Windows 11 is officially killing off passwords and bringing in passkeys
Windows 11 is moving closer to the future of credentials
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Microsoftis expandingpasskeysupport with Windows 11, meaning users will soon be able to take better advantage of the new technology.
In ablogpost on its site, the company said that with the upcoming update to theoperating system, users can create a passkey with Windows Hello and use it to access supported services using their face, fingerprint or PIN - no need for a password at all.
Passkeys can be managed on a Windows PC and users can sign in using passkeys stored on their mobile device too.
Ditching the password
Microsoft also added that IT teams will be able to remove passwords as an option for employees from the get-go onWindows 11devices that have Windows Hello for Business.
Microsoft said that, “passkeys are the cross-platform, cross-ecosystem future of accessing websites and applications.”
Passkeys rely on pair of cryptographic keys, one stored in the cloud and the other on device, which is private and not known by anyone. When combined, they grant access to the service in question.
More and more services are adopting passkey support to let users log in to their accounts without a password.AppleandGoogleusers can log into their respective accounts using passkeys, and services such as eBay, PayPal, BestBuy,GitHubandWhatsAppsupport them too.
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The technological standards that passkeys employ are governed by the FIDO Alliance, specifically FIDO2. The cross-industry association has most of big tech on its board, as well as several popular password managers.
The new update to Windows 11 will be available from September 26, and will also feature other important security updates.
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Lewis Maddison is a Reviews Writer for TechRadar. He previously worked as a Staff Writer for our business section, TechRadar Pro, where he had experience with productivity-enhancing hardware, ranging from keyboards to standing desks. His area of expertise lies in computer peripherals and audio hardware, having spent over a decade exploring the murky depths of both PC building and music production. He also revels in picking up on the finest details and niggles that ultimately make a big difference to the user experience.
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