- Passkeys offer more secure authentication than traditional passwords and are already integrated into Windows 11.
- Windows Hello allows you to create, manage, and use passkeys using biometrics or PIN in a simple and centralized way.
- Access keys can be synchronized between devices and can be associated with external services and apps Of third parties.
Forget about traditional passwordsThe arrival of passkeys in Windows 11 represents a huge leap forward in security and ease of use for accessing all kinds of services. If you want to know how to activate them and get the most out of them, you've come to the right place, because here we explain everything in detail, summarizing and expanding on the most relevant information from the most reputable and official sources.
In this guide you will find not only how passkeys work and their advantages, but exactly How to create, manage, and use them in Windows 11 to access both personal and professional accounts. We'll also cover the requirements, device compatibility, advanced options, and the latest Microsoft updates for syncing your passwords across different computers.
What are passkeys and why are they revolutionizing authentication?
The passkeys or access keys They are an innovation that replaces the use of passwords with a much more secure and simple system. What makes this technology special is that it combines biometric authentication or PIN (or a physical security key) with the FIDO2 standard, which virtually eliminates the risk of password theft or phishing attacks.
Instead of memorizing complex character combinations, the private key It's securely stored on your device, and only you can unlock it using your fingerprint, facial recognition, or a PIN. When you try to access a compatible website or app, your device signs a cryptographic token without revealing the key, and only then grants you access. The server never stores your private key, only the public one, avoiding massive credential theft.
The main advantages include:
- They are impossible to guess or steal through phishing., since you never enter the real key.
- They only work on the authorized device, impossible to reuse them elsewhere.
- You don't need to remember complex passwords, you just need to authenticate yourself using a biometric method or PIN.
- Multiplatform and backed by large companies like Microsoft, Google and Apple.
Compatibility and requirements for activating passkeys in Windows 11
To enjoy passkeys in Windows 11, you should know that You need to have a compatible version of the operating system, usually 22H2 or later.Additionally, any modern edition of Windows 11 (Pro, Enterprise, Pro Education, Education, and their variants) includes support for these access keys, as long as you have the corresponding update.
Support also extends to centralized management through Windows Hello, allowing you to use biometric methods (fingerprint, facial recognition) or your PIN to unlock your access key at every login.
Passkeys can be stored and used on a variety of devices and methods:
- On the Windows 11 PC itself, protected by Windows Hello
- On mobile phones (iOS y Android) or tablets via QR and Bluetooth connection
- In FIDO2 physical security keys (kind USB, NFC or others)
- Synced to the cloud via your Microsoft account or supported password management services like 1Password or Bitwarden (recent updates)
Additionally, for professional or educational environments that use business accounts, it is possible activate and manage passkeys centrally from the Microsoft admin panel, as long as the IT department allows it.
How to create and activate passkeys in Windows 11 step by step
Generating your first passkey is really simple and can be done from compatible web services (such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, etc.) or directly from Windows settings for personal or work Microsoft accounts.
We explain the process for both personal and corporate accounts:
1. Create a passkey for your Microsoft or Google account
- Access your account settings (Google, Microsoft, etc.) from the browser on your Windows 11 PC.
- In the security section, look for the option "Access Keys," "Passkeys," or "Security Keys."
- Select "Create Passcode" and follow the wizard to choose whether you want to use your PIN, facial recognition, fingerprint, or a physical security key.
- Complete the process and the passkey will be linked to the device where you created it.
2. Activate passkeys with Windows Hello
- Open the Settings app in Windows 11.
- Go to the "Accounts" section and look for "Sign-in options."
- Go to “Passkeys” (it may appear as “Passkeys” depending on the language and version).
- From here you can manage, create, or delete keys associated with different accounts and services.
Using Passkeys in Windows 11: Login and Advanced Options
Using a passkey is instant. When you access a compatible site or app and it detects that you have a registered passkey, you'll be automatically prompted to complete authentication using the configured method (Windows Hello, PIN, biometrics, or physical key).
- For locally saved passwords, you'll only need to use your PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition on your device.
- If you have the passkey on a mobile phone (iPhone, iPad or Android), you can log in by scanning a QR code and authenticating on your mobile device.
- If you're using a FIDO2 physical security key, insert it into a compatible USB port or hold it to an NFC reader to complete access.
Many services allow you to choose between different methods depending on which one you have configured and active. Plus, with the latest updates, it's possible Sync your passkeys between devices using the Microsoft cloud or external managers, which makes it much easier to use on multiple computers.
Manage and delete passwords in Windows 11
With the growth of online accounts and services, it's essential to be able to manage all your passwords from one place. Windows 11 makes this task easier from the Settings app:
- Open Settings, go to “Accounts,” then “Passkeys.”
- You will see a list of all the passkeys stored on your device.
- You can search, filter, and delete any passcode by simply tapping the three dots next to the passcode and selecting "Delete Passcode."
Support for physical security keys and professional environments
One of the most robust options is the use of FIDO2 USB or NFC security keysThis method is ideal for businesses where centralized management is key:
- You can add up to 10 physical keys per user, configure them with a unique PIN, and manage them from the Microsoft admin console.
- The process includes naming the key, associating it with the account, and, if necessary, deleting it individually or resetting it to erase all stored data.
- From Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Security key, you can manage, create, or change your physical key PIN.
If you lose a physical key, you can delete it from your security information, and if you want to reuse it, you'll need to reset it to factory settings, which completely erases all previous login data.
What's new: cloud synchronization and external managers
Microsoft recently announced some important new features to make passkeys even easier to use:
- Syncing passkeys to the cloud from your Microsoft account, making it easy to access across multiple devices without having to manually register each password.
- Integration with external password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden thanks to a plug-in system that allows you to store and retrieve passwords directly.
- Windows Hello Redesign with new interfaces and expanded compatibility to make life easier for those who use multiple computers or devices.
The security of this entire ecosystem is guaranteed by the use of end-to-end encryption and protection TPM on compatible devices, preventing unauthorized access even if the device is physically stolen.
What about traditional passwords and two-step verification?
Currently, you can continue to use conventional passwords as a backup method, although everything indicates that, in the coming years, Passkeys will become the primary authentication standard in Windows 11 and other systems.For particularly sensitive accounts, it's also recommended to combine passkeys with two-step verification and apps like Microsoft Authenticator to add an extra layer of protection.
In the meantime, the transition is simple, as any user can choose between both methods upon login, and IT departments can tailor the migration to each organization's needs.
When it comes to security and user experience, Windows 11 is clearly betting on eliminating passwords in favor of biometric methods and passkeys, which offer a higher level of protection and greater convenience.The adoption of these technologies will facilitate a safer and more efficient digital environment for everyone.
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