Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIn Windows 11, you manage a passkey from the place that actually holds it. Passkeys saved on the PC are listed under Settings > Accounts > Passkeys. A physical security key’s PIN and reset controls sit under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Security Key > Manage. An account’s registered sign-in methods are changed in the Microsoft account security pages or the work or school Security info page, not on the PC. Deleting an entry in one place does not necessarily delete it in another, so confirm which location holds the credential before you remove anything.
Where each kind of passkey lives
A passkey is a sign-in credential with two halves. The private key stays with a device or provider, and the public key is registered with the website or app. When you sign in, the provider unlocks the private key to answer the service’s challenge. That split explains why three different actions exist: removing a passkey from a PC, removing an account’s record of a key, and resetting the physical key itself are separate operations.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Passkeys can be stored in several places: Windows Hello on the PC, a physical FIDO2 security key, a mobile device, or a synced credential manager. Which options you see depends on your account type and on what your device or organization allows. Use the table below to match your goal to the right location.
| Goal | Where to act | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Remove one passkey saved only on this Windows device | Settings > Accounts > Passkeys | Deletes that passkey entry from this PC. Other devices and the account are not changed. |
| Stop a key from signing in to a work or school account | Security info page for the work or school account | Removes the account registration. Credential data on the physical key remains. |
| Erase credentials from a physical key | Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Security Key > Manage, then Reset | Returns the key to factory defaults and clears the data stored on it. |
| Change the security key PIN | Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Security Key > Manage | Sets or changes the PIN used with that key. |
Delete a passkey saved on this PC
Use this when a passkey was saved to Windows and you want it gone from this device. Microsoft’s passkey management page describes the Passkeys list as the place to review and remove locally saved passkeys.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts > Passkeys.
- Review the passkeys saved on this Windows device.
- Select the delete control beside the passkey you want to remove.
- If the same sign-in is also registered with the website or account, remove it there too. A passkey saved in a synced credential manager has to be removed in that manager.
Turn passkey storage services on or off
Passkey services are configured in the Advanced options page. These controls decide which providers Windows can use, such as saving passkeys to the Windows device.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Passkeys.
- Select Advanced options.
- Toggle the passkey service you want on or off, such as saving passkeys to the Windows device.
On a work or school PC, the option may be missing or greyed out. That usually means an administrator has disabled the feature through policy, and you will need to ask your IT team instead of changing it yourself.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Manage a physical security key’s PIN or reset it
A USB or NFC security key has its own PIN and stored data. Windows gives you the controls for both, but the exact steps can vary by manufacturer, and Windows shows the manufacturer’s instructions where they apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Security Key, then select Manage.
- When prompted, insert the key into a USB port or tap it on an NFC reader, then verify your identity.
- To add or change the PIN, choose the PIN option shown and follow the prompts. Microsoft’s support language refers to creating a new security key PIN.
- To clear the key, choose the reset flow. Read the warning before you confirm: reset erases the data and credentials stored on that physical key and returns it to factory defaults.
Remove a registered key from an account
Removing a key from your account stops it from signing in to that account. It does not clear the key itself. If your goal is to wipe the key, reset it separately using the steps above.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Personal Microsoft account
Sign in to your Microsoft account and open its advanced security options. Find the security key among your verification methods and remove it. Microsoft’s support pages do not publish a personal-account limit on how many keys you can register, so check the account page for what it currently shows.
Work or school account
Open the Security info page for the work or school account and delete the security key entry there. Microsoft states that deleting the work or school account entry stops that key from signing in to the account. The credential data on the physical key is not erased by this step.
Rank #4
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T120. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T120 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
- Fits USB-C port : Insert the T120 security key into the USB-C port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
For a work or school passkey, Microsoft advises deleting it from the account dashboard and also from the place where it was saved, such as Windows Hello Passkeys. Do both, or the saved copy on the PC can remain usable.
Requirements for work or school keys
- The organization must enable security key registration for the account.
- The key must be an approved, Microsoft-compliant FIDO2 key. If you are not sure whether your key qualifies, ask your help desk before you register it.
- A compatible key may ask for a PIN and a touch or tap during setup.
- Microsoft’s work or school setup guidance says a user may register up to 10 security keys with the account. That support page does not state a year, so treat the figure as the current guidance on that page rather than a fixed rule.
Avoid getting locked out
Removing your only working sign-in method can leave you unable to get back into the account. Microsoft advises adding new security information before you remove a passkey. Before you delete anything:
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
- Confirm that another sign-in method works, such as a second key, a Windows Hello sign-in, or a verified phone or app method.
- Test the replacement method by signing out and signing back in.
- Note which location holds each credential, so you do not delete a passkey from the PC while the account still lists it.
What these instructions do not cover
Microsoft’s passkey and security key support pages did not display publication dates in the sources reviewed, so the steps above reflect the current settings labels at the time of writing, October 2026. Labels, menu order, and policy controls change between Windows 11 builds and between personal and organizational accounts. If a label is different on your PC, look for the same destination under Accounts and Sign-in options before assuming a feature is missing.
Product choice is outside this guide. A FIDO2-compatible USB or NFC security key is a practical option for a physical sign-in method, but check the connection type and, for work or school accounts, organization approval before buying one.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
