How to Set Up and Use Passkeys on Windows 11

Passwords have been around for decades, but let’s be honest—they’re slow, inconvenient, and far from secure. Weak or reused passwords are among the biggest reasons accounts get hacked. That’s why companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are moving toward a passwordless future, powered by a new authentication technology called Passkeys.

Passkeys are more secure, easier to use, and nearly impossible to phish. With Windows 11 now supporting Passkeys natively, you can sign in to apps and websites using Windows Hello—no passwords required.

Since you’re here reading about Windows Passkeys, we’re guessing you want to understand how they work and how to set them up on your Windows 11 PC. Maybe you’ve seen the “Create a Passkey” option on websites like Google or Microsoft and want to try it out. Whatever the case, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys are a new authentication method that replace traditional passwords with cryptographic keys stored securely on your device. They allow you to log in using:

• Windows Hello Face
• Fingerprint
• PIN
• Security keys (like YubiKeys)

Passkeys are:

• Phishing-resistant
• Impossible to guess
• Unique to each website or app
• Stored securely in your device or cloud account

They work using WebAuthn and FIDO2 standards.

How Passkeys Work on Windows 11

Windows 11 uses Windows Hello as the front end for Passkeys. When you create a passkey on a website:

• A private key is stored securely on your device or your Microsoft account.
• A public key is sent to the website or app.
• During login, Windows verifies your identity using Hello (face, fingerprint, or PIN).
• It then signs the authentication request using your private key.

No password is ever typed or transmitted.

How to Enable Passkeys on Windows 11

Windows 11 has built-in support for Passkeys, but you’ll first need to set up Windows Hello using facial recognition, fingerprint login, or a Hello PIN. You’ll also need a compatible browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, both of which have built-in WebAuthn support. A Microsoft account is optional but helpful if you want to sync your passkeys across devices.

Once everything is configured, you can begin creating and using passkeys on supported websites.

1. Set Up Windows Hello (Required for Passkeys)

If you haven’t set up Windows Hello yet:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts → Sign-in options.
3. Choose a method:
   • Fingerprint recognition
   • Face recognition
   • PIN (required even if using face/fingerprint)
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.

Now your device can store passkeys securely.

2. Create a Passkey for a Website

Many websites already support passkeys, including:

• Google
• Microsoft
• eBay
• PayPal
• GitHub
• BestBuy
• TikTok
• WhatsApp Web
• More added regularly

Steps (Example using Google):

1. Open Chrome or Edge.
2. Visit myaccount.google.com/security.
3. Click Passkeys → Create Passkey.
4. When prompted, choose: Use Windows Hello
5. Verify using your PIN, face ID, or fingerprint.

Your passkey is now stored and linked to your device (and cloud, depending on where you save it).

3. Sign In to a Website Using a Passkey

Once a passkey is created, signing in becomes effortless.

1. Visit the website (e.g., google.com).
2. Click Sign in.
3. Choose Use a passkey.
4. Windows Hello will pop up for verification.
5. Use face, fingerprint, or PIN.

You’re instantly logged in without entering a password.

4. Manage Your Passkeys in Windows 11

Windows provides a dedicated Passkey Manager in Settings.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts → Passkeys.
3. Here you can:
   • View all saved passkeys
   • Delete old ones
   • See synced vs device-only passkeys

This gives you full control over stored authentication keys.

5. Sync Passkeys Across Devices (Using Microsoft Account)

If you save a passkey to your Microsoft account, it syncs across:

• Windows PCs
• Microsoft Edge
• Compatible devices logged into your Microsoft account

To check or enable syncing:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Sync your settings.
2. Ensure Passwords and Passkeys sync is enabled.

This makes it easier to sign in on any Windows device you own.

Wrapping Up

And that brings us to the end of our comprehensive guide on how to set up and use Passkeys on Windows 11. Passkeys offer a fast, modern, and secure alternative to passwords—and Windows Hello makes the experience seamless. Whether you’re upgrading your security or embracing a passwordless future, the steps above will help you get started quickly.