Microsoft rolls out passkey support for all consumer accounts
What's the story
Microsoft has successfully implemented passkey support across all consumer accounts, enabling users to access their accounts without the need to enter a password each time.
Initially introduced in Windows 11 last year, this feature is now available on Windows, Android, and iOS platforms.
Users can create passkeys for their Microsoft accounts using various authentication methods such as face recognition, fingerprint scanning, PINs or security keys.
Authentication methods
Passkeys: A convenient alternative to traditional passwords
Passkeys offer a convenient alternative to traditional passwords by leveraging the device's own authentication methods.
This technology allows users to access various services like Gmail, PayPal, or iCloud using Face ID on an iPhone, the fingerprint sensor on an Android phone, or Windows Hello on a PC.
The passkey system is built on Web Authentication technology where a key is stored by the website or service where the account is and a private key is stored securely on the device.
Device security
Passkey support and backup across multiple devices
In case a device is lost or damaged, passkeys can be backed up across multiple devices.
Services that support passkeys often provide reauthentication via phone number or email address or to a hardware security key if necessary.
Major tech companies like Apple and Google, as well as password managers like 1Password and Dashlane, have already incorporated passkeys in their password vaults.
Passwordless transition
Microsoft's journey toward a passwordless future
"Today, you can use a passkey to sign in to Microsoft apps and websites, including Microsoft 365 and Copilot on desktop and mobile browsers," said Jakkal, corporate vice president of Microsoft security, compliance, and identity.
He also revealed that the ability for signing into mobile versions of Microsoft applications using a passkey will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
This move by Microsoft marks a significant step toward a passwordless future.
Industry adoption
Passkeys: The new standard in tech industry
Passkeys have now become a standard adopted by major tech companies including Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
Over 400 million Google accounts have used passkeys so far, demonstrating their growing popularity as an alternative to traditional passwords.
Microsoft has stressed that passkeys offer quick and easy access to daily-used Microsoft services and provide better protection against malicious attacks than traditional passwords.