- Windows 11 will soon introduce a new passkey feature that will sync across multiple PCs.
- Passkeys will act as an alternative to passwords making it easier to authenticate and sign in without having to remember passwords for different accounts.
- The feature has been spotted in an upcoming Windows Insider build.
- Passkeys can be used to sign in to not just Windows PCs but also websites.
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How Passkeys Work
Passkeys make it easier to sign in to your Windows PC as well as any website that supports it. So you no longer need to enter your login details like ID and password. Instead, you can sign in to any device or website that supports it using Windows Hello – fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. Windows 11 will use end-to-end encryption with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to ensure only you can access your passkey. Microsoft says passkeys are easy to use across different Windows 11 PCs.
For instance, if you have a desktop at home and a laptop for work, just log into your Microsoft account and sync your passkeys. After a quick one-time setup, you’ll have the same passkeys on both devices – no more headaches remembering separate passwords. Your Passkeys will sync to all devices where you are signed in with the same account.
Setting Up Passkeys with Windows Hello
Imagine you’re on a website like GitHub. If the website supports passkeys, you’ll be prompted to choose how you want to save your passkeys. A pop-up will appear, protected by Windows Hello, and you’ll have a couple of choices – save your passkeys to your Microsoft account or choose another method.
If you choose to save your passkey to your Microsoft account, you’ll be prompted to complete a one-time setup. During this process, you’ll need to save a recovery key, which is used to protect your passkeys with end-to-end encryption. Whether you prefer facial recognition, a fingerprint, or a simple PIN, Windows Hello will authenticate you, keeping everything locked down securely.
After creating your passkey and saving it to the cloud with Windows Hello, you can sync it across other Windows 11 devices. Simply log in with your Microsoft account on a different Windows PC, complete another quick setup, and you’ll be ready to use your passkey on that Windows 11 device.
Easier Integration with Password Managers
Microsoft isn’t just stopping with its own ecosystem. Windows 11 is taking a significant step forward by partnering with popular third-party password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden. These collaborations are all about making it easier for users to integrate their passkeys across platforms.
In the near future, you won’t have to worry about whether your passkeys are locked to one device or app. With this update, passkeys saved on services like Bitwarden or 1Password will be accessible on your Windows 11 PC – without the need to pull out your phone. So, whether you saved your passkey on your mobile device or another platform, you’ll be able to access it seamlessly on Windows.
Ready to Give It a Try?
If you’re already on the Windows Insider program, you should look for the new build update in the coming months. By shifting away from passwords and embracing more secure methods like passkeys, you’ll not only protect your accounts but also enjoy a smoother, more seamless login experience.
