Microsoft is expanding support for passkeys in Windows 11 to make it more secure to sign in to websites and apps with biometric authentication systems like Windows Hello, which definitely need lighting. a future without passwords.

All providers are committed and users expect it. Microsoft introduced new features in the latest development version of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486 published in the Dev channel, which will be included in future stable releases. “We’re improving access keys for Windows users. Now they can go to any app or website that supports them to create and sign in with passkeys with a native Windows Hello experience.”.

Access keys in Windows 11

Access keys provide a a safer and more convenient alternative to passwordsbecause they allow you to use personal identification numbers (PINs) or biometric authentication, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to log in to websites and applications.

it’s about unique codes associated with specific devicessuch as computers, tablets or smartphones. Using passwords greatly reduces the risk of data breaches as they provide protection against phishing attacks by preventing theft and unauthorized access.

To use passkeys in Windows, you must go to an authorized website such as google.com, create a passkey by accessing your account settings, sign out, and sign in again with the newly created keys. In Windows 11, you will be able to manage access keys with a new dialog for administration part of Settings > Accounts > Access keys. Here you will see all the passkeys stored on your Windows device and you can find and delete the ones you no longer use.

Saying that this type of authentication will be expanded in the promised expansion “future without passwords”. Google announced last month that it will introduce Google Account passkey support across all its services and platforms to allow users to sign in to their accounts without entering a password or using two-step verification (2SV).

Last year, Microsoft and Apple also confirmed their commitment to access keys and supported Web Authentication credentials (WebAuthn), also known as FIDO credentials. This will be the standard approach access to accounts without the need for traditional passwords on platforms controlled by three tech giants.