Microsoft has announced a significant update for Windows 11 that could transform how users log into their devices and online accounts. The company is introducing support for third-party passkey providers, marking a major step towards a passwordless future.
The update, confirmed through the official Windows Insider blog, will allow users to use passkeys from providers like 1Password alongside Microsoft’s native Windows Hello feature. This means millions of Windows 11 users could soon replace traditional passwords with more secure authentication methods.
Microsoft is gradually rolling out this update, enabling users to choose third-party passkey providers while maintaining a familiar login experience. The company describes this as part of its commitment to enhanced digital security, making it easier and safer for users to access their accounts.
For those not immediately ready to switch to passkeys, Microsoft recommends using password managers to create strong, unique passwords. These tools can help generate complex passwords and prevent users from reusing credentials across different platforms, which is a common security risk.
The move represents a significant shift in digital authentication, potentially making passwords a thing of the past for Windows 11 users in the near future.