Microsoft Tests Third-Party Passkey Support in Windows 11: A Passwordless Future

Microsoft is taking another leap toward a passwordless world, introducing third-party passkey support for Windows 11. This move enhances security and convenience by leveraging biometric authentication and aligns with Microsoft’s commitment to phasing out traditional passwords.

Passkeys utilize biometric methods like:

👆 Fingerprints😊 Facial recognition

This approach offers:

🔐 Stronger security: Eliminates risks associated with weak or reused passwords.⚡ Convenience: Simplifies login processes, reducing friction for users.

Since October, Microsoft has been working with major credential providers like 1Password and Bitwarden to roll out this feature. With WebAuthn API updates, users will soon have more options:

🎛️ Third-party passkey providers: Use passkeys created on mobile devices to log in via Windows Hello.🛠️ Plugin authentication model: Enhances flexibility and usability.

The updates are now available for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel via Preview Build 22635.4515 (KB5046756). Key features include:

🔗 Seamless integration: Messages in WebAuthn flows are forwarded to plugins, enabling authentication with third-party passkeys.🖥️ Feedback opportunity: Microsoft encourages testers to share their experiences via the Feedback Hub under Privacy > Passkey.

Microsoft’s strides toward passwordless solutions include:

🛡️ FIDO Alliance membership: Promoting WebAuthn (FIDO credentials) as the industry standard.🔑 Passkey authentication: Introduced for personal Microsoft accounts in May with Windows 11 22H2.📜 Developer tools: Released source code to enable custom passkey platform plugins.

In addition to passkey support, the latest beta preview build also introduces:

📂 OneDrive cross-device functionality: Resume working on files from iOS and Android directly on a Windows 11 PC.🎮 Microsoft Edge Game Assist: A new in-game web browser optimized for PC gaming, accessible via the Game Bar.

By supporting third-party passkeys, Microsoft is strengthening its passwordless ecosystem, providing users with more choices and better security. As the feature rolls out, it reflects a broader industry trend toward eliminating passwords and adopting biometric and token-based solutions.

💬 What’s your take on a passwordless future? Would you trust passkeys for your accounts? Let us know! 👇