Passwords are slowly becoming less important as more websites and apps start supporting passkeys. With a passkey, you can sign in without entering a traditional password every time.
On Windows 11, a passkey can be stored directly on your PC, saved through a supported password or credential manager, or kept on another device such as your smartphone. You can also use a compatible security key.
However, there is one important requirement: the website or app must support passkeys. If it does not, you cannot enable passkey sign-in just by changing a Windows setting.
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Set Up Windows Hello First
If you want to save passkeys directly on your Windows 11 computer, Windows Hello is used to protect them.
To check or set up Windows Hello:
- Open Settings on your PC.
- Go to Accounts.
- Select Sign-in options.
- Set up a Windows Hello method, such as a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
You do not necessarily need a fingerprint scanner or compatible camera. A Windows Hello PIN is enough to protect a passkey stored locally on your computer.
Windows Hello is only one option. Depending on your setup, you may also use a supported password manager, smartphone, tablet, or FIDO2 security key.
How to Create a Passkey
The steps can be slightly different for every website, but the general process is similar.
- Open the website or app where you want to use a passkey.
- Sign in to your account.
- Open the account’s Security, Password, or Sign-in settings.
- Look for an option such as Create a passkey, Add passkey, or Set up a passkey.
- Choose where you want the passkey to be saved.
- Confirm your identity using Windows Hello, your phone, password manager, or security key.
The available choices depend on the website, browser, Windows version, and credential providers installed on your computer.
For example, you may see options for saving the passkey on your Windows device, using a password manager, using your phone, or using a physical security key.
How to Sign In With a Passkey
Once a passkey has been created, using it is usually quite simple.
- Open the supported website or app.
- Select Sign in with a passkey, or a similar option.
- Select the passkey or device you want to use if you are given multiple choices.
- Confirm the sign-in using Windows Hello, your password manager, phone, or security key.
If the passkey is stored directly on your Windows PC, you can normally verify yourself using your Windows Hello PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition.
Your Windows Hello PIN is not sent to the website. Windows uses the local verification to unlock the passkey and complete the sign-in process.
Use a Passkey From Your Phone
You can also use a passkey stored on your smartphone to sign in from a Windows 11 PC.
Here’s how it generally works:
- Open the website on your Windows PC.
- Choose the option to use another device, phone, or tablet.
- Select the phone or tablet option if required.
- If a QR code appears, scan it using your phone.
- Confirm the sign-in on your phone using its normal unlock method.
- Wait for the website on your computer to complete the login.
When using a passkey across devices, Bluetooth normally needs to be enabled on both devices. An internet connection is also required. Bluetooth helps with the proximity check between the devices.
The exact wording and steps may vary depending on the browser, website, and phone you are using.
Use a Physical Security Key
Another option is a compatible FIDO2 security key.
These small physical devices can be used for passkey authentication. When the website asks for a security key, connect it to your computer and follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Depending on the security key, you may need to enter its PIN or touch the key to confirm the authentication.
A physical security key can be useful when you prefer not to keep a particular passkey on your computer or in a synced credential manager.
How to Manage Passkeys in Windows 11
Windows 11 provides settings for managing passkeys that are stored locally on your computer.
To check them:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accounts.
- Select Passkeys.
- Find the passkey you want to manage.
- Open its available options to remove it from the Windows device if needed.
Keep in mind that Windows manages passkeys stored on the device. Your online account has its own security settings.
For example, deleting a passkey from your PC does not necessarily remove the same account’s passkey or sign-in method from the website. These are separate actions.
On supported current versions of Windows 11, you may also find passkey service controls under Settings > Accounts > Passkeys > Advanced options.
Passkeys stored through a synced credential manager are handled by that particular provider. Depending on the services you use, this can include Microsoft Password Manager, Google Password Manager, Apple iCloud Keychain, or another supported provider.
Local Passkeys vs. Synced Passkeys
Where you save a passkey makes a difference.
A device-bound passkey stays on the device where it was created. For example, if you save one directly on your Windows PC using Windows Hello, it will not automatically appear on your other devices.
A synced passkey, on the other hand, is handled by a compatible credential manager or cloud service. Such services can make the passkey available on other supported devices where you are signed in to the same account.
If you decide to use device-bound passkeys, it is worth keeping another supported recovery or sign-in method for important accounts. Otherwise, losing the only device containing the passkey could leave you relying on the website’s account recovery process.
What to Do If Passkeys Are Not Working
If a passkey does not work as expected, try these basic checks.
Check Your Browser or App
Make sure you are using a supported and updated browser or app. Modern mainstream browsers generally support passkeys, although the available options can differ.
Check Windows Hello
If your passkey is stored directly on your PC, make sure Windows Hello is configured.
Go to:
Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
Then check that a Windows Hello PIN or another supported authentication method is available.
Check Passkey Access
On Windows 11 version 24H2 and later, you can check the passkey access settings under:
Settings > Privacy & security > Passkey access
If an app has been denied access to passkeys, registration or sign-in may not work correctly in that app.
Update Windows and Your Browser
An outdated version of Windows, a browser, or an app can sometimes cause compatibility problems. Installing available updates may resolve the issue.
Check the Website
Some websites require you to create a passkey from your account’s security settings before the passkey option becomes available during sign-in.
If the website does not support passkeys at all, there is no Windows setting that can force the website to use them.
Check Your Phone Connection
If you are using a phone for cross-device authentication, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and that both devices have an internet connection.
Are Passkeys the Same as Saved Passwords?
No. A passkey works differently from a traditional password.
Passkeys use public-key cryptography. The website keeps a public key, while the credential needed to prove your identity remains protected by your device or credential manager.
Another advantage is that passkeys are designed to resist common phishing attempts. They are linked to the website or service for which they were created, so a fake website cannot simply collect the passkey in the same way it could collect a password from a fake login form.
Windows provides the authentication experience, but the website or service still controls whether passkey sign-in is available for your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Passkeys Work in Every Browser?
No. Passkey support depends on several factors, including Windows, the browser, the website, and the credential provider being used.
Modern mainstream browsers generally support passkeys, but older browsers or computers managed by an organization may provide different options.
Can I Delete a Passkey From Windows 11?
Yes. If the passkey is stored locally on your Windows device, you can go to:
Settings > Accounts > Passkeys
Find the passkey you want to remove and use the available delete or remove option.
You may also need to remove the passkey separately from the website’s account security settings.
If the passkey is stored in a synced credential manager, manage it through that provider instead.
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Final Words
Passkeys provide a convenient alternative to traditional passwords on supported websites and apps. Windows 11 can work with passkeys stored on the PC, supported credential managers, smartphones, and compatible security keys.
The setup is usually straightforward once Windows Hello or another supported authentication method is ready. Just remember that passkey support ultimately depends on the website or app you are trying to use.
Jatin Rajput (Tech Golu) — Tech blogger & YouTuber with 6+ years of experience in WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and mobile guides. Founder of TechGolu.in.