What’s happened? Microsoft is making Windows 11 a lot friendlier to your favorite password manager. Windows 11 now supports third-party passkey managers, meaning you’re not locked into Microsoft Password Manager anymore.
- The native passkey manager support now allows apps like 1Password and Bitwarden to integrate at a system level, so you don’t have to rely on browser extensions anymore.
- When you log into an app or website, you can authenticate your stored passkey and use Windows Hello biometrics (like fingerprint, face, or PIN) to unlock it.
- The rollout starts with 1Password and Bitwarden, and Microsoft says support for more password managers is already in the pipeline.
This is important because: Passkeys are part of the FIDO standard, a newer authentication method that replaces passwords with secure, device-bound cryptographic keys. Unlike passwords, passkeys can’t be phished, reused, or stolen from the cloud.
- It deepens Microsoft’s push toward a passwordless future, replacing traditional passwords with passkeys.
- By embedding this support natively at OS level, Windows is making it harder for attackers to exploit weaker login systems.
- For enterprises, especially, this means easy passwordless sign-in across apps, while retaining biometrics and device-bound security.
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Why should I care? If you are a Windows 11 user, this means fewer passwords, fewer resets, and a smoother sign-in experience.
- Third-party managers you already trust can now integrate more directly with your OS.
- Admins can now offer users the tools they want while holding onto enterprise-grade security.
OK, what’s next? Check your PC and make sure you’re running Windows 11 with the November 2025 security update to use this feature.
- You will have to install the desktop tool for 1Password/Bitwarden to enable their plugin in the passkey provider list.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Passkeys > Advanced Options to enable a third-party password manager.
- Keep an eye on further updates as Microsoft says the ecosystem will expand beyond just 1Password/Bitwarden.
