passwordless Archives

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Microsoft is streamlining logins for Windows, Xbox, and M365

Microsoft is transforming its Microsoft Account (MSA) sign-in experience to create a modern interface across web and mobile platforms, with plans for Windows to follow. By the end of April, users will see a revamped login and registration process with a streamlined flow and fewer elements per screen. The update will optimize passwordless sign-ins through the introduction of passkeys, which will become the default method for future logins. If a passkey is not used, email-based logins will be the fallback option. The redesigned interface will feature consistent Microsoft branding, with a unified background image and color-themed buttons and links for different services. The rollout of this new experience is expected to be completed by the end of April.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Microsoft’s passwordless future is here for Outlook, Xbox, 365, and more

Microsoft is transforming its sign-in screens to simplify the authentication process for over 3 billion users globally. The rollout has begun, with Xbox users already experiencing changes, and the revamped login experience will be available for Windows and other Microsoft services by the end of April. The update emphasizes passwordless authentication methods, such as passkeys, facial recognition, and fingerprint scans, moving away from traditional password reliance. Users signing up will not need to create a password but will receive a one-time security code for verification and will be prompted to create a passkey. The sign-in flow is being redesigned to reduce complexity, and the new screens will adopt Microsoft’s Fluent Design aesthetic, offering a dark theme option for customization. The updated sign-in process is currently available on the Xbox website, with web and mobile applications set to follow.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

New Browser-Based RDP for Secure Remote Windows Server Access

Cloudflare has launched a clientless, browser-based Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) solution that enhances its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities for secure access to Windows servers. This solution eliminates the need for traditional RDP clients and utilizes IronRDP, a high-performance RDP client developed in Rust, which operates within the browser. The implementation secures RDP sessions using TLS-based WebSocket connections and integrates with Cloudflare Access for authentication through JSON Web Tokens (JWT). The system supports modern security standards, including Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and device posture checks. Cloudflare plans to add session monitoring, data loss prevention features, and pursue FedRAMP High certification for compliance with government standards.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

How to Add Fingerprint Authentication to Your Windows 11 Computer

To set up fingerprint recognition on Windows 11, follow these steps: 1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app by pressing the Windows Key and typing “settings.” 2. Navigate to the Accounts menu from the sidebar. 3. Click on Sign-in options. 4. Select Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) and click “Set up.” Enter your PIN or create one if you haven't already, then follow the prompts to register your fingerprint. If your fingerprint fails to work, you can revert to your PIN. Troubleshooting steps include restarting your computer, resetting your fingerprint data, adding an alternative fingerprint, or updating the fingerprint sensor drivers. Windows 11 also allows the use of facial recognition as an alternative to fingerprint authentication through Windows Hello. Benefits of using fingerprint sign-in include faster login, enhanced security due to the difficulty of replicating biometric data, and facilitating a transition to passwordless authentication systems.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2702 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2702 (KB5048761) has been released to the Dev Channel. New features include: - An advanced camera options page under Settings, offering configurations for multi-app camera access and basic camera functionality. - API support for third-party passkey providers to enhance login security, along with updates to WebAuthn APIs for a plugin authentication model for passkeys. Changes and improvements: - Enhanced filtering for recommended websites on the Start menu based on browsing history. - The ability for standard users to change time zones under Settings. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with pointer trails making the mouse cursor invisible and mouse cursor stuttering. - Addressed oversaturation issues in some games using Auto HDR. - Fixed a rollback issue that displayed an incorrect app control dialog. Known issues: - Incorrect build version display after a PC reset. - Issues with Recall functionality and Click to Do features that will be addressed in future updates. Microsoft Edge Game Assist (Preview) is available for Insiders, providing an in-game browser experience tailored for PC gaming. Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features gradually rolled out and subject to change based on feedback.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

Previewing More Copilot+ Experiences with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2510 (KB5048780) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs, including the Recall feature and an expansion of Click to Do (Preview). To join the Dev Channel, users must register for the Windows Insider Program, link their Microsoft account, select the Dev Channel, and check for updates. The Recall feature allows users to find apps, websites, images, or documents by describing their content and includes timeline control for revisiting past activities. The Cocreator feature in Microsoft Paint enables AI-assisted artwork generation from text prompts. The Photos app has been updated with Image Creator and Restyle Image features for generating new images and applying artistic styles to existing photos, respectively. Click to Do has been enhanced with new activation methods and intelligent text actions, allowing users to summarize or rewrite text. Additional changes include a modernized Windows Hello experience, improvements to the system tray, and various fixes for audio and application stability. Known issues include problems with Recall and Click to Do functionalities, which will be addressed in future updates. The Microsoft Store now supports direct updates for Win32 apps.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

How to manage the passwordless sign feature on Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to opt for a passwordless authentication experience using the Windows Hello feature, which includes biometric options like facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN. Users can enable passwordless sign-in through the Settings app by toggling the relevant option under Accounts > Sign-in options, or by modifying the Registry Editor by changing the DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion key from 0 to 2. This process disables the use of a password for local Windows accounts but does not remove the password from the Microsoft account. A system restart may be required to apply changes.

Winsage

November 26, 2024

Microsoft Tests Windows 11 Support for Third-Party Passkeys

Microsoft is refining its WebAuthn API to integrate third-party passkey providers into Windows 11's passwordless authentication framework, using biometric methods for enhanced security. Since early October, Microsoft has collaborated with credential providers like 1Password and Bitwarden to develop a new plugin authentication model for passkeys. Users will soon be able to choose from various third-party passkey providers alongside the native Windows option, allowing authentication through Windows Hello with passkeys created on mobile devices.

Winsage

November 24, 2024

Microsoft’s New Windows 11 Decision—Millions Of Passwords To Be Replaced

Microsoft is rolling out an update to Windows 11 that will replace traditional passwords with passkeys, in partnership with third-party providers like 1Password. The update includes API support for third-party passkey integration, enhancing the transition to passwordless authentication. While passwords will still be used for some time, Microsoft is also improving password security with features like encrypted password sharing in the Edge browser. The update will allow users to choose third-party passkey providers alongside the native Windows passkey option, ensuring smooth integration with Windows Hello. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel can access these features gradually through Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27754 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27754 has been released to the Canary Channel. SDKs for the 27xxx series builds are not planned for release. Key updates include: - Modernized Windows Hello with new visuals for clearer communication and an improved user experience for passkeys. - Users can now launch items as an administrator from the Start menu or taskbar by holding Shift and CTRL. - Enhanced taskbar previews and animations based on user feedback. - A simplified system tray is being tested, featuring a shortened date/time format and a notifications bell icon based on Do Not Disturb status. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with the Digital Markets Act policy application and update rollback leading to duplicate Windows entries. - Fixed display issues for RAW images in File Explorer and improved the search box functionality. - Corrected widget text overlap on secondary monitors and resolved mouse unlocking issues in games. Known issues include: - New users may face Windows Hello PIN and biometrics issues, with error 0xd0000225. - Investigating reports of rollbacks during installation and display issues with accent-colored window borders. - Desktop backgrounds may not display correctly on multiple monitors. Insiders are reminded that Canary Channel builds are early platform changes and may evolve based on feedback. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.