” the listing on the Dell website explains. “Built for a new class of Copilot+ PCs, ESS ensures only verified users access advanced AI features, combining robust security with cutting-edge performance … This feature is FIDO 2.0 ready and significantly reduces phishing, allowing for faster, easier sign-ins.”

Windows Hello ESS is mandatory on Copilot+ PCs. But contrary to that description, Windows Hello ESS doesn’t require a Copilot+ PC, this technology is available on other PCs, too, including many business-class PCs.

In any event, the Dell Pro 5 wired fingerprint mouse MS526C is, as its name suggests, a wired mouse, not a wireless mouse, which is likely an ESS requirement. It supports a movement resolution of 6000 DPI with adjustable DPI and has silent movement and quiet clicks, Dell says, and it comes in one color, black. It’s symmetrical, so it should work well if regardless if you’re right or left handed.

Thanks to Jesse B. for the tip!