Say Goodbye to Passwords: A Beginner’s Guide to Passkeys on Windows (2025 Edition)

Introduction: Are Passwords Becoming Obsolete?

Have you ever felt tired of typing long passwords or worried about someone stealing them?

In recent years, tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have started promoting a new way to log in without passwords — using “passkeys.”

You might think, “That sounds like something only for iPhone users.”

But actually, Windows users can also use passkeys right now.

This guide explains what passkeys are, how they’re different from passwords, why Google is promoting them, and how you can use passkeys on your Windows PC — even if you’re not tech-savvy.

What Are Passkeys, and How Are They Different from Passwords?

A passkey is a modern alternative to passwords. Instead of typing a string of letters and numbers, you can log in using your fingerprint, face, or PIN through your device.

Here’s how passkeys compare to traditional passwords:

So in simple terms, your device becomes your password. You don’t have to remember anything — your fingerprint or face does the work.

Why Is Google Pushing Passkeys So Hard?

Since 2023, Google has been encouraging users to switch to passkeys when logging into their Google accounts.

Here’s why:

• Passwords are often reused, weak, or leaked
• Phishing scams are on the rise
• Two-factor authentication can be annoying or unreliable

By switching to passkeys, Google wants to offer a simpler and much safer login experience — no need to enter passwords or deal with SMS codes.

Can You Use Passkeys on Windows?

Yes, you can!

Even if you’re using Windows 10 or 11, you can already use passkeys in combination with:

• Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome
• Windows Hello (your fingerprint, facial recognition, or a secure PIN)

So, if your PC supports Windows Hello, you can log in to websites like Google using a passkey instead of typing your password.

This makes login faster, safer, and way more convenient.

Why Should You Use a Passkey?

Here are some of the biggest benefits for Windows users:

• No need to remember or type passwords
• Resistant to phishing and fake login pages
• Can work with your device’s built-in security features
• Easy to set up and use daily
• Supported by major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple

It’s a win-win: better security with less effort.

Things to Know Before You Switch

Passkeys are amazing, but not perfect. Here are some things you should keep in mind:

• A passkey is tied to the device where it’s stored
• If you lose that device, you may need a backup method to log in
• Not all websites support passkeys yet
• Your device needs to support Windows Hello or similar authentication

Also, some websites still require passwords, especially for account recovery or first-time login on a new device.

So don’t delete all your passwords just yet!

What’s Next? How to Prepare for a Passwordless Future

We’re now in a transition period. Passwords won’t disappear overnight, but passkeys will gradually take the lead.

Here’s what you can expect:

• More websites will ask you to create a passkey instead of a password
• Windows 11 will continue to improve its passkey support
• Login recovery may rely more on biometrics or device-based authentication

It’s a good idea to start using passkeys on sites that support them now. That way, you’ll be ready when more services follow.

One More Thing: “Passwordless” Doesn’t Mean Passwords Are Gone

Let’s be clear — Google and Microsoft are not banning passwords.

Instead, they are simply offering a safer and easier alternative.

So for now, many services will continue using both methods. You can:

• Set up passkeys where available
• Keep your passwords secure for backup
• Learn how to recover your account in case your device is lost

In short, passkeys are optional but powerful — and likely the

future of online login.

List of Services Supporting Passkeys (as of July 2025)

Summary

Passkeys are not just a tech trend — they are the future of secure, easy logins.
As a Windows user, you can already use them today with just a few simple steps.

Start using passkeys for your Google or Microsoft accounts and experience the difference.
No more forgotten passwords. No more phishing threats. Just one tap to log in.

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タグ: Windows Hello, Microsoft Edge, passwordless login, passkeys, Google account security, fingerprint login, beginner security guide