A comprehensive guide to using passkeys in Windows 11

Passkeys in Windows 11 represent a significant advancement in digital security, offering a more secure and convenient alternative to traditional passwords. This guide will cover how to set up and use passkeys in Windows 11, utilizing Windows Hello for authentication, and managing passkeys across different devices.

In celebration of World Password Day, Microsoft recently announced that all consumer accounts now support passkeys. Passkeys are a passwordless login method, which uses a cryptographic key pair, enhances security by being phishing-resistant. Users can set up passkeys to sign in to Microsoft apps and websites on desktop and mobile browsers.

How to save, use, and manage passkeys in Windows 11

To effectively utilize passkeys in Windows 11, it’s essential to understand how to save, use, and manage them. Passkeys offer a more secure and convenient alternative to traditional passwords, leveraging Windows Hello for authentication through PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint. This guide, based on Microsoft’s support documentation, will walk you through the process of saving, using, and managing passkeys in Windows 11.

Saving a passkey

To save a passkey in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open a website or app that supports passkeys.
2. Navigate to your account settings and create a passkey.
3. Choose where to save the passkey. By default, Windows suggests saving it locally if you’re using Windows Hello. However, you have several options for storage:

• • This Windows device: The passkey is saved locally on your Windows device and protected by Windows Hello.
  • iPhone, iPad, or Android device: The passkey is saved on your phone or tablet, protected by the device’s biometrics. This requires scanning a QR code with your phone or tablet, which must be near your Windows device.
  • Linked device: Specifically for Android devices, the passkey is saved on a phone or tablet that must be in proximity to your Windows device.
  • Security key: The passkey is saved to a FIDO2 security key, protected by the key’s unlock mechanism (e.g., biometrics or PIN).

Using a passkey

To use a passkey for signing into supported websites or apps on Windows 11:

1. Open the website or app.
2. Select the option to sign in with a passkey.
3. If the passkey is stored locally and protected by Windows Hello, you’ll be prompted to use Windows Hello for sign-in. Alternatively, if using another device:

• • This Windows device: Use a passkey stored locally and protected by Windows Hello.
  • iPhone, iPad, or Android device: Sign in with a passkey stored on a phone or tablet, requiring a QR code scan.
  • Linked device: For Android devices, sign in with a passkey stored on a device in proximity to your Windows device.
  • Security key: Sign in with a passkey stored on a FIDO2 security key.

Managing Passkeys

1. Open the Windows 11 Settings menu by pressing the Windows key + I.
2. Select Accounts from the left-hand menu. Select Acccounts a second time (Accounts > Accounts).
3. Scroll down and choose Passkey settings. 
4. In Passkey settings, you have the ability to delete passkeys saved locally to your PC by clicking the three-dot menu on the right and clicking Delete passkey to confirm.

While the specific steps for managing passkeys in Windows 11 were not provided in the sources, managing passkeys typically involves viewing, deleting, or updating them within your account settings on supported websites or apps. This can usually be done through the security or privacy settings of your account on those platforms.

Feedback on passkeys

Microsoft encourages users to provide feedback on their experience with passkeys. This feedback is crucial for improving the feature and addressing any issues users may encounter. While the specific process for submitting feedback was not detailed in the sources, it typically involves using feedback tools provided by Microsoft or through the support sections of the websites or apps where passkeys are used.

Using passkeys in Windows 11 offer a secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional passwords, integrating seamlessly with Windows Hello. By following the steps outlined above, users can effectively save, use, and manage their passkeys, enhancing their online security and convenience.