Windows 11 adds passkey manager: Everything you need to know
Windows 11 is set to make password management a lot easier by introducing a new passkey manager. With this new feature, users will be able to store their passkeys in a secure manner and use them to access their accounts with ease. Here’s everything you need to know about Windows 11’s passkey manager.
What are passkeys?
A passkey is a type of password that is used to access an account or a device. Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys are stored locally on the device and are never sent over the internet. They are also designed to be more secure than traditional passwords, as they are less susceptible to hacking attempts.
How will Windows 11’s passkey manager work?
Windows 11’s passkey manager will work by allowing users to store and manage their passkeys in a secure manner. Users will be able to choose which accounts or devices they want to associate with a particular passkey, and the passkey manager will do the rest. When a user wants to access an account or device, they will be prompted to enter their passkey instead of a traditional password.
What are the benefits of using passkeys?
Passkeys offer several benefits over traditional passwords. Since they are stored locally on the device, they are less likely to be hacked by a remote attacker. Additionally, they are easy to use, as users only need to remember one passkey to access all of their associated accounts and devices.
What devices and platforms will support passkeys?
The passkey feature will be available on devices that run Windows 11 or later. It will not be available on older versions of Windows or other operating systems, such as macOS or Linux.
How will passkeys be synchronized?
Passkeys will be synchronized across devices that are signed in with the same Microsoft account. This means that if a user creates a passkey on one device, that passkey will be available on all of their other Windows 11 devices.
Is passkey management secure?
Yes, passkey management is secure. Passkeys are stored locally on the device, which means that they are less susceptible to hacking attempts than traditional passwords. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented several security features to protect passkeys, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication.
How do I set up a passkey?
To set up a passkey on Windows 11, follow these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Settings app |
| 2 | Click on Accounts |
| 3 | Select Sign-in options |
| 4 | Click on Add under the Passkey section |
| 5 | Follow the on-screen instructions to create a passkey |
Can I use passkeys on other platforms?
No, passkeys are only supported on devices that run Windows 11 or later.
Can passkeys be used for identity federation?
Yes, passkeys can be used for identity federation. This means that a passkey can be used to access multiple accounts across different domains.
Can I use third-party credential management apps to store passkeys?
Starting from Windows 14, users will be able to opt to use third-party credential management apps to store their passkeys. However, this feature is not yet available in Windows 11.
Conclusion
Windows 11’s passkey manager is a welcome addition for users who are tired of managing multiple passwords. The new feature will make it easy to store and manage passkeys in a secure manner and use them to access accounts and devices with ease. With several security features in place, passkeys are a secure and convenient way to manage your online identity.
FAQ
1. Can I use passkeys to log into online accounts?
Yes, passkeys can be used to log into online accounts as long as the account supports passkey authentication.
2. Will passkeys be available on older versions of Windows?
No, passkeys will only be available on devices that run Windows 11 or later.
3. Is it possible to change a passkey?
Yes, users can change their passkey at any time by going to the Settings app and selecting Sign-in options.
4. How long can passkeys be?
Passkeys can be up to 127 characters long.
5. What happens if I forget my passkey?
If you forget your passkey, you will need to reset it. This can be done by going to the Settings app, selecting Sign-in options, and clicking on I forgot my passkey.