- Passkeys in Windows 11 replace traditional passwords with more secure and convenient methods.
- They allow biometric or PIN authentication, increasing protection against phishing and data theft.
- They integrate with services and password managers, making them easy to use across different devices.
La digital security has become an essential aspect of our daily lives. Cyberattacks, whether through password theft or attempted hacking, Phishing, are the order of the day. To protect our personal and professional information, it is no longer enough to create increasingly long and complicated passwords. Microsoft has taken a step forward with Passkeys in Windows 11So you can access your services more conveniently, securely, and without having to remember difficult passwords.
Can you imagine accessing your favorite websites or apps with just your face, your fingerprint, or a PIN? Well, that's precisely what Passkeys allow, a system that eliminates traditional passwords and uses modern technologies so only you can access your accounts.
What are Passkeys and how are they revolutionizing login?
Passkeys are a new way to log in to apps and websites, replacing passwords with biometric authentication (such as fingerprint, facial recognition) or a simple PIN. Each passkey is unique for each service, which significantly reduces the risks of reuse, leakage or theft that affect traditional passwords.
These keys are generated and stored locally on your device, and are protected by Windows Hello security systems, so only you can unlock them and use your identity to access services, without having to type anything.
By relying on the protocols of the FIDO Alliance and WebAuthn technology, passkeys use a pair of cryptographic keys (one public and one private). The private key never leaves your device and the biometrics never travel over the network., making it nearly impossible for someone to steal it through phishing or brute force attacks.
Advantages of using Passkeys over passwords
Use Passkeys in Windows 11 It represents a huge leap forward in security and user experience. Here are some key points:
- Forget about remembering passwords: You only need your fingerprint, face or PIN to enter.
- Safer: They resist phishing attacks, theft, and cannot be guessed or reused on other services.
- Unique for each website or app: No one can use the same passkey on multiple sites.
- Protection of biometric data: All biometric information is stored on your device and never shared online.
How do Passkeys work in Windows 11?
The passkey system is based on the direct integration with Windows HelloWhen you access a website or app that supports passkeys, you can create a password protected with your biometric identity, or PIN.
For example, when you log in to platforms like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, X or Apple from Windows 11, you can create and save your passkey on your computer. The next time you want to log in, you just have to use your face, your fingerprint or enter your PIN, depending on the method you chose when creating the key.
The process is also compatible with mobile devices, tablets or FIDO2 security keysYou can even scan a QR code or use a Bluetooth connection to authenticate from your phone if you're on another computer or don't have a fingerprint reader on your PC. This way, the experience adapts to the needs of each user and device.
Supported devices and browsers
Passkeys compatibility is growing and is not limited to Windows. In the case of Windows 11, you can use passkeys if you have:
- Windows 11 or Windows 10
- macOS Ventura or higher
- iOS 16 or higher / Android 9 or higher
- ChromeOS 109 or higher
- Devices with compatible FIDO2 security keys
As for browsers, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Safari allow the use of passkeys, although the experience may vary slightly depending on the platform and recent updates.
How to activate Passkeys in Windows 11 step by step
Activating this feature is really simple and will only take a few minutes. You can do it directly from any service that accepts Passkeys (e.g. Google or Microsoft) or from your account settings in Windows 11. Here are the basic steps:
- Access a compatible website or app that offers the option to "Sign in with a password" or similar.
- Follow the instructions to create the passkey. Normally, the system will ask you to choose between facial recognition, fingerprint or PIN via Windows Hello.
- Confirm authentication with the chosen method.
- The passkey will be automatically saved and associated with both the service and your device.
Now, the next time you visit that website or app, if you have the passkey configured, the system will automatically suggest you log in using Windows Hello. You'll just have to authenticate with a gesture and that's it.
Manage and delete Passkeys in Windows 11
At some point, you may want to view, modify, or delete your saved passkeys on your PC or Microsoft account. Windows 11 makes it very easy:
- Accede to Settings > Accounts > Passkeys.
- Here you will see a list of all the passkeys stored on the device.
- To delete any passkey, click the three dots next to it and select “Delete Passkey.”
This process is similar in both Spanish and English, and you can adjust the settings to manage keys based on your operating system language.
Is Passkeys safe to use? Privacy and protection measures
Security is one of the great advantages of this system. All biometric information used never leaves your device.. In addition, the private key that authenticates the session remains securely stored on the device, protected by technologies such as TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and end-to-end encryption.
Neither online services, nor the applications themselves, nor even Microsoft will have access to your biometric data or private key. The public key, which is shared, cannot be used to access your accounts without the private key. That's why Passkeys are so resistant to phishing attacks, impersonation, or mass credential theft.
Which services and applications are already supported?
Although Passkeys adoption is still growing, More and more platforms are incorporating themYou can now use Passkeys on services like:
- Google and its ecosystem (Gmail, YouTube, Drive…)
- Microsoft (personal, work, and school accounts)
- Apple, Amazon, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter)
- Access to banking applications and government services that support FIDO2/WebAuthn
And remember, each Passkey is independent and associated with each service, which adds an extra layer of protection.
What Windows licenses and versions are supported?
You'll have no problem using passkeys on most versions of Windows 11, whether you have the Pro, Enterprise, Education, or Pro Education/SE editions. Passkeys are included as standard and do not require additional payment or special license other than those already existing.
- Windows 11 Pro
- Windows 11 Enterprise (E3 and E5)
- Windows 11 Pro Education/SE
- Windows 11 Education (A3, A5)
Anyone can take advantage of this technology, as all you need is an account and a Passkeys-compatible service.
The Passkeys They are the present and future of digital security in Windows 11You can now forget the stress of remembering impossible passwords and the fear of massive breaches. All you need is your ID, a gesture, and that's it: secure, convenient, and hassle-free access across all your favorite devices and services. Don't miss the opportunity to activate them and fully enter a new era of digital protection.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.