Ensuring your computer’s safety is increasingly crucial. Cyberattacks target various devices, accounts, and private information daily. For a long time, passwords were the go-to for security, yet they come with their own issues. Many people, perhaps unknowingly, use the same password across multiple sites. Even robust passwords can fall prey to data breaches.
Enter passkeys—a more secure and user-friendly method for authentication. They’re still quite new, so many folks are figuring out how they operate. A good example is Peter, who recently asked, “How can I get a passkey from a PC desktop without a camera or fingerprint device?” That’s a valid concern, but the good news is that passkeys work with nearly any device, even if it lacks biometric features. Let’s break down what passkeys are, their benefits, and how to set them up on Windows and Mac systems, regardless of your device’s capabilities.
What is a passkey?
Passkeys leverage encryption to verify your identity. When you set one up, your device generates two keys: a public key and a private key. The public key goes to the website, while the private key remains on your device. During login, your private key confirms who you are without ever being exposed to the site.
This method effectively prevents phishing and password theft and speeds up the login process—no more struggling to remember lengthy passwords.
While passkeys simplify authentication, having a dependable password manager is still necessary. Password managers can securely store and sync your passkeys, just like traditional passwords. This makes your credentials available across different devices and browsers, even when direct syncing isn’t possible, like between Windows and Apple systems. By combining passkeys with a password manager, you create a good safety net.
Can I use a passkey without biometrics?
Absolutely! You can still use passkeys on computers or Macs that lack cameras or fingerprint readers. On Windows devices, your Windows Hello PIN is your key to unlock. Apple devices can utilize Touch ID, Face ID, or a passcode. Just make sure your operating system and browser are updated to support passkeys.
If you juggle multiple accounts or devices, a password manager that supports passkeys acts as a central hub. This ensures you can access your credentials, even if direct syncing isn’t available through platforms like iCloud or Google Password Manager. It’s a straightforward way to keep your login information accessible across various devices.
Why do I still need a password?
Not every website supports passkeys just yet. Some services still rely on traditional passwords. So, it’s essential to maintain strong, unique passwords for these accounts, as they can serve as a backup if your device is lost or your passkey becomes inaccessible. Over time, more sites will likely embrace passwordless login.
Password managers continue to play a critical role, bridging the gap until all sites support passkeys completely. They facilitate the storage of both traditional passwords and passkeys, ensuring a seamless experience across different devices and services.
Passkey support by platform
Windows
- Compatible with Windows 10 and 11.
- Version Windows 11 version 22H2 (KB5030310+) includes passkey features.
- Unlock using the Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint.
If your browser or OS doesn’t automatically sync passkeys, consider third-party password managers for cross-platform access.
macOS and iOS
- Working on macOS 13 Ventura or later and iOS/iPadOS 16 or later.
- Passkey syncing through iCloud Keychain uses end-to-end encryption.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Use Touch ID, Face ID, or device passcode for login verification.
While iCloud Keychain manages passkeys securely within Apple’s ecosystem, using a supportive password manager offers greater flexibility, letting you access credentials on devices outside of Apple and browsers other than Safari.
Android
- Available with Android 9 or later.
- Android 14 adds compatibility with third-party passkey managers.
- Default syncing with Google Password Manager.
Your password manager can integrate passkey syncing, allowing smooth usage across desktop and mobile platforms.
Browsers
- Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox all support passkeys.
- Make sure to keep your browser updated for best compatibility.
Browser-based password managers can also sync passkeys, providing flexibility when switching devices and operating systems.
Main services that support passkeys
As of now, the following notable services support passkey sign-ins:
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Amazon
- PayPal
- GitHub
- Uber
- eBay
Support is growing steadily, with most new accounts on these platforms now offering the ability to sign in using passkeys.
How to set a passkey on Windows
- Open Settings → Account → Sign-in options.
- Set up a Windows Hello PIN or biometric option.
- Visit sites that support passkeys.
- Select Create a passkey and authenticate with your PIN or biometrics.
- Manage your passkey later under Settings → Account → Passkey on Windows 11.
Even if your PC lacks biometric features, you can authorize a sign-in using a connected mobile device or a synced password manager supporting passkeys.
How to set up a passkey on Mac
Apple makes it easy to use passkeys via iCloud Keychain. If it’s enabled, you won’t need to set up a separate passkey. When logging in to an app or service, just follow the prompts to create one. Here’s how to enable iCloud Keychain:
- Go to Apple Menu → System Settings → Your Name → iCloud.
- Click on Password and enable Password and Keychain syncing.
- Visit sites that support passkeys.
- Choose Create a passkey and authenticate with Touch ID or your passcode.
- The passkey will sync with other Apple devices via iCloud Keychain.
You can also use your iPhone nearby to authorize logins on non-Apple devices or via a password manager that holds both your passkey and password together.
Passkey FAQ
Can I move my passkey between devices?
Yes, both iCloud and Google Password Manager can sync your passkeys. Additionally, many password managers allow portability of passkeys across various ecosystems, making it convenient if you use both Mac and Windows or Android and iPhone devices.
What if I lose my device?
You can recover your passkey via iCloud, Google, or your password manager. Always have a backup login option; 2FA remains valid. Storing passkeys in a secure password manager ensures you have a recovery method if you lose access to one platform.
Will passkeys fully replace passwords?
Not quite yet. While many platforms are catching on, widespread adoption will take time. In the meantime, password managers continue to be vital, offering secure storage and synchronization for both passwords and passkeys while the transition happens.
5 additional steps to enhance your computer’s security
Even with passkeys and strong passwords, there are more ways to secure your computer.
1) Use a password manager
A password manager helps generate and store robust, unique passwords for all your accounts. This lessens the chance of password reuse and keeps your backup passwords secure. Many managers support passkeys, so they can serve as a universal vault for your credentials.
Check if your email has been involved in past breaches. Our top password manager includes a built-in breach scanner that alerts you if your information has been compromised. If it has, change those reused passwords immediately and set up new, unique credentials.
2) Install strong antivirus software
Strong antivirus protection guards against malware, ransomware, and various threats. It’s key to safeguarding yourself against malicious links that could install harmful software or access your private information.
3) Keep your system updated
Regular updates fix security weaknesses in your OS and software. Stay protected by enabling automatic updates when possible.
4) Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, typically through a code sent to your phone or via an authenticator app. This makes it considerably harder for attackers to gain access to your account, even if they happen to get your password or passkey.
5) Back up your data
Regularly back up your data to a secure cloud service or external hard drive. This ensures that you can retrieve important files if your hardware fails, you fall victim to malware, or you accidentally delete something.
Key takeaways
Even though passkeys represent a significant leap beyond traditional passwords, we’re not fully there yet. Many sites still depend on old-school passwords, so keeping a backup is wise if something happens to your device. For now, complementing your passkey strategy with a password manager is a smart choice. This way, both passkeys and passwords can be securely stored and synchronized in one place. Setting up a passkey takes just a few minutes, making logins faster and safer.
Have you tried using your passkey? Let us know your experience by reaching out.
