passwordless authentication Archives

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

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 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.