passwordless Archives

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Forrester study reveals Windows 365 Link enhances productivity and security, projects ROI up to 195%

Shared PCs have challenges in security, compliance, and IT support due to the lack of individual logins. Windows 365 Link, launched in April 2025, aims to address these issues by providing a secure, cloud-powered Windows experience for shared environments. A Forrester study commissioned by Microsoft indicates that implementing Windows 365 Link can yield a return on investment of up to 195% over six years for organizations with 2,000 employees and 500 contractors. The projected financial benefits include: - End-user productivity gains: 22%-30% of unproductive time saved, translating to .4 million – .3 million. - Strengthened security: Savings of .5 million – .7 million from devices without local data and passwordless authentication. - Reduced hardware costs: Savings of .8 million – .2 million over six years by transitioning from traditional desktops. - IT time savings: Up to 90% savings on provisioning and decommissioning tasks, amounting to .9 million – .5 million. - Accelerated onboarding: Savings of ,000 – ,000 from faster onboarding of new desk-based workers. Users reported significant improvements in productivity, security, and cost-effectiveness with Windows 365 Link, citing reduced setup times and enhanced operational efficiency. The device is managed via Microsoft Intune, enhancing security by eliminating local administrators. Windows 365 Link is expected to be more cost-effective than traditional laptops or desktops, with an extended lifecycle. Availability is expanding to new markets, including Denmark, France, India, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland later this year.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

You can use 1Password passkeys directly in Windows 11 soon

Microsoft is testing a deeper integration of 1Password’s passkey feature within Windows 11, marking a shift towards a passwordless future. Passkeys enhance security by combining possession (like a smartphone) and biometric identifiers (like face or fingerprint). To enable the integration, users must install the 1Password Beta and navigate to Settings > Passkeys > Advanced options, requiring verification through Windows Hello. This feature is currently available in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5670 (KB5060838) within the Dev Channel.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4520 (KB5060834) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, improvements, and fixes, which are being gradually rolled out. New features include: - A passwordless improvement in collaboration with 1Password, allowing users to integrate a plugin passkey provider and authenticate using Windows Hello. - Temporary disabling of Japanese support in voice access due to bugs. - Changes to default browser settings, where the new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless opted out. Fixes include: - Resolved crashes in File Explorer Home and issues with thumbnail visibility. - Addressed duplicate entries in the Start menu and animation issues with folder expansion. - Fixed a crash involving ctfmon.exe and resolved a memory leak related to the lock screen slideshow. - Improved responsiveness of system dialogs to text scaling. Known issues include: - New Beta Channel joiners may experience a rollback issue during installation. - Touch navigation in the Start menu may not function reliably, and drag-and-drop capabilities are limited. - Xbox Controller users may encounter bugchecks via Bluetooth. - Narrator scan mode may not function correctly in File Explorer for AI actions. - Limitations in pinning within the new widgets board experience. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package, with features rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Some features may not be publicly released and could change based on feedback.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Microsoft is testing tighter integration with 1Password’s passkeys in Windows.

Microsoft is integrating 1Password’s passkeys within the Windows ecosystem to enhance user experience. This feature is currently in the testing phase and is available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel who install the beta version of 1Password.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Microsoft finally reveals that Windows 11 25H2 will release soon, and Insiders already have it

Microsoft has confirmed the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update, which is currently in testing phases as indicated by the transition of the build name to 25H2 in the Dev version. The update will include enhancements such as improved integration of 1Password for a smoother passwordless login experience. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel will see their version updated to 25H2 in the system settings. Microsoft plans to maintain its annual feature update schedule for the second half of the year. However, the promotion for the 25H2 update has been more subdued compared to the previous 24H2 release, possibly due to concerns about overwhelming users with new features while they are still waiting for the 24H2 rollout.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5670 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5670 (KB5060838) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key updates include: - Passwordless Improvements: Integration with 1Password for passkey management, allowing users to sign in using Windows Hello after enabling the plugin credential manager. - Versioning Update: The build updates the versioning to 25H2, marking it as this year's annual feature update. - Voice Access: Support for Japanese is temporarily disabled due to bugs. - Settings Update: The new default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar and Start menu unless opted out. - File Explorer Fixes: Issues causing crashes and thumbnail disappearances have been resolved. - Start Menu Fixes: Duplicate entries and animation inconsistencies have been corrected. - Input Fixes: A significant crash affecting typing capabilities has been addressed. - General Fixes: Resolved an issue with the boot sound and fixed a memory leak related to the lock screen slideshow. - Known Issues: Users may experience rollback errors during updates, touch navigation issues in the Start menu, and bugs with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. - Reminders: Updates are rolled out gradually, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Emerging online scams are making users more vigilant, says Google

Over 60% of U.S. consumers have encountered scams, indicating a growing awareness of digital threats. More than 60% of Gen X and Baby Boomers still use traditional passwords, while younger generations prefer passkeys. Google has enhanced scam detection capabilities on Android devices, introducing features to identify potential scams in calls and texts. Over 60% of consumers perceive an increase in scams over the past year, with one-third reporting personal data breaches. Google promotes passwordless sign-in options like passkeys and "Sign in with Google" to improve security. Recent updates include enhanced scam detection in Google Messages and Chrome, and the Safety Check feature in Chrome now monitors for malicious notifications. Google has also released findings on prevalent scams, such as customer support fraud and package tracking schemes.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Neon Serverless Postgres: Azure Native Integration Now Available

Microsoft and Neon have launched Neon Serverless Postgres as a native integration within the Azure ecosystem, following its initial preview in December 2024. This open-source, serverless database solution is positioned as an alternative to AWS Aurora Postgres. Key features include automatic scaling, branching capabilities, direct database connection from Azure, Azure CLI and SDK support, and Semantic Kernel integration for RAG pipelines. Microsoft has invested millions in Neon as part of a broader funding round to enhance collaboration. Neon’s platform includes autoscaling, branching, and point-in-time restore capabilities, specifically designed for AI applications. EnterpriseDB has appointed Nancy Hensley as Chief Product Officer to lead growth for its EDB Postgres AI platform, which supports various workloads and modernizes legacy systems. Additionally, companies are increasingly adopting passwordless authentication methods, with MojoAuth offering solutions that integrate into applications to enhance security and user experience.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins

The tech community is celebrating the first "World Passkey Day," moving away from "World Password Day," with Microsoft and other organizations committing to the Passkey Pledge to promote passkey adoption. Microsoft has developed passkeys as a secure authentication method, replacing traditional passwords and allowing access via facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Over 99% of users now prefer Windows Hello for sign-ins, and hundreds of websites support passkeys, which are resistant to phishing. Last year, there were 7,000 password attacks every second, highlighting the urgency of this transition. Microsoft has introduced passkey support for consumer applications, achieving nearly a million registrations daily, with passkey sign-ins being three times more successful and eight times faster than traditional methods. New Microsoft accounts will be created without passwords by default, and the sign-in process will prioritize passwordless methods. Currently, over 15 billion user accounts can use passkeys, with a goal to transition billions more.