Microsoft has begun rolling out support for passkey storage in its Edge browser, allowing Windows users to save and sync passkeys through the Microsoft Password Manager.
According to a recent Windows Blog, Passkeys, based on the Fast IDentity Online 2 (FIDO2) standard, replace passwords with cryptographic keys that authenticate users through biometrics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or device PINs. Unlike passwords, they cannot be guessed, reused, or phished, offering stronger protection against data breaches and credential theft.
According to Microsoft, the new feature, available in Edge version 142 for Windows, lets users create and manage passkeys within their Microsoft accounts. Once a passkey is generated, it is encrypted and stored in the cloud, protected by a Microsoft Password Manager PIN. Users can then use the same passkey across multiple devices by verifying themselves with that PIN.
Microsoft claims passkeys stored in Edge are processed locally, ensuring that biometric data never leaves the user's device. The company added that all authentication and reset attempts are logged in Azure's confidential ledger for transparency and security.
While the rollout currently applies only to Windows devices, Microsoft confirmed that support for other platforms will follow.