Microsoft Edge gets web authentication: sign in to websites with Windows Hello, etc

1 min. read

Published on July 30, 2018

published on July 30, 2018

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Microsoft today has just announced the introduction of support for the Web Authentication specification in Microsoft Edge. This support should make it easier for users to leverage the power of Windows Hello, and log into websites without the need for passwords.

Support for this feature is present in the most recent Windows Insider Build, 17723. The implementation supports a wider variety of authenticators compared to other browsers, with examples including FIDO2 Security Keys, Facial Recognition, a PIN, and even fingerprint. Microsoft is also supporting FIDO U2F devices, for websites which are not yet ready for moving to a passwordless model.

Passwords are easily hacked, but Windows Hello technology is not. Microsoft has long been on a journey to a passwordless and more secure web and actually shipped the first preview implementation of the Web Authentication API in Microsoft Edge back in 2016.

Microsoft is working with its partners to bring this feature to more experiences across the web, but for now, developers can get started by checking this guide.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.