Windows 11 is getting a built-in passkey manager for Windows Hello

Microsoft is expanding support for passkeys in Windows 11 to make it more secure to log into websites and apps using biometric authentication.

Passkeys are unique codes linked to specific devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones. Using passkeys significantly reduces the risk of data breaches as they provide protection against phishing attacks that cannot steal them and gain unauthorized access.

Passkeys offer a more secure and convenient alternative to passwords as they allow using personal identification numbers (PINs) or biometric authentication like fingerprints or facial recognition to log in to websites and applications.

This eliminates the need to remember and manage multiple passwords, enhancing overall security and user experience.

As Microsoft revealed, the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23486 release pushed to the Dev Channel has passwordless improvements allowing customers to sign into their accounts using passkeys and Windows Hello.

"We are improving the passkey experience for Windows users. They can now go to any app or website that supports passkeys to create and sign in using passkeys with the Windows Hello native experience," Microsoft's Amanda Langowski and Brandon LeBlanc said.

"Once a passkey is created, users can use Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, PIN) to sign in. In addition, users can use their phone to complete the application logon process."

To use passkeys on your Windows device for website sign-ins, you have to go to passkey-enabled websites like bestbuy.com, ebay.com, or google.com, create a passkey by accessing from your account settings, and then sign out of your account and then sign back in using your newly created passkey.

You can also manage your passkeys with the help of a new passkey management dialog integrated into the Windows settings by going to Settings > Accounts > Passkeys.

You will see all passkeys saved on the Windows device, and you can search for and delete the ones you no longer use.

:story: Bleeping Computer