Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 update introduces global support for Key, a passwordless login technology that instead logs you into your account using your face, fingerprint, or device PIN.
Microsoft announced that the next update to Windows 11, released on September 26, will allow users to create, manage, store and use keys to access websites and services supported by their device's authentication system.
Microsoft began testing key management in the Windows Insider developer channel last June, so this Windows 11 update brings the technology to the public.
Windows Hello generates Windows 11 keys. The keys can be accessed on desktop and mobile systems and are used to authenticate users.
IT teams can encourage employees to use secure sign-in methods by removing the option to use Windows Hello passwords on all Windows 11 devices.
“We have been working with industry partners and the FIDO Alliance over the past few years to advance a passwordless, keyless future,” Microsoft said in a blog post.
“Master Key is the future of access to websites and apps across all platforms and ecosystems,” she added.
Microsoft provides Github and Docusign as examples of using keys because keys can replace passwords in websites, applications, and services that support the WebAuthn public key authentication standard.
Password management service 1Password has created a comprehensive directory that keeps track of everything that currently supports keys. Master keys are expected to completely replace passwords and become the new standard for login technology. However, it may take some time for them to gain widespread support.
Microsoft is an early adopter of the technology, joining other tech giants like Apple and Google in announcing plans to launch the key on World Password Day 2022.