Microsoft is taking a bold step into the future of digital security by testing updates to its WebAuthn API, which now includes support for third-party passkey providers in Windows 11. This innovation promises to revolutionize passwordless authentication and enhance user convenience.

In a world where data breaches are increasingly common, Microsoft’s push for passkeys aims to significantly reduce the risks associated with traditional password systems. By leveraging biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, users can bolster their security while enjoying a streamlined login experience.

Since early October, the tech giant has been hard at work collaborating with several credential providers, including renowned names like 1Password and Bitwarden. This initiative was first unveiled when Microsoft announced its intention to create a plugin authentication model for passkeys.

As part of this testing phase, soon Windows 11 users will have the option to select third-party passkey providers alongside Microsoft's native passwordless option. This means that the same passkey generated on a mobile device can be used seamlessly through Windows Hello for authentication.

The Windows Insider team announced, "We are releasing updates to WebAuthn APIs to support a plugin authentication model for passkeys. In the upcoming months, Windows customers will be able to choose a third-party provider, maintaining the Windows Hello user experience."

These WebAuthn updates are being rolled out immediately to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel with the preview build 22635.4515 (KB5046756). Microsoft encourages early adopters of this feature to share their feedback on the Feedback Hub under the Privacy > Passkey section, helping to refine the user experience.

Additionally, Microsoft has embraced an open approach by releasing source code that will enable developers to create plugins that can support their own passkey platforms, further enriching the ecosystem.

As part of its commitment to passwordless technology, Microsoft has joined the FIDO Alliance and aligned itself with other major platforms in endorsing passkeys as a standard sign-in method. This includes backing Web Authentication (WebAuthn) credentials, commonly referred to as FIDO credentials.

In May, a significant leap toward this goal was made when Microsoft rolled out support for passkey authentication for personal Microsoft accounts, accompanied by a built-in passkey manager in the Windows Hello system as part of the Windows 11 22H2 feature update.

As if that weren't enough, Microsoft also announced the rollout of a feature that allows users to resume working on OneDrive files from their iOS and Android devices on Windows 11 PCs, making syncing across devices even easier than before.

This exciting development marks a vital step toward enhanced security for Windows 11 users. Stay tuned for more updates and be ready to embrace a passwordless future!