Are passwords getting phased out? Microsoft seems to think so, and its latest initiative will make that future a bit closer to reality. The company is now testing updates to WebAuthn APIs in Windows 11 that factor in third-party passkey providers, making passwordless authentication even more versatile and accessible. But what does this mean for you as a Windows user? Let's dive into the details with a bit of geekery and break down the nitty-gritty into plain talk.
Microsoft's bigger pivot here is support for third-party passkey providers, such as 1Password or Bitwarden, not just its in-house Windows Hello. This move gives users more flexibility and ensures broad adoption of a password-free ecosystem.
| Aspect | Passwords | Passkeys |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| Ease of Use | Remembering complex strings is hard. | Biometric scans or simple device-authentication make it easy. |
| Security | Prone to leaks via phishing or brute force. | Drastically reduces risk, as credentials aren’t stored or shared. |
| Cross-Platform | Typically requires sync via managers. | Seamless integration across trusted devices. |
| Adoption Growth | Becoming less relevant every day. | Supported by major players like Microsoft, Google, etc. |
By supporting third-party providers, Microsoft is nodding to the growing importance of choice in cybersecurity. This not only caters to individual preferences but is a boon for enterprises looking to deploy diverse security tools across large teams.
Here’s why FIDO matters: by using the same universal protocol, major providers ensure broad compatibility and developer consistency. It’s a universal language ensuring your passkey will work whether it’s saved to iCloud or associated with a Microsoft account.
Steps to enable the feature (Beta Channel members only):
While these changes look promising, there are still challenges. For example, shifting consumer trust, ensuring backward compatibility, and making sure everybody's existing infrastructure aligns with upcoming standards. So yeah—don’t delete your password manager apps just yet, folks—baby steps!
In short, Microsoft’s experiments today fuel the broader adoption of a passwordless world, where switching seamlessly between gadgets or using any chosen credential provider is no longer utopian sci-fi—it’s just Tuesday. Ready or not, the passkey evolution has begun. Let us know on the forum how you feel about the shift! Would you ditch your passwords for a biometric utopia?
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft testing Windows 11 support for third-party passkeys
What Are Passkeys, and Why Should You Care?
Let’s start with the basics: until now, passwords have been the "your buddy that keeps losing the house keys" for your digital life—weak, forgettable, and a glaring vulnerability for security breaches. Enter passkeys, the new sheriff of the cybersecurity frontier. They ditch the alphanumeric chaos altogether, ushering in an era of biometric authentication. Think fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or a PIN tied to your device for validation. They simplify access, boost security, and dramatically reduce risks of hacking or phishing.Microsoft's bigger pivot here is support for third-party passkey providers, such as 1Password or Bitwarden, not just its in-house Windows Hello. This move gives users more flexibility and ensures broad adoption of a password-free ecosystem.
Inside the New Updates: The Tech Backbone
Here’s what Microsoft is rolling out behind the scenes:- WebAuthn API Overhaul:
- The new updates to the Web Authentication API allow third-party plugin integration for passkeys in Windows 11.
- This means WebAuthn can now route "authentication messages" to these plugins, thereby enabling alternate providers to work seamlessly as passkey managers.
- Plugin Authentication:
- Third-party plugins authenticate users by creating or verifying passkeys upon system requests. In simpler terms, it’s like adding more payment options at checkout: pick your preferred provider to log in securely.
- Collaborations Galore:
- Microsoft has teamed up with heavyweights in the credentials ecosystem, including Bitwarden, 1Password, and others. It’s a strategic move to ensure diverse options for users in both personal and corporate settings.
- Beta Testing Build:
- If you're a part of the Windows Insider Beta Channel running Preview Build 22635.4515 (KB5046756), congrats—you can already start tinkering with this feature.
- The Insider community is encouraged to submit their feedback through the Feedback Hub.
What’s in It for Windows Users?
