Microsoft makes it easier for Windows 11 users to log into their various services and websites without having to remember a plethora of things passwordsinstead using passkeys, which the software giant has just expanded its support for.
Specifically, Microsoft just introduced support in Windows 11 for third-party passkeys (in other words, passkeys made by companies other than Microsoft).
Passwords are a more secure method of logging in to devices, apps or websites that can use biometric authentication such as facial recognition, a fingerprint ID or PIN through Windows Hello. For the uninitiated, Windows Hello is a security feature in Windows 11 that offers biometric authentication (facial or fingerprint) or even a PIN.
Passkeys use two unique keys – one is stored with the service you log into and the other resides on your Windows 11 device, protected by that biometric data (or a PIN) – and they provide much stronger security than traditional username and password combinations.
Another step towards a password-free world
Microsoft is constantly working to improve the security of Windows 11 devices, and part of that is moving toward a world that no longer relies on passwords, but on more secure logins like passkeys.
As part of this, earlier this year Microsoft introduced the ability to use passkeys with Microsoft consumer accounts (instead of just commercial users) (back in May 2024).
So now this capability is being expanded to allow the use of third-party developer passkeys in Windows 11. That includes apps like 1Password and Bitwarden, as Microsoft tells us it’s working with the developers of those applications – and others – in a post on its Windows Developer Blogaimed at more seamless integration of such third-party offerings into Windows 11.
Microsoft also updated Windows 11 to make using Windows Hello and passkeys easier. The idea is that when you open a website or app that supports logging in with a passkey, you’ll be asked to select how you want to save the passkey – whether you want to use it with your Microsoft account or another service.
It’s good to see that passkey support is being expanded and that Microsoft is behind this security measure, and I’m happy enough to give them a chance because while I can live with traditional passwords just fine, I run into many of the same frustrations with as many of you probably do.
I’m also glad that Microsoft is taking a collaborative approach to working with third-party developers to implement something that will hopefully work well for Windows 11 users.
Via PC world