Microsoft is preparing to replace traditional passwords with passkeys in Windows. Simple, fast and efficient, this new means of authentication to online services will use Windows Hello biometric identification.
Build 23486 of Windows 11 available through Windows Insiders contains a small novelty that will delight many users who are tearing their hair out trying to remember their various passwords. Indeed, Microsoft in turn seems to be switching to authentication using access keys (passkeys, in English) by integrating it directly into Windows. This will allow you to easily log in to a website or web service that uses passkeys simply by using the biometric identification functions such as fingerprints or facial recognition available in Windows Hello. It will therefore be necessary for the PC to be equipped with a webcam or a certified fingerprint reader, as is the case on many recent computers. The famous PIN code is always allowed. The passkey is only available in the Insiders version of Windows 11. Microsoft has not yet communicated in his blog post the date on which the option should integrate the final version of the system.
The principle of access keys is simple and practical to implement. It is based on two keys: one public, transmitted to the service to which one wishes to connect, and the other private, which remains permanently on the device and is in no way communicated. To use the access key function, simply go to a compatible Web service such as one from Google, for example, which integrated the functionality last spring. From the account management page, in the security options, it is necessary to request the creation of an access key.
All that remains is to define a PIN code and you’re done.
The next time you want to log in to this account, just enter the defined PIN code or use your fingerprint or facial recognition through the Windows Hello device registered on the PC. Convenient.
Passkey: what advantages over passwords?
The generated access keys are directly saved in Windows 11. A new option has also appeared in the system Account settings: Access keys. It allows you to view the list of registered keys and also to delete it.
The advantage of the directly managed passkey in Windows is that you can use any browser to access a web service. The access key stored in Windows will always be used. On the other hand, the access key being specific to each device, it will be necessary to create one on all the computers, smartphones or tablets that you wish to use to access this account.
Finally, be aware that the access key remains, for the moment, complementary to the other authentication tools. Your account password is not deleted. The passkey is intended to facilitate connection while maintaining a high level of security. If you do not enter a password, it becomes impossible for a malicious person or a hacker to intercept it.