Passkeys aren’t entirely new to Windows 11. They made their debut back in the Windows 11 22H2 update, which introduced built-in passkey management for your personal Microsoft accounts. But this latest rollout kicks things up a notch. Here’s how it’s improving the user experience:- Bye-Bye, Password Hassles:
With passkeys from third-party providers complementing Windows Hello, users can switch between devices, including mobile, without resyncing or resetting credentials. This is especially great for managing various platforms across personal and work accounts. - Unified Experience:
Windows updates will preserve the familiarity of its Windows Hello interface, while adding passkey support from other apps and platforms. It’s essentially the best of both worlds—security and user-friendliness combined. - Developers Front and Center:
Microsoft isn’t keeping the goodies all for itself. It has made source code available so developers can design their own plugins and extend passkey functionality even further.
The Big Picture: How Passkeys Compare to Traditional Security Methods
Wondering why this matters at all? Let’s lay it out:| Aspect | Passwords | Passkeys |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| Ease of Use | Remembering complex strings is hard. | Biometric scans or simple device-authentication make it easy. |
| Security | Prone to leaks via phishing or brute force. | Drastically reduces risk, as credentials aren’t stored or shared. |
| Cross-Platform | Typically requires sync via managers. | Seamless integration across trusted devices. |
| Adoption Growth | Becoming less relevant every day. | Supported by major players like Microsoft, Google, etc. |
By supporting third-party providers, Microsoft is nodding to the growing importance of choice in cybersecurity. This not only caters to individual preferences but is a boon for enterprises looking to deploy diverse security tools across large teams.
Plugged Into the FIDO Alliance—What Is That?
You’ll notice that passkeys aren’t unique to Microsoft. They’re rooted in WebAuthn standards, a brainchild of the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance. Microsoft, alongside Apple and Google, has embraced these standards, contributing to the same ecosystem that is pushing passkeys as the next milestone in passwordless advancements.Here’s why FIDO matters: by using the same universal protocol, major providers ensure broad compatibility and developer consistency. It’s a universal language ensuring your passkey will work whether it’s saved to iCloud or associated with a Microsoft account.
How to Try the Feature and Get Ready
While this passkey evolution is still in beta, you can take it for a spin if you’re a Windows Insider. Maybe you’re not an early adopter but are eager to jump on board—your time is coming. In the coming months, expect polished functionality to become part of mainstream updates.Steps to enable the feature (Beta Channel members only):
- Enter Settings -> Windows Update.
- Ensure you're running the latest build: 22635.4515 (KB5046756).
- Play around with passkey options for supported third-party providers (once fully configured locally).
What Else is Brewing? A Broader Windows Vision
Passkey updates aren’t the only shiny things coming out of Microsoft’s labs lately. Did you hear about these bonus add-ons thrown into the same Beta Channel build?- Resume OneDrive Projects:
Windows 11 beta now lets users seamlessly switch between Android or iOS files and their PC OneDrive workspace, extending the cross-device flow. - Microsoft Edge Game Assist:
A new PC-gaming focused in-game browser popping up through Game Bar.
Why It Matters for Everyone—An Industry-Wide Awakening?
This isn’t just Microsoft shaking up authentication. It’s a bellwether moment in tech where traditional barriers like forgotten passwords are moving toward becoming obsolete. More significant, however, is the spotlight on user sovereignty—you get to choose how to secure and manage your digital identity.While these changes look promising, there are still challenges. For example, shifting consumer trust, ensuring backward compatibility, and making sure everybody's existing infrastructure aligns with upcoming standards. So yeah—don’t delete your password manager apps just yet, folks—baby steps!
In short, Microsoft’s experiments today fuel the broader adoption of a passwordless world, where switching seamlessly between gadgets or using any chosen credential provider is no longer utopian sci-fi—it’s just Tuesday. Ready or not, the passkey evolution has begun. Let us know on the forum how you feel about the shift! Would you ditch your passwords for a biometric utopia?
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft testing Windows 11 support for third-party passkeys