Passwords have been the foundation of online security for decades, but they have also become one of its biggest weaknesses. They are easily forgotten, frequently reused and regularly stolen in cyber attacks. That is why Microsoft is moving towards a safer and simpler alternative: passkeys. Windows 11 is now introducing updates that make them much easier to use and manage, marking a significant step towards a password free future.
A passkey replaces the need to type a password. Instead, it lets users sign in using something secure that they already have, such as their face, fingerprint or a PIN tied to their device. Behind the scenes, passkeys rely on cryptography rather than stored credentials. One part of the key remains safely on the user’s device while the other stays with the service being accessed. The two work together like a lock and key, but the key never leaves the user’s control, making phishing and credential theft far harder.
Until recently, using passkeys in Windows could be awkward. Setting them up often meant turning to third party tools and the process was not always seamless. That is changing. Microsoft is now rolling out improvements in Windows 11 that make passkeys simpler to manage and use across devices. A new partnership with 1Password allows smooth syncing of passkeys, while a separate integration tool lets other password managers connect more easily. This means passkeys can now work with the tools many businesses already rely on.
These features are currently being tested in the latest Windows 11 preview build, but they signal Microsoft’s commitment to eliminating passwords entirely. The Microsoft Authenticator app is already phasing out its password management feature, and passkeys are set to become the default way to sign in to Microsoft accounts. For businesses, this is an opportunity to strengthen security and simplify access at the same time. Preparing for this shift now will make the move to password free authentication smoother and safer in the months ahead.
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