Google Passkeys vs Windows Hello: Which is Better for Security?

When it comes to securing your devices and accounts, there are a variety of options available. Two popular choices are Google Passkeys and Windows Hello. But which one is better for you? In this article, we’ll compare the features and benefits of each to help you make an informed decision.

What are Google Passkeys and Windows Hello?

Google Passkeys and Windows Hello are two different technologies that allow you to log in to your online accounts or devices without using passwords.

Google Passkeys are a new type of login credential that you can use to sign into your Google account with your fingerprint, PIN or screen lock pattern on your phone or tablet. You can set up Passkeys for your Google account by going to g.co/passkeys and following the instructions.

Windows Hello is a feature of Windows 11 and Windows 10 that lets you use a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint to unlock your PC. You can set up Windows Hello by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and choosing one of the options under Ways to sign in.

Which one is more secure?

Both Google Passkeys and Windows Hello are secure ways to log in without passwords, but they have some differences in how they work and what they protect.

Google Passkeys use public key cryptography to create a unique pair of keys for each account and device. The private key is stored on your device and protected by your fingerprint, PIN, or screen lock. The public key is stored on the server and used to verify your identity. This way, no shared secret is transmitted, and the server does not need to protect the public key.

Windows Hello also uses public key cryptography to create a pair of keys for each device. The private key is stored on your device and protected by your PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint. The public key is sent to Microsoft or other service providers that support Windows Hello. This way, you can use Windows Hello to sign into your device and various online services without passwords.

What are the security features of each?

Google Passkeys and Windows Hello both offer strong security features to protect your device or account. Google Passkeys use advanced encryption and two-factor authentication to ensure that only you can access your account. Windows Hello uses biometric authentication, which is considered more secure than traditional passwords. Additionally, Windows Hello stores your biometric data locally on your device, rather than in the cloud, which adds an extra layer of security. Ultimately, both options offer strong security features, so it comes down to personal preference and which one suits your needs better.

How can I backup my passkeys and Windows Hello keys?

There is no definitive way to back up your passkeys and Windows Hello keys, as they are stored locally on your device or on a security key. However, some possible options are:

For Windows Hello keys, you can use BitLocker to encrypt your device and back up your recovery key to a USB drive, a file, or your Microsoft account.

For passkeys, you can use a security key to store them and use it as a backup option. However, if you lose or reset the security key, you can’t recover your passkeys.

For passkeys, you can also use another device that has the passkeys to scan a QR code and approve the login request. This will store the passkeys on your device using Windows Hello or macOS Keychain.

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