Microsoft joins Google in push for password-less future with updated passkeys support

Microsoft is taking significant strides towards a passwordless future with its latest announcement regarding expanded support for passkeys within the Windows 11 operating system. This initiative closely follows a similar push by Google, highlighting a collective movement among tech giants to enhance security through more advanced authentication methods.

Enhanced Integration and User Experience

At the heart of this development is a new plug-in model that enables third-party passkey providers to seamlessly integrate with Windows 11. This integration allows users to utilize services from well-known providers such as 1Password and Bitwarden, ensuring that passkeys can be accessed across various devices, including smartphones and PCs.

In addition to this integration, Microsoft has unveiled a redesigned user experience for managing passkeys. When users navigate to a website that supports passkeys, the updated Windows Hello system will prompt them to save their passkey either to their Microsoft account or through a preferred third-party service. This streamlined process is designed to simplify the creation and usage of passkeys, making it more accessible for users.

Seamless Synchronization and Security

Another noteworthy feature is the ability to sync passkeys across multiple Windows 11 devices. Once a passkey is created and saved on one device, users can effortlessly access it from another Windows 11 machine by logging in with their Microsoft account and completing a one-time setup. This capability enhances convenience while maintaining a high level of security.

To ensure the utmost protection, Microsoft emphasizes that passkeys are safeguarded through end-to-end encryption and the device’s Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This robust security framework guarantees that even if a device is compromised, the integrity of the passkeys remains intact.

Microsoft plans to roll out these innovative features to Windows 11 users soon, with initial access available through the Windows Insider program. This approach will allow early adopters to explore the new passkey functionalities before they are made widely available.

The integration of passkeys into Windows 11, alongside similar initiatives from other tech companies, suggests a significant shift in the way we approach digital security, potentially signaling the end of traditional passwords as we know them.

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Microsoft joins Google in push for password-less future with updated passkeys support