How to Enable or Disable Passkey Managers on Windows 11

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys on Windows 11 act like digital keys for your online accounts, letting you log into websites and apps without needing to type a password. Windows Hello (the built-in authentication system for facial recognition, fingerprints, and PINs) stores these credentials locally for secure access.

By default, Windows offers to save the passkey locally if you are using Windows Hello. After you create and save a passkey with Windows Hello, sign-ins rely on your device’s biometrics or PIN.

Windows 11 integrates smoothly with passkey managers. This architecture lets you use preferred credential managers—like 1Password or Bitwarden—to handle passkeys without friction.

Why Enable a Passkey Manager?

By default, Windows automatically saves passkeys, lacking a direct toggle to disable this behavior initially. Installing 💿 a third-party passkey manager, such as 1Password or Bitwarden, unlocks granular control over whether passkeys save to your Windows device.

How to Enable or Disable Passkeys Manager on Windows

The latest Windows build lets you enable or disable saving passkeys to Windows once third-party modules are active.

Execution steps follow below:

Step 1Open the Settings App

Open the Windows Settings app.

Clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings opens the interface. Alternatively, pressing the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) launches the Settings app.

Step 2Go to Accounts

Locate and click the Accounts button on the left navigation pane.

Step 3Select Passkey Settings

Select the Passkey settings tile on the right side of the window to expand the options.

Step 4Open Advanced Options

Select the "Advanced options" tile on the Windows 11 Accounts settings page. This action reveals additional passkey management controls.

Step 5Toggle Passkey Manager On or Off

Toggle the switch to enable or disable saving passkeys to your Windows device.

Windows will now route passkey requests through your installed manager.

Summary

Passkeys replace traditional passwords with biometrics or a PIN, offering a quicker and safer way to sign into accounts. Built-in integration with third-party tools ensures your preferred security app handles the credentials without friction.

• Passkeys provide a secure alternative to traditional passwords, utilizing biometrics or PINs for authentication.
• Windows 11 supports integration with third-party passkey managers, improving workflow and user experience.
• You can enable or disable the saving of passkeys to your Windows device through the Settings app.
• Following the outlined steps allows for easy management of passkeys according to your preferences.
• Always ensure you are using updated software and security measures for the best experience.