Microsoft testing Windows 11 support for third-party passkeys

Microsoft testing Windows 11 support for third-party passkeys

November 23, 2024 at 04:12PM

Microsoft is testing updates to WebAuthn APIs that allow Windows 11 users to authenticate using third-party passkey providers alongside the native option, enhancing passwordless security. The updates, aimed at reducing data breaches, are rolling out to Windows Insiders, with ongoing collaboration with credential providers and developer support for plugin creation.

**Meeting Takeaways:**

1. **WebAuthn API Updates**: Microsoft is testing updates to the WebAuthn API to support third-party passkey providers for passwordless authentication on Windows 11.

2. **Passkey Security Enhancement**: Passkeys utilize biometric methods (fingerprints, facial recognition) to offer a secure alternative to traditional passwords, significantly lowering the risk of data breaches.

3. **Collaboration with Credential Providers**: Microsoft has been partnering with credential providers such as 1Password and Bitwarden since early October to create a plugin authentication model for passkeys on Windows.

4. **User Authentication Choices**: Soon, users will be able to choose from third-party passkey providers in addition to the native Windows option, while maintaining a consistent Windows Hello user experience.

5. **WebAuthn Flow Integration**: Updates will allow messages in WebAuthn flows to be forwarded to plugins, facilitating the creation and authentication of passkeys directly requested by users.

6. **Current Rollout Status**: These updates are currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel with Preview Build 22635.4515 (KB5046756). User feedback is encouraged via the Feedback Hub under Privacy > Passkey.

7. **Developer Support**: Microsoft has released source code for developers to create their own plugins to support various passkey platforms.

8. **FIDO Alliance Membership**: Microsoft endorses passkeys as a standard passwordless sign-in method and is a member of the FIDO Alliance, promoting Web Authentication (WebAuthn) credentials.

9. **Recent Passkey Features**: In May, Microsoft introduced passkey authentication support for personal Microsoft accounts and a built-in passkey manager as part of the Windows 11 22H2 update.

10. **OneDrive Updates**: Microsoft has launched the ability for users to resume working on OneDrive files from iOS and Android devices on Windows 11 PCs.

11. **Microsoft Edge Game Assist**: The company introduced Game Assist (Preview) for Microsoft Edge, an in-game web browser optimized for PC gaming accessible through the Game Bar.

Full Article