Microsoft’s new security dashboard feature increases support for Windows Hello

Microsoft will introduce in April a new security service called Windows Defender Security Center, which serves as a dashboard for all security features, as part of its Creator’s Update, according to a report by Computerworld.

The Security Center, which is currently available to Windows Insiders using preview builds of Windows 10, expands on Microsoft’s existing malware detection capabilities to providing a more comprehensive system security.

Aside from providing new features that give users greater control and visibility of their device security, health and online safety experiences, the Security Center offers increased support for Windows Hello.

The Windows 10 biometric authentication feature enables people to use their face, iris or fingerprint biometrics to unlock and gain access to Windows 10 devices.

“Our goal with the new Windows Defender Security Center is to help you become more informed and make safety simple,” Rob Lefferts, partner director in the Windows and devices group, security and enterprise, wrote in a blog post. “It is equally important to us that you are protected by default and continuously protected — never giving the bad guys an opportunity to harm you.”

Dell announced earlier this month at CES that it will release a new XPS 15 (9560) notebook, which will feature an optional fingerprint reader that can be used with Windows Hello, according to a report by Windows Central.

“Folks should see configurations for XPS 15 on Dell.com get updated to include the fingerprint reader option during the first week of February,” Dell said in a statement.

The optional fingerprint reader is not part of the base SKU, and therefore, it will not be included with pre-ordered versions of the notebook. However, Dell should be updating its website in early February to provide customers with the option of adding a fingerprint reader to their configuration.

Additionally, Toshiba’s Client Solutions Division (CSD) recently announced that its new premium 2-in-1 convertible PC, Portégé X20W, features an iris recognition camera that can be used with Windows Hello.

Previously reported, Microsoft noted in a recent blog post that there are as many as 100 Windows devices and accessories across all platforms starting from laptops, all-in-ones, 2-in-1s, tablets, phones to peripheral devices use Windows Hello.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  Dell  |  facial recognition  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  iris recognition  |  Microsoft  |  Toshiba  |  Windows Hello