Microsoft Accounts Can Finally Use Passwords on Windows 11, Android and Apple
Microsoft first released password support in Windows 11 last year, offering users a passwordless way to sign into their Microsoft accounts. All consumer accounts can now finally generate passkeys for use on Windows, Android, and iOS.
Microsoft announced the full rollout in its security blog this week. The company notes that attacks on passwords have increased by more than 3,378 percent since it first introduced Windows Hello, its biometric login method for Windows 10, spurring efforts to replace passwords with access keys. Starting this week, Microsoft will let you add and use passkeys that will allow you to access your account using your face, fingerprint, or device PIN on Windows, Google, and Apple platforms.
The availability of passwords is growing on a number of sites and platforms , and Google has even gone the “passwordless” route by adding its own password systems. In short, they provide more security than a traditional password because they are device-based: your device stores one part of the key, and the app or site—in this case, Microsoft—stores the other. There is no “password” that can be hacked: without a trusted device, attackers will not be able to break into your accounts.
Microsoft is gradually working to add passkey support to its ecosystem, starting with Windows 11’s Passkey Manager , which lets you store passkeys for other sites and apps directly on your device. We’re hoping that creating a Windows password will also help make logging into other apps easier, since it looks like Microsoft wants to expand the acceptance of its Windows passkeys.
As password crackers become more common and password requirements become more complex, access keys offer both a convenient and more secure way to log into your account that won’t require you to write down a long and complex password, thereby eliminating some of the extra security. password right away – to remember it.
You can manage your passkeys in Windows 11 by going to Settings > Accounts > Passkey Settings and clicking the three dots next to any passkey to manage it.