Passkeys vs. Built-in Passwords: The Best Way to Secure Your Windows 11 Accounts
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If you want the most secure and convenient way to handle logins on Windows 11, using a third-party password manager for passkeys is highly recommended. On Hands-On Windows, Paul Thurrott shared how this approach offers better portability, more features, and increased flexibility compared to relying on built-in Windows or browser options.
Why Third-Party Password Managers for Passkeys?
The latest updates to Windows 11 have added native support for passkeys—passwordless logins that are far more secure than traditional passwords. You can now leverage the Windows Password Manager, integrate with Microsoft Edge, or install third-party password manager apps that support passkeys.
However, Paul Thurrott recommends using a robust third-party solution like Proton Pass, 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane. The key advantages? These tools are natively portable across devices and deliver more advanced features, putting you in control of your credentials whether you’re on a Windows PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, or Android.
How Passkeys Work with Password Managers
With a third-party password manager, you get a dedicated app on your mobile devices and a browser extension for your favorite web browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Brave. This lets you:
- Store and autofill secure passkeys (and passwords) for supported websites.
- Authenticate easily using device biometrics like Face ID or fingerprint, or a PIN.
- Seamlessly sync credentials across all devices, not just within Windows.
Setting up is straightforward:
- Install the password manager app on your devices (PC, phone, tablet).
- Enable the autofill feature in your device’s settings for smoother logins.
- Add the browser extension to each web browser you use on Windows.
- Turn off built-in browser password saving to avoid conflicts with your password manager.
Paul Thurrott found that having everything managed in a single tool makes security simpler—no more remembering which credentials are stored where, and a consistent experience across all platforms.
How to Sign in with Passkeys (Practical Tips)
When you visit a site that supports passkeys, your password manager will automatically offer to fill in and authenticate your login—no need to type an email or password. For example, sign-ins on sites like Google, Best Buy, or GitHub can now be handled with a single click or biometric confirmation, saving time and boosting security.
If the website uses a native Windows or browser-based passkey flow, your third-party manager may prompt to save or use your credentials instead of the built-in solution. This keeps your key logins centrally managed.
Important Configuration Tips
- Install the browser extension for your chosen password manager on every browser you use.
- Disable built-in browser password autofill to prevent conflicts and ensure your manager handles all credentials.
- Consider device security—most managers use your device’s biometric systems to protect stored credentials.
- You don’t always need the full desktop app—browser extensions cover most common scenarios.
What This Means for You
By shifting to a third-party password manager for passkeys, you’ll enjoy:
- One-click, passwordless logins on supported sites.
- Consistent access to your passkeys across all your hardware.
- Extra features like password sharing, authenticator integration, and advanced options not available in Windows’ built-in tools.
- More control over your digital security, regardless of device or browser choice.
The Bottom Line
Third-party password managers make using passkeys in Windows 11—and everywhere else—easier, faster, and more secure. Setting them up is simple, and you’ll get smoother logins, better security, and flexibility unmatched by the built-in Windows features.
To learn more practical tips and tech updates, subscribe to Hands-On Windows: https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows/episodes/176
