You’re the best password: How to start using passkeys on Windows PCs

Security is easiest when you are the password: You don’t have to memorize complicated keywords, but simply hold your face up to the camera or your finger on a sensor — and you can access your computer and online services.

This biometric login is already standard on smartphones — either via a camera or a finger sensor built into the screen. This allows you not only to log in to your device, but also to make purchases in online shops or carry out banking transactions.

However, many notebooks and PCs do not have a finger sensor or a camera with facial recognition. If your computer lacks the hardware for biometric login, you should definitely retrofit it for better security.

Passkey, for example, is particularly easy to use — and because more and more services support this passwordless login, you should also make your PC fit for it.

We provide tips on how to determine whether your computer is equipped with biometric hardware and how to set it up. If you don’t have the peripherals to log in with your face or finger, we can help you find the right camera or finger sensor to easily upgrade your PC and notebook.

Further reading: Best Windows Hello webcams

Why biometrics is particularly important

It has long been known that logging on to a computer or web service using biometric features such as a face or fingerprint is more secure than using a PIN or password. An individual’s physical characteristics cannot be copied, guessed, or phished, you always have them with you, cannot forget them, and do not have to write them down anywhere.