Windows 11 Enhances Support for Passkeys, Offering Secure and Convenient Sign-In
Microsoft is improving support for passkeys in Windows 11, aiming to replace traditional passwords with a more secure and convenient authentication method. In the recent Insider Preview Build (23486), Windows Hello now enables users to create and sign in to supported applications and websites using passkeys. Users will need to verify their identity through a PIN, fingerprint, or facial scan.
How Windows 11 Enhances Support for Passkeys
Setting Up Passkeys:
To enable this feature, users can visit a passkey-supported website, create a passkey in its settings, and then log out to access the option for signing in with the new security method. On the Edge or Chrome browsers, the passkey sign-in option can be found under the “Windows Hello or external security key” setting. Users can manage their saved passkeys in the Passkeys section within Windows’ account settings.
Streamlining Credential Management:
While Microsoft’s Edge browser has long supported the underlying Web Authentication standard for passkeys, integrating it with Windows Hello simplifies credential management at the operating system level. Notably, passkey support was added to macOS, iOS, and iPadOS by Apple last year, and Google announced its plans to incorporate passkey support in Android and the Chrome browser in October.
Testing the Functionality:
Bleeping Computer conducted a test of the new Windows Hello passkey functionality and found it to work with both Best Buy and Microsoft accounts. However, Google did not offer the option to sign in with a passkey after its creation. These initial challenges highlight the complexity of the passkey rollout process, requiring coordination between devices, browsers, and web services. With major industry players embracing the passkey standard, these challenges are expected to be addressed soon.
Conclusion:
With expanded support for passkeys in Windows 11, Microsoft aims to revolutionize the login experience by providing a more secure and convenient authentication method. Windows Hello empowers users to seamlessly sign in to various applications and websites. As the passkey standard gains traction among major tech companies, it is anticipated that initial difficulties will be resolved, ultimately eliminating the need for passwords.
other links:
English 
French 