Microsoft is introducing a revamped Windows Hello experience in Windows 11, aimed at enhancing both visual and functional aspects of its facial and fingerprint recognition features. Now in beta testing with Windows Insiders, the update brings a cleaner design, new iconography, and enhanced passkey support for seamless and secure authentication.
This modernized interface will be present not only on the Windows 11 login screen but also in situations where users need to authenticate using passkeys on websites and applications. The update allows for smoother transitions between authentication options, enabling users to intuitively select passkeys and devices.
Currently, Windows 11 supports passkeys, but the experience can be cumbersome, involving QR code scanning and an outdated UI. The new design significantly improves this experience with a fresh sign-in UI for both passkeys and Microsoft account authentication.
Microsoft is also introducing an API for third-party password and passkey managers, allowing developers to integrate directly with the Windows Hello system. This integration enables users to authenticate apps and websites on a PC using a mobile device, and supports saving passkeys to third-party apps or syncing them with a Microsoft account.
The new Windows Hello experience is currently available to Windows Insiders in the beta channel (23H2) and will expand to the dev channel (24H2) soon, with a full release for all Windows 11 users expected in the coming months.
