When Windows first started talking about getting rid of passwords, it sounded a bit futuristic. Just tap your device and you’re in! No more trying to remember yet another password. That idea is now becoming reality with Microsoft Entra Passkeys. If you’re running a small business in the UK and using Windows devices day to day, this is something worth paying attention to as it can make logging in both easier and a lot more secure.

At its core, Microsoft Entra (the bit that makes M365 authentication work) now supports Passkeys. Instead of a password, you’ve got a secure sign-in tied to your device. It works using a pair of digital keys, one stays on your device, the other sits with the service you’re logging into. When you sign in, they match up and you’re good to go. No typing, no remembering, no sticky notes under keyboards.

The big win here is getting rid of password overload. Rather than juggling dozens of logins across different tools, you can use something simple like your fingerprint, face, or device PIN to access Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook, Teams and SharePoint. And because the important part of the key never leaves your device, it’s incredibly hard for phishing attacks to get anywhere. Even if someone tries to intercept things, they can’t do much without your device.

It also fits nicely with Windows Hello. If you’re already using face unlock or a fingerprint reader, you’re basically set. Once it’s switched on, signing in feels almost instant, which means less time dealing with password resets and more time actually getting work done.

From an IT point of view, it’s not a headache either. You can roll it out through Microsoft Entra, set a few rules, and keep an eye on how it’s being used, all from the usual admin tools. And because it’s built on open standards, you’re not locking yourself into something awkward down the line.

Whether you’re a small team wanting better security without adding complexity, or a growing business trying to make life easier for staff, Passkeys are a really practical step forward. It’s one of those rare changes in IT that genuinely makes things simpler while improving security at the same time.