Windows 11 Ushers in a New Era of Digital Security with Passkeys

• Microsoft
• Windows
• Passkey

Microsoft continues to innovate in digital security by introducing passkey support in Windows 11. This new feature will allow users to take full advantage of the latest technology, marking a significant shift away from traditional passwords.

"The future of digital security is here with Windows 11's introduction of passkeys."

Understanding the Move to Passkeys

According to a recent blog post on Microsoft's official site, the upcoming update to Windows 11 will enable users to create a passkey with Windows Hello. This feature will allow users to access supported services using their face, fingerprint, or PIN, eliminating the need for a password. This feature can be managed on a Windows PC and allows users to sign in using passkeys stored on their mobile devices.

The End of Traditional Passwords?

With this innovative feature, Microsoft is encouraging a move away from traditional passwords. The company even suggests that IT teams could remove passwords as an option for employees on Windows 11 devices that have Windows Hello for Business enabled. In the words of Microsoft, "Passkeys are the cross-platform, cross-ecosystem future of accessing websites and applications."

Passkeys work based on a pair of cryptographic keys. One is stored in the cloud, while the other remains private on the device, inaccessible. When combined, these keys grant the user access to the desired service.

Adoption of Passkeys by Other Tech Giants

As this technology continues evolving, many services adopt passkey support to allow users to log in to their accounts without passwords. Tech giants like Apple and Google have also enabled users to log into their accounts using passkeys. In addition, popular services, including eBay, PayPal, BestBuy, GitHub, and WhatsApp, have also begun to support this feature.

The FIDO Alliance, specifically FIDO2, governs the standards employed by passkeys. This cross-industry association includes the most prominent tech companies on its board and several popular password managers.

A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Security

The new update to Windows 11, slated for release on September 26, will introduce the concept of passkeys and feature other essential security updates. This development is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to enhancing digital security and creating user-friendly interfaces. As more and more services adopt passkeys, we can expect a significant shift in how users access their accounts, making digital security more robust and user-friendly.