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November 08, 2024

Windows 11: New Passkey Design with Cloud Sync & 1Password Integration

Microsoft is making great strides to make Windows 11 more secure and user-friendly with an updated design for passkeys. These new features bring more flexibility and options for managing digital keys (passkeys) directly into Windows Hello. Find out everything you need to know about this exciting update here!

What are the new features? πŸ†•

  • Cloud Sync for Passkeys ☁️
    Users can now sync their passkeys with their Microsoft account so they can be accessed on multiple Windows devices. This means less hassle with multiple logins and a seamless user experience.
  • Integration with 1Password, Bitwarden and more πŸ—οΈ
    Microsoft partners with well-known password managers such as 1Password and Bitwarden. This allows users to store and manage their passkeys in their favorite tool, in addition to their Microsoft account. This allows you to choose the security option that best suits your preferences.
  • New API for Third Parties πŸ”Œ
    A new API allows developers to integrate their own password and passkey managers into Windows 11, allowing you, for example, to use your passkey from a mobile device to log in to your PC, offering more flexibility and convenience.

Easier Authentication with Windows Hello πŸ‘‹

The new Windows Hello provides a user-friendly interface for managing passkeys:

  • Facial recognition, fingerprint or PIN πŸ‘οΈπŸ‘†
    After a one-time setup, you can easily log in using facial recognition, your fingerprint or a PIN. This makes using passkeys fast, secure and convenient.
  • Instant access on multiple devices πŸ’»πŸ“±
    Thanks to cloud synchronization, you only need to set up once, after which you have access on multiple devices. This significantly lowers the barrier to using passkeys.
Windows 11 passkey

Source: Microsoft

Availability: First for Windows Insiders ⏳

Windows Insiders will be the first to gain access to these new passkey features in the coming months. Microsoft announced that more details about the enhanced passkeys will be available during the Windows security sessions at the Authenticate 2024 conference.

What does this mean to you? 🧐

The new passkey options offer some distinct advantages:

  • Strong security without complexity
    Linking biometrics to passkeys makes logging in safer and easier.
  • More choices
    Whether you want to manage your passkeys through Microsoft, 1Password or another service, you decide what suits you best.
  • Flexibility between devices
    The new API allows mobile and desktop devices to work together seamlessly, so you can log in securely from anywhere without hassle.
Screens of the new passkey login flow

Screens from the new passkey login flow Source: Microsoft

Conclusion πŸ’‘

With these new passkey features, Microsoft is taking an important step toward a password-free future. The new Windows Hello design makes logging in more secure as well as easier to use. Through cloud-syncing and integration with popular password managers, Windows 11 gives you more control and convenience than ever before. πŸ”œ Stay on top of developments by following Microsoft’s updates or becoming a Windows Insider. It looks like the future of secure, passwordless login systems is closer than ever! πŸ”

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Windows 11 Passkey