Windows 10 Eliminates Passwords

Microsoft is demonstrating its growing focus on personalization as the launch of Windows 10 slowly rolls closer. New updates indicate that it plans to try biometric authentication in hopes of bringing more convenience and security to compatible devices.

At its Redmond press event on Jan. 21, officials described the new OS as "the first step to an era of more personal computing." The goal is to go beyond standalone mobile devices and create features that let content make the transition from one device to another.

The latest upgrade designed to improve the mobile user experience is Windows Hello, a biometric authentication system that provides instant identity verification to devices running Windows 10. Windows Hello has system support that allows users to unlock a device by scanning their face, iris, or fingerprint rather than typing a password.

In a March 17 blog post on the announcement, Microsoft's Joe Belfiore writes that the Windows Hello system authenticates applications, certain online experiences, and enterprise content without the necessity of stowing a password. The technology is safer and more convenient than traditional passwords, he claims.

:story: InformationWeek