Windows Makes Passkeys Easier to Use

When was the last time you thought about how you log in to your online accounts?

For most of us, it’s still with a password. But let’s face it—passwords are frustrating. They’re easy to forget, often reused across multiple sites, and one of the easiest ways for hackers to break into accounts.

That’s why passkeys are being hailed as the future of secure logins. And now, Windows is making them much simpler to use.

What exactly is a passkey?

A passkey is the modern replacement for a password. Instead of remembering strings of random characters, you can sign in with something you already have—your fingerprint, face scan, or a secure device PIN.

Here’s the clever part: passkeys use advanced cryptography. There’s no single password for cybercriminals to steal. The “key” is split in two—one part stays securely on your device, and the other remains with the service you’re logging into.

They fit together like a lock and key, but your half never leaves your device. That makes phishing scams far less effective, because you can’t accidentally hand over your passkey.

What’s changing in Windows?

Until now, using passkeys in Windows could feel awkward. Setting them up wasn’t always straightforward, and you often needed third-party apps to make them work.

Microsoft is now fixing that. The latest Windows 11 updates are rolling out with better integration for passkeys, making them easier to set up and manage.

Key improvements include:

• Partnership with 1Password – Passkeys will sync more smoothly with one of the most popular password managers.

• Support for other tools – Microsoft has created a new system so more password managers can integrate seamlessly with Windows.

In short, your passkeys will work better with the tools you already rely on to stay secure.

The future is password-free

These updates are currently being tested in the Windows 11 preview builds, so they’re not available to everyone just yet. But it’s clear where Microsoft is heading—toward a password-free future.

The company is even retiring the password storage feature in its Microsoft Authenticator app, shifting fully toward passkeys as the default login method.

That’s great news for businesses and individuals alike. Passkeys are more secure, easier to use, and eliminate the hassle of managing dozens of different passwords.

Time to prepare your business

With Windows paving the way, now is the perfect time to start planning your move away from traditional passwords. Switching to passkeys doesn’t just improve security—it also saves time and frustration for your team.

If you’d like help understanding passkeys or getting your business ready for a password-free future, we’re here to guide you.

Next Steps

Are you looking for a new IT service provider? Check out our free guide that explains how to choose your next IT service provider for some quick tips to get you started! Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call with someone from our team to see if we’re a good mutual fit!