Microsoft announces passkey support for consumer accounts

Microsoft has announced passkey support for consumer accounts. Starting today, you can use a passkey to sign in to your Microsoft account using your face, fingerprint, or device PIN on Windows, Google, and Apple platforms.

Passkeys are a faster, safer, and easier alternative to passwords that can be easily guessed, hacked, or stolen. Passkeys are a much more secure option as they are phishing-resistant.

Passkeys are supported on desktop and mobile browsers, with support for Microsoft mobile apps coming soon.

"Protecting and accessing your digital life doesn't need to be a hassle, and you shouldn’t have to choose between simple access and safe access. Accessing your Microsoft account with a passkey lets you put the frustration of passwords and codes behind you, so you can focus on being creative and getting things done," Microsoft wrote in a blog post.

What makes passkeys safer than passwords?

A passkey access uses two unique keys, called a cryptographic key pair. One key is stored safely on your device while the other stays with the app or website for which you create the passkey. You need both parts of the key pair to sign in.

As the key pair combination is unique, your passkey will only work on the website or app that you created it for. Therefore, you can't be deceived into signing in to a malicious website that looks like the original.

Passkeys can be synced across multiple devices, ensuring that you'll have access to them in case you upgrade or lose your device.

"Your passkey gives you quick and easy access to the Microsoft services you use every day, and it will do a much better job than your password of protecting your account from malicious attacks. The best part about passkeys is that you'll never need to worry about creating, forgetting, or resetting passwords ever again," Microsoft noted.