How to Delete Passkeys in Windows 11

This article explains how to delete passkeys created for websites in Windows 11.

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys are a new way to sign into websites and apps. Instead of using a password, you use a passkey. Websites and apps that support passkeys will let you create and sign in with the Windows Hello native experience.

When you create a passkey, Windows saves it on your computer. It’s protected by Windows Hello. The next time you want to sign in, you can use Windows Hello with Facial recognition, Fingerprint, or PIN instead of typing a password.

Why use passkeys? Passkeys are more secure than passwords. They protect your accounts from hackers and phishing attacks.

Where Are Passkeys Stored?

Your passkeys live on your device. Windows 11 stores them in a secure location protected by Windows Hello. If you sign into multiple Windows devices with the same Microsoft account, your passkeys can sync across those devices. This means you can use the same passkey to sign in on different computers.

What about backups? If you delete a passkey or lose access to a device, you may lose that passkey. There’s no built-in backup system yet. This is why it’s important to keep your recovery options updated on websites where you use passkeys.

Enterprise note: If your company manages your device, IT administrators can control passkey settings through Windows Hello policies.

Which Websites Support Passkeys?

More websites support passkeys now than ever before. The list keeps growing. Some popular sites include:

• Google
• eBay
• Microsoft
• GitHub
• Shopify
• WhatsApp
• X (formerly Twitter)

The landscape is changing fast. New websites add passkey support regularly. To see the current list of passkey-supporting sites, check out %%LNK4%% and the %%LNK5%% members list. These resources are updated often.

How to Create a Passkey

If a website supports passkeys, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to a website that supports passkeys (like Google, eBay, or Microsoft).
2. Look for the passkey option in your account settings.
3. Create your passkey by following the website’s instructions.
4. Sign out and then sign back in using your new passkey instead of your password.

How to Delete a Passkey in Windows 11

Why delete a passkey? You might want to delete a passkey if you no longer use that website or app, or if you want to switch to a different sign-in method.

What happens when you delete a passkey? Once deleted, you won’t be able to use that passkey to sign in anymore. You’ll need to use your password or create a new passkey.

Here’s how to delete a passkey in Windows 11 build 23H2 or later:

1. [ADMIN PRIVILEGES MAY BE REQUIRED] Open the Settings app. Click the Start menu and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. When Settings opens, click Accounts on the left side.
3. Click Sign-in options from the menu.
4. Look for Passkeys under the sign-in methods section and click it to expand.
5. You’ll see a list of websites or apps with saved passkeys.
6. Find the website or app whose passkey you want to delete.
7. Click the More options button (the three dots) next to it.
8. In the pop-up window, click Delete to confirm.

That’s it! Your passkey has been deleted.

Sync Across Your Devices

If you use Windows Hello for sign-in across multiple Windows devices with the same Microsoft account, your passkeys sync to those devices. This means deleting a passkey from one device removes it from all your synced devices. Be careful when deleting—you’ll lose access on all your computers.

Recovery tip: Before deleting a passkey, make sure you have another way to sign in to that website or app. Use your password or set up a recovery option.

Summary

Passkeys are a safer way to sign into websites and apps. Instead of using a password, you use Windows Hello with facial recognition, fingerprint, or a PIN. Many websites now support passkeys, including Google, eBay, Microsoft, GitHub, and more. Check %%LNK6%% for the current list. Passkeys sync across your Windows devices when you use the same Microsoft account. To delete a passkey from Windows 11, open Settings, go to Accounts, click Sign-in options, find Passkeys, click the More options button for the website or app, and select Delete. Once deleted, you’ll need to use your password to sign in again.

Frequently Asked Questions