Passkeys Gain Stronger Ground in Microsoft Windows Security

A New Era for Digital Logins

When was the last time you really thought about how you log in to your accounts—or how secure those logins are? For decades, passwords have been the default option. They are familiar, but they are also flawed. People forget them, reuse them across accounts, and often choose weak versions that can be guessed or stolen. For cybercriminals, passwords remain one of the easiest ways to break into systems.

This is why the move toward passkeys is significant. Passkeys offer a way to log in that is far more secure and far less frustrating than traditional passwords. Microsoft has been developing stronger support for this method inside Windows 11, showing a clear commitment to a password-free future.

What Exactly Are Passkeys?

A passkey is a modern replacement for a password. Instead of typing out a string of characters, a user can log in with their face, fingerprint, or a secure PIN that is tied to their device. Behind the scenes, passkeys are built on public key cryptography.

Here’s how it works:

• When you create a passkey, two linked parts are generated. One stays safely on your device (the private key), and the other sits with the service you are logging into (the public key).

• To sign in, the system checks that both parts match, like fitting a lock with the right key.

• Because the private key never leaves your device, it cannot be stolen in transit, copied in a phishing scam, or guessed like a password.

In practice, this means you don’t have to worry about attackers tricking you into handing over your login credentials. There is no password to steal or reuse.

Why Passwords Are No Longer Enough

Passwords have long been a weak point in security. According to global security studies, most data breaches still involve stolen or compromised passwords. The problem is not just that people choose poor passwords. It’s also that many businesses and services store those passwords in ways that can be exploited.

For small to medium businesses, a single compromised password can be catastrophic. Attackers may gain access to email, financial systems, or sensitive client data. In some cases, stolen passwords are sold on underground markets, allowing multiple criminal groups to attack the same company.

The risks are worsened by password fatigue. Employees who are asked to remember dozens of different logins often take shortcuts, such as reusing the same password or writing them down. This undermines every other layer of security an organisation has in place.

Passkeys offer a way out of this cycle by removing the weakest link.

Microsoft’s Push for Passkeys in Windows 11

Microsoft has been moving steadily toward a world without passwords. With Windows 11, the company has begun testing stronger, easier-to-use passkey features. These improvements address one of the biggest barriers to adoption: convenience.

Previously, using passkeys in Windows was not straightforward. Setting them up often required third-party applications, and integration with password managers was inconsistent. Now, Microsoft is improving how passkeys are stored, synced, and managed across devices.

Some of the notable changes include:

1. Integration with 1Password

   Microsoft has announced a partnership with 1Password, one of the most widely used password managers. This means users of Windows 11 will soon be able to store and sync their passkeys directly through 1Password, making it much easier for businesses that already rely on this tool for security.

2. Support for Other Password Managers

   For those not using 1Password, Microsoft has released new tools that allow other password managers to integrate more smoothly with Windows. This step ensures that businesses can continue using their preferred solutions while still benefiting from stronger passkey support.

3. Default Shift in Microsoft Accounts

   Microsoft is gradually making passkeys the default option for signing in to Microsoft accounts. The Microsoft Authenticator app, which previously allowed basic password storage, is being shifted toward managing passkeys instead.

These changes signal a clear direction: Microsoft intends to move away from passwords altogether.

Security Benefits of Passkeys

Passkeys reduce the risks associated with traditional passwords in several ways:

• Resistance to Phishing: Because a passkey cannot be typed or copied, phishing emails cannot trick users into entering their credentials on fake websites.

• Device-Bound Protection: The private part of a passkey never leaves the device. Even if an attacker compromises a service provider, they cannot steal the matching key.

• Simplified User Experience: Employees no longer have to create or remember complex passwords. They log in with a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN—methods that are already familiar thanks to smartphones.

• Compatibility Across Devices: As standards develop, passkeys are becoming usable across multiple devices and platforms, reducing the friction businesses often face when adopting new security methods.

For small and medium businesses, these improvements mean fewer help desk calls for password resets, stronger security by default, and lower chances of a successful cyberattack.

Challenges to Consider

While passkeys are promising, there are challenges to be aware of:

1. Transition Period

   Businesses will still need to manage a mix of passwords and passkeys for some time. Not every application or website supports passkeys yet, which means organisations must maintain hybrid login environments.

2. Device Requirements

   Passkeys rely on devices that support biometric authentication or secure PIN storage. Older computers or outdated operating systems may not be able to use them.

3. User Education

   Employees need clear instructions on how passkeys work, why they matter, and how to use them properly. Without training, staff may still fall victim to unrelated scams, such as malicious links or fraudulent attachments.

4. Integration with Business Systems

   Not all industry-specific software is ready for passkeys. Businesses should review their technology stack and determine where passkey integration is already supported and where passwords will still be required.

Despite these challenges, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. As adoption grows, more services will embrace passkeys, and the reliance on passwords will decline.

The Bigger Security Picture

Passkeys are one part of a larger shift in digital security. Microsoft, Apple, Google, and other major players are investing in this technology because it addresses one of the most persistent weaknesses in online systems.

However, passkeys alone are not a silver bullet. Businesses still need layered security measures, including:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) where available

• Regular system updates and patching

• Secure backups to guard against ransomware

• Strong endpoint protection

• Employee awareness training to prevent social engineering

For businesses in Canada, particularly small to medium organisations, the challenge is to adopt these tools in a way that balances budget, convenience, and long-term protection.

Preparing Your Business for Passkeys

If your organisation is considering moving toward passkeys, here are some steps to take:

1. Audit Your Current Systems

   Identify which applications and services already support passkeys. Microsoft accounts and Windows 11 are good starting points.

2. Upgrade Where Necessary

   Ensure devices are capable of using passkeys. This may mean upgrading older hardware or updating to Windows 11 for better Microsoft integration.

3. Choose a Password Manager with Passkey Support

   Tools like 1Password, now closely linked with Microsoft, can simplify the transition by allowing you to manage both passwords and passkeys in one place.

4. Train Employees

   Provide simple, clear training so staff understand how passkeys work and why they are safer than traditional passwords.

5. Phase Out Passwords Gradually

   Do not try to eliminate all passwords overnight. Instead, introduce passkeys for key systems first and expand as adoption grows.

By preparing now, businesses can stay ahead of cybercriminals and reduce their reliance on outdated password-based systems.

Looking Ahead

The integration of passkeys into Microsoft Windows is more than just a new feature. It represents a broader change in how businesses will handle authentication and identity management in the years ahead.

Passwords are unlikely to disappear overnight, but the trend is clear: as passkeys become easier to use, more secure, and better supported across platforms, businesses will shift to this model. For small to medium organisations, this is an opportunity to improve security while also reducing the headaches that come with managing passwords.

At Robertson Technology Group, based in Victoria, BC, we understand that technology and security challenges can be overwhelming for small to medium businesses. Our managed technology security and support solutions take the burden of IT management off your shoulders. We provide personalized support, ensuring that your systems remain secure, reliable, and tailored to your business needs. Unlike larger providers, we pride ourselves on being local and building strong relationships with our clients, not treating you as just a number.

Whether you are exploring new tools like Microsoft passkeys or need guidance on broader cybersecurity strategies, our team is here to help. Supporting businesses across Canada, we work with you to find the right combination of solutions to keep your operations running smoothly and securely.