After committing to a future where passwords are replaced with passkeys, Microsoft is taking steps just like Apple and Google to turn that dream into a reality. It has announced the new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486 that brings significant improvements to the Windows passkey experience. It has also added a native passkey manager that makes it convenient to view and delete saved passkeys. Read on to know everything in detail.
Windows 11 Passkey Support with Windows Hello
Microsoft has begun testing for a new and improved Windows passkey experience which is a lot more seamless and convenient to use. The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486 is bringing Windows Hello integration to passkey support available on the platform. This will allow users to sign into websites and applications using face/fingerprint recognition or PIN instead of those long and complex passwords.
This new improved Windows passkey support experience will work with any website or application that supports passkeys. Users will have the flexibility to choose whether to use a passkey saved on Windows or on a smartphone to log in. The latter is beneficial when they are unable to use Windows Hello for some reason.
How to Use Windows 11 Passkey with Windows Hello?
To use passkey on Windows 11, a user needs to visit a website that has passkey support enabled. Sign into your account with your password and visit the account settings to create a passkey. Sign out of the account and then, you will see a new sign-in option that will let you use passkey. Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome users should see the “Windows Hello or external security key” option that will let them use Windows Hello credentials.
Microsoft is additionally adding a native passkey manager to Windows. It will make it easier and more convenient for users to view and delete their saved passkeys. This can be done by visiting Settings > Account > Passkeys on a Windows device. It will give you a list of all the passkeys saved on that particular Windows machine.
Why Use Passkeys?
We are using passwords to protect our online accounts for as long as we can remember. They seem to be doing a good job of it but they are not impossible to crack or steal. Many of us end up setting easy passwords so that they are easier to remember and enter but they also make it easier for hackers to get in.
This is where passkeys come into the picture which can neither be stolen nor be cracked, and a user does not have to remember them either as they are stored locally on the device. The login process is as easy and convenient as using biometric authentication on your device. This is the reason passkeys are seen as the password replacement and tech companies are working towards making them mainstream.
