Beyond the Password: Is 2026 the Year You Finally Switch to Passkeys?
Forgotten a password again? Passkeys could mean you don't need one. In 2026, that's becoming optional.
Microsoft, Google and Apple all now support passkeys as a way to sign in. But what are they, and is it worth making the switch?
What is a Passkey?
A password is a string of characters you have to remember. A passkey is a digital credential tied to your device, and it uses public-key cryptography to confirm it's you.
The public key is stored on the website’s server.
The private key is stored securely on your device (phone, laptop or security key) and isn't shared with the website.
When you sign in, your device "signs" a digital challenge to prove it has the private key. You approve this the same way you open your phone: with a fingerprint, Face ID or your device PIN.
Why Passkeys are Better Than Passwords
Harder to phish: there's no password to type into a fake site. Each passkey only works on the site it was created for.
Better protection if a website's login database is stolen: if a company’s server is hacked, it only holds your public key, which is no use to a criminal without your device.
Nothing to Remember: no more juggling lots of complex passwords or worrying about reusing them.
Built-in MFA: a passkey combines two checks in one step: "something you have" (your device) and "something you are" (your fingerprint or face) or "something you know" (your PIN).
How to Set Up Passkeys in 2026
Many major services, from Amazon and Google to some banking apps, now offer a "Create a Passkey" option in their security settings.
On Windows 11:
Make sure Windows Hello (face, fingerprint or PIN) is switched on in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Go to a supported site and select "Create a Passkey".
Windows will ask whether to save the passkey on this PC or to sync it to another device or password manager.
On Mobile (iOS & Android):
When an app prompts you, choose "Continue with Passkey".
Your phone saves it to iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager, so it can sync to your other devices.
Is There a Catch?
The main catch is that your passkeys depend on your devices. If you lose the device they're stored on, you need a recovery plan.
Cloud Sync: using Apple's or Google's built-in sync is a good idea, so your passkeys move with you to a new phone or laptop.
Third-Party Managers: password managers such as 1Password and Bitwarden support passkeys, which makes it easier to use them across different platforms (for example an iPhone with a Windows PC).
The Verdict
Passwords aren't disappearing overnight, but passkeys are well worth setting up where they're offered. They're safer, and there's nothing to remember.
Need help securing your accounts or setting up Windows Hello for passkeys? Contact LaunchLayer today. We can help you move to a safer, password-free login. ️