Microsoft is taking another step towards eliminating traditional passwords from Windows 11 by enhancing its passkey system. The company is rolling out new features designed to make using passkeys more intuitive, offering expanded options for third-party providers, and improving the overall user interface for authentication. The updates will initially be available to Windows Insider Program members before reaching a wider audience.
Third-Party Services Now Welcome
With an API that supports integration for third-party passkey services, Microsoft is opening up the Windows ecosystem to various authentication providers. The decision allows users to link passkeys from popular services like 1Password and Bitwarden, enabling a unified login experience across different devices and platforms.
The new system – announced in a Windows blog post – lets users bring their mobile-generated passkeys to Windows, easing the process of moving between multiple devices. By incorporating external services, Microsoft aims to offer greater flexibility in login options. Users will now be able to pick from various supported passkey providers rather than relying solely on Microsoft’s built-in solutions.
Revamped Windows Hello Interface
Microsoft’s process of setting up and managing passkeys within Windows 11 has been given a fresh look. The redesigned Windows Hello interface will now guide users through saving their passkeys more clearly, with prompts appearing on supported websites to help store authentication keys securely.
Users will get options to save passkeys directly to their Microsoft account or to choose another available method. The update also brings multiple ways to authenticate stored passkeys, including facial recognition, fingerprint scans, or PINs. This change aims to make logging in smoother while still offering robust security measures.
Sync Passkeys Across Your Devices
Another new feature allows passkeys to be used on different Windows 11 machines without needing separate configurations. Once linked to a Microsoft account, users can sync their passkeys across multiple devices after a one-time setup. The update aims to make switching between PCs straightforward by maintaining a consistent authentication experience.
Each synced passkey is secured with encryption and hardware-level protection through the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which is included in most modern Windows PCs. This setup ensures that the stored keys remain accessible but shielded from potential threats.
Part of a Larger Push for Passwordless Security
These new capabilities are part of Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to eliminate passwords, which are often a target for phishing and other cyberattacks. By working within the FIDO Alliance, a group that promotes password-free authentication, the company has been advocating for passkeys as a safer, more efficient way to access digital services.
The latest updates reinforce Microsoft’s commitment to making passwordless options more practical and widely available, while also making the transition easier for users. The improvements announced today are just one phase in a broader effort to reshape how authentication works across Windows 11.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:36 pm CET
