Microsoft introduces new Windows passkey features with support for third-party providers

Microsoft is progressively moving towards eliminating traditional passwords for accessing Windows and its various services. This initiative began a few years ago with the launch of Windows Hello, which enables users to log into the Windows operating system using facial recognition or fingerprint identification.

In addition to this, Microsoft is promoting the adoption of passkeys—these involve storing a digital key on a server, along with a more secure key located on a personal device. Back in May, the company revealed that all individual Microsoft Accounts can now utilize passkeys instead of passwords for authentication across its services. Alongside this, they provided a comprehensive guide on managing and saving passkeys.

Recently, Microsoft has taken another significant step to enhance the implementation of passkeys across Windows devices and services. In a recent entry on their official Windows blog, Microsoft introduced a new API designed to enable third-party providers to integrate their passkey services into Windows.

According to Microsoft:

We are closely collaborating with 1Password, Bitwarden, and other partners to incorporate this functionality, allowing users to integrate third-party passkey providers seamlessly into Windows 11. Users will be able to utilize the same passkeys created on their mobile devices while enhancing login security through the use of passkeys.

Moreover, Microsoft has revamped the Windows Hello interface to facilitate passkey creation and usage. When accessing a website that allows passkey sign-in on a Windows PC, the updated Windows Hello UI will guide users on how to save their passkey to their Microsoft account or through an alternate method. Users can then select whether to unlock their passkey using facial recognition, a fingerprint, or a PIN.

Additionally, Microsoft is developing a feature to synchronize passkeys across all Windows 11 devices owned by the user, eliminating the need for multiple passkeys for different devices. Microsoft noted:

Simply log in to another Windows 11 device using your Microsoft account, complete a one-time setup, and you can use your synced passkeys on all your Windows 11 PCs. This offers a straightforward and seamless login experience—all you need is to authenticate with Windows Hello. Your passkeys are safeguarded by end-to-end encryption and secured with the device’s TPM (Trusted Platform Module).

These enhanced passkey features for Windows will first be accessible to members of the Windows Insider Program, prior to being rolled out for the broader Windows 11 user community.

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