14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Edge browser now supports the Web Authentication specification, which technically means that Windows 10 users would be allowed to log in to websites with Windows Hello.
This new announcement comes as part of Microsoft’s push for a world without browser, as Windows Hello makes it possible to sign in with faces, fingerprints, PINs, or even portable FIDO2 devices.
Available in Windows 10 build 17723, the CR version of Web Authentication represents what Microsoft describes as “the most complete support for Web Authentication to date,” technically replacing passwords with biometrics for web-based services and online payments.
“We’re working with industry partners on lighting up the first passwordless experiences around the web. At RSA 2018, we shared a sneak peak of how these APIs could be used to approve a payment on the web with your face. Passwordless authentication experiences like this are the foundation of a world without passwords,” Microsoft explains.
Coming with Redstone 5 to all users
Giving up on passwords is a broad effort that other companies are supporting as well, especially considering how insecure they have become. Microsoft warns that many people still reuse passwords, while more complex phrases are difficult to remember, essentially making alternative authentication methods like Windows Hello a must-have.
Redmond’s debut in the world without passwords took place in April 2016, when the company released an early version of Windows Hello support for Microsoft Edge.
“Since then, we have been updating our implementation to as we worked with other vendors and the FIDO alliance to develop the standard,” the company explains.
Web Authentication in Microsoft Edge should become available to all Windows 10 users with the release of the Redstone 5 update in the fall. As per Microsoft’s schedule, the update should be finalized in September, while the public rollout to production systems across the world is due to begin in October.