- Microsoft announces support update for third-party passkeys for Windows
- Credential managers such as 1Password and Bitwarden can be used to log in
- The update is available to users in the Windows Insider Beta channel
Microsoft is testing support for third-party passkeys for Windows 11 to make signing into your accounts faster and more secure.
The updates to the WebAuthn API are said to add support for password management providers such as 1Password and Bitwarden, which Microsoft is working with to improve password keys on Windows 11.
The update allows users to choose their own password provider in addition to the standard Windows Hello authenticator.
The future of password keys is now the present
Passwords have exploded in popularity in recent years, with organizations adopting them for their improved security and phishing resistance, and consumers for the easy login experience that typically uses a biometric authentication method such as a facial recognition scan or fingerprint. reducing bulky and difficult to remember passwords.
“We’re releasing updates to WebAuthn APIs to support a plug-in authentication model for passkeys,” the Windows Insider team said in the announcement.
“In the coming months, Windows customers will be able to choose a third-party provider as an additional choice to the native Windows password provider, while maintaining the Windows Hello user experience.”
“Messages in WebAuthn flows are forwarded to the plugin and responses are returned to the WebAuthn client applications. This allows plugins to create and verify password keys at the customer’s request.”
Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel can test the new update and provide feedback through the Feedback Hub by installing Preview Build 22635.4515 (KB5046756). The source code can also be downloaded by developers to improve product compatibility with Windows 11.
Google, Amazon and many other tech giants are leading the way when it comes to password keys, with adoption rates increasing and passwords being replaced quickly. In 2022, Google, Microsoft and Apple committed to a FIDO Alliance agreement to expand the availability of access keys on their platforms. Microsoft has also improved the availability of multi-factor authentication in its products as part of its commitments to the Secure Future Initiative.