When was the last time you thought about how you log in to your online accounts? Or how secure those logins really are?
For decades, passwords have been the gatekeepers to our digital lives. But let’s be honest — they’re a hassle. They’re easily forgotten, often reused across multiple accounts, and an easy target for cyber criminals.
That’s why passkeys are being hailed as the future of secure sign-ins – a change that could significantly strengthen your business’s Cyber Security. And now, Windows is finally making it simpler to use them.
What Are Passkeys and How Do They Work?
A passkey is a modern, passwordless way to log in to your accounts. Instead of typing a password that can be stolen or guessed, you use something much harder to compromise — like your fingerprint, your face, or a device-specific PIN.
Behind the scenes, passkeys use public key cryptography — the same technology that keeps online banking and secure websites safe. A passkey consists of two parts:
- One stays securely stored on your device.
- The other remains with the service you’re logging into.
When you sign in, the two “keys” communicate to verify your identity. Crucially, your private key never leaves your device — so it can’t be stolen, reused, or phished.
You can read more about how passkeys work on the FIDO Alliance website, the industry group behind this technology.
Why Passkeys Are More Secure Than Passwords
Passwords can be compromised in countless ways — data breaches, phishing scams, keyloggers, or simply weak choices (think Password123). Our IT Support team often helps businesses recover from these common risks.
Passkeys eliminate these risks because they:
- Can’t be shared or stolen – they’re tied to your device.
- Protect against phishing – there’s no password to trick you into giving away.
- Simplify logins – your device recognises you using biometric data or a secure PIN.
Even the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends adopting passkeys as a safer, more convenient alternative to traditional passwords.
Microsoft’s Push Towards a Password-Free Future
Until recently, using passkeys in Windows felt clunky. Setting them up often meant relying on third-party apps or browsers — not exactly seamless for most users.
That’s changing fast. Microsoft has begun rolling out new passkey features in Windows 11 that make creation, management, and syncing much easier — something our Professional IT Services team can help you implement efficiently.
Key Updates Include:
- Integration with Password Managers: Windows 11 will soon support syncing your passkeys through the most popular password managers.
- New tools for other password managers: Microsoft has released APIs that make it easier for other providers to integrate, improving compatibility across the board.
- Simplified setup: Passkeys can now be managed directly from Windows settings, without needing to navigate through multiple apps.
These improvements are currently available in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, with a wider rollout expected soon.
You can follow the latest updates on the official Microsoft Blog.
What This Means for Your Business
This isn’t just a convenience upgrade — it’s a major security step forward.
For businesses, passkeys can help:
- Reduce password reset requests and related IT overhead.
- Strengthen defences against phishing and credential theft.
- Improve user experience for employees logging in across systems.
Microsoft has also confirmed that the Microsoft Authenticator app will phase out its password management feature, focusing entirely on passkeys as the primary login method for Microsoft accounts.
It’s a clear signal: the password era is coming to an end.
How to Prepare for a Password-Free Future
Passkeys offer stronger protection, less hassle, and a smoother experience for everyone. With Windows now leading the way in integrating them, there’s never been a better time to start planning your move.
If you’d like help understanding passkeys, setting them up in your organisation, or ensuring your systems are ready for the shift to passwordless authentication, get in touch.
We can help your business make the transition securely and confidently.
