Windows 11 natively supports 1Password and Bitwarden passkeys for simplified and enhanced security

At the end of 2025, it is normally no longer necessary to present passkeys, this method of connection without password favoring other means (face, fingerprints or PIN code). Fast, simple and more secure, it pleases everyone (except hackers), including Microsoft.

Today, to accompany its traditional Tuesday patch correcting numerous security flaws, the firm has seriously improved the passwords on Windows 11.

Windows 11 opens up to third-party passkey managers

First of all, the firm’s in-house solution allowing in particular to record and use passkeys, the aptly named Microsoft Password Manager, is now directly integrated into the OS via Windows Hello in the form of a plugin. Until now the solution only existed in the form of an extension for the Microsoft Edge browser.

From now on, it can be used on all browsers and applications supporting passkeys. The data is saved and synchronized via the Microsoft account to be available on all devices.

But, above all, Microsoft goes further by opening up to competition. After a beta period initiated this summer, the operating system now officially and natively supports two popular third-party password and passkey management platforms, with plans to add more in the future.

For the moment, only 1Password is really affected. After installing the latest version of the application being deployed, it is possible from the Windows 11 settings to set 1Password as the default access key manager, instead of that of Microsoft. Thus, directly in Windows, connection data can be used and saved within all applications to and from 1Password.

The observation is almost identical for Bitwarden. The only difference is that, for the moment, its integration with Windows 11 can only be done in beta. It will therefore be necessary to install the dedicated version of the application available on GitHub while awaiting global deployment.

To change the passkey service used by default in Windows 11, go to Settings then the Accounts menu. There, click on “Access keys” and “Advanced options”. All that remains is to check the manager of your choice.