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To use a passkey in Windows 11, create one for a supported account or website, choose where to store it, then select that passkey when you sign in. You can save it to Windows Hello on the PC, a synced credential manager, a phone or tablet, or a FIDO2 security key, depending on what the setup prompt offers. Manage passkeys stored locally in Settings > Accounts > Passkeys.
What a passkey does
A passkey replaces a password at a service that supports passkeys. The service registers a public key, while the private key remains with the device or passkey provider. When you sign in, your device proves it has the private key after you unlock it. Passkeys are unique to each site or app and are designed to resist phishing, according to Microsoft’s explanation of passkeys.
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Where you store a passkey determines where you can use it. A passkey saved directly to Windows is device-bound and does not sync to your other devices. A passkey stored by a synced credential manager may be available on additional devices through that provider. If a device-bound passkey is your only way into an account, losing the device could leave you unable to use that credential; keep another sign-in or recovery method.
Create a passkey for a personal Microsoft account
- On the Windows 11 device where you want to create the passkey, open your Microsoft account’s Advanced Security Options and sign in.
- Select Add a new way to sign in or verify.
- Choose Face, Fingerprint, PIN, or Security Key.
- Accept the suggested save location with Continue or Create. To choose another location, select Change or Save another way if either option appears.
- Complete the verification steps for that location. Depending on your choice, Windows may ask you to use Windows Hello, scan a QR code with a phone, or interact with a security key.
Possible save locations include the current Windows device, a synced password manager, a phone or tablet, and a physical security key. The options shown depend on your device, browser, configured providers, and account policy.
#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.
Create a passkey for another website or app
The website, app, or service must support passkeys. When it offers to create or save one, select Continue or Create, confirm the save location, and complete the provider’s verification steps. If there is no passkey option, the service may not support passkeys at that time.
Choose where to save your passkey
| Save location | How it works | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Windows device with Windows Hello | The passkey is saved locally on that PC. | It is convenient on that device but does not sync. Keep another sign-in or recovery method. |
| Synced credential manager | The provider may sync the passkey through its cloud account. | Availability on other devices depends on the provider, browser, and account setup. |
| Phone or tablet | The mobile device stores the passkey; setup may involve a QR code and Bluetooth pairing. | Useful when you want the phone to be the passkey provider or to sign in on another device. |
| FIDO2 security key | A physical key stores the passkey and may connect over USB or NFC. | Check that the account and the device support the key method you intend to use. Follow the key maker’s instructions for its PIN and touch or tap behavior. |
Windows Hello can use face recognition, a fingerprint, or a PIN. A compatible camera is required for face sign-in; fingerprint sign-in requires a fingerprint reader. Configure Windows Hello in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. A PIN is another Windows Hello option. See Microsoft’s Windows Hello setup guidance.
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.
Sign in with a passkey
- Open the supported service’s sign-in page and choose its passkey option if it is not offered automatically.
- Select the passkey or provider where you saved it.
- Unlock the passkey using the method requested, such as Windows Hello face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN. For a security key, connect or tap it and follow its prompts.
You must already have created a passkey for that specific service, and its storage location must be available to the device you are using. For key-based sign-in steps, see Microsoft’s security-key sign-in instructions.
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Passkeys saved to Windows
Open Settings > Accounts > Passkeys to view and delete passkeys stored locally on the PC. Under Accounts > Passkeys > Advanced options, you can enable or disable available passkey services, including saving passkeys to the Windows device. An organization administrator may control these settings. Microsoft’s passkey management instructions cover the available controls.
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
Passkeys for Microsoft accounts
Microsoft account security dashboards can show where a passkey is saved and when it was last used, and can offer options to rename or remove it. Removing a passkey means you can no longer sign in with that credential, so add another sign-in method before deleting one. For a work or school passkey, Microsoft advises removing it from both the account dashboard and its storage location when needed.
Work or school accounts
For a work or school account, open your organization’s Security info page and choose Add sign-in method. Passkey setup is available only if the organization supports it; administrators can also restrict the options. If passkeys are missing or the setting is managed, ask your organization’s IT administrator.
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.
Compatibility and common problems
Microsoft says Windows 11 is required for the latest passkey features. Its current overview lists Edge 109 or newer, Chrome 109 or newer, and Safari 16 or newer among supported browser minimums; Microsoft Password Manager is listed as available in Edge 142 or newer. Requirements can change, so check Microsoft’s current passkey overview if a feature or option is unavailable.
Quick Recap
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
- No passkey option appears: The service may not support passkeys, or your browser or device may not meet its requirements. For work or school accounts, organizational policy may also prevent setup.
- Your preferred save location is missing: Select Change or Save another way if offered. Windows or the browser may omit options based on configured providers or policy.
- A local passkey does not appear on another device: It may be device-bound. Use another passkey or the account’s recovery method, then consider setting up a synced provider or an additional credential.
- Windows Hello setup does not work: Check whether the PC has a compatible camera or fingerprint reader for the method you chose, or use the PIN option where available.
- Work or school setup is blocked: Contact your organization’s IT administrator; policy determines whether passkeys and particular methods are available.
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