Microsoft Introduces Password-Free Sign-In with Windows 11 Passkeys
Microsoft has unveiled a new standard that lets people sign into Windows 11 without typing a password. The update, reported by Border, is part of the latest windfall of features aimed at simplifying login and boosting security for everyday users.
The capability first appeared in the most recent Windows Insider Preview build, labeled 23486. With an update to the Windows Hello authorization app, Microsoft added support for authentication using a PIN, a fingerprint, or a facial recognition scan. This broadens the options available to users and makes it easier to choose a method that feels most natural for daily use.
What makes this feature compelling is its reach. It isn’t limited to logging into Windows itself; it extends to compatible apps and websites that support Windows Hello. In both Edge and Chrome browsers, the login via a passkey appears under the Windows Hello or Foreign Security Key section, making the path to password-free access consistent across software and online services.
Microsoft explained that the process begins in the system settings, where a new access key is created. After the key is set up, the operating system will sign out the current session and prompt the user to re-authenticate using the new security method. Users can review and manage their registered access keys by navigating to Accounts and then Access Keys within Windows Settings, keeping control centralized and straightforward.
According to The Verge, this addition to Windows Hello is designed to simplify credential management within Windows 11. By consolidating sign-in methods, users can reduce the number of passwords they need to remember while maintaining strong security controls.
Industry observers have noted that this development aligns with broader efforts to move away from password reliance. For longtime Windows users, the update signals a shift toward a more seamless and secure login experience, with potential implications for future versions of Windows as well as companion devices and ecosystem services.
As the feature rolls out, users in Canada and the United States will be able to experiment with passkeys across supported devices and services. The move toward password-free sign-in reflects ongoing trends in digital security, including the adoption of biometric and device-based authentication to protect accounts and simplify access for everyday tasks.
While the technology holds promise for convenience and security, users are encouraged to review their privacy settings and understand how access keys are stored and used. Clear visibility into which apps and websites participate in Windows Hello passkey authentication helps maintain confidence and control over personal data.
In summary, the Windows 11 sign-in experience is evolving toward a more fluent, passwordless approach. By combining Windows Hello, passkeys, and cross-application compatibility, Microsoft aims to deliver a streamlined authentication flow without sacrificing protection or usability for users spanning the United States and Canada.