In Windows 11, it will become more convenient to work with access keys – the OS will receive cloud synchronization and integration with 1Password

Microsoft will soon improve support for passkeys in Windows 11 – this technology offers convenient passwordless authorization. The updated Windows Hello interface will offer a choice of where to save keys, for example, synchronized with a Microsoft account, stored in 1Password, Bitwarden or other authorization service providers.

Image source: blogs.windows.com

A new API for third-party password and key managers will help developers connect directly to the Windows 11 interface, meaning they can use access keys on a mobile device to log in to a PC. Currently, cross-platform integration is only partially available – using QR codes and other supporting tools, but in the updated version, direct passwordless login will become more convenient.

The Windows Hello setup mechanism has been redesigned: access keys can be synchronized with a Microsoft account or saved in another location. After completing the initial setup procedure, you can use facial recognition, a fingerprint scanner, or just a PIN code to authenticate with a passkey on multiple Windows 11 devices.

«In the coming months, the new mechanism for working with access keys will become available to participants in the Windows 11 preview testing program, which means that it will appear in the public version of the OS some time later. Microsoft will talk about it in more detail at the Authenticate 2024 conference this coming week.