Synchronizing passkeys to your Microsoft account ensures that your passkeys are securely stored and easily accessible across all your Windows devices when signed in with the same account.
When using synched passkeys, you won't have to create new passkeys for each device, saving you time and effort.
This method also enhances security by providing a consistent and reliable way to manage your passkeys, reducing the risk of losing access to your accounts.
If you want to use synchronized passkeys across your Windows devices, you must perform a one-time setup on each Windows device per Microsoft account. You can initiate the one-time setup in two different ways: from the Settings app or from a website or application that supports passkeys. Expand each section to learn more.
In the Settings app  on your Windows device, select Accounts > Passkeys or use the following shortcut:
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If this is your first Windows device where you configure passkey synchronization, select Set up
On the Save passkeys to your Microsoft account screen, select Next and complete the setup
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If you already have other Windows devices synchronizing your passkeys, select Sync
On the Let's sync your passkeys screen, select Next and complete the setup
Sign in to an application or website that support passkeys. From your app's account settings, select the option to create or sign in with a passkey. The process might vary based on the application or website you are using
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If this is your first Windows device where you configure passkey synchronization, in the screen Choose how to save passkeys select Save to your Microsoft account​​​​​​​
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If you already have other Windows devices synchronizing your passkeys, in the screen Let's sync your passkeys select Next and complete the setup
Encryption passkey
The first time you configure passkey synchronization to your Microsoft account, a special passkey is created. We call this special passkey the encryption passkey.Â
While the encryption passkey looks like any other passkeys, it ensures end-to-end encryption for all of your other passkeys. For example, you must provide the encryption passkey if you configure passkey synchronization on a new device.
Given the importance of the encryption passkey, it's advisable to create more than one.
Caution:Â
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once you create the encryption passkey, don't delete it unless you have another encryption passkey available. If you do so, you won't be able to configure passkeys synchronization with your Microsoft account on new devices.
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Only set up encryption passkeys on your own devices.
To learn how to create multiple encryption passkeys, see Manage your passkeys in Windows.
You can store encryption passkeys on a phone, tablet, or security key. The process to create the encryption passkey varies based on where you want to save it.
Note:Â storing encryption passkeys to a phone or tablet requires Bluetooth proximity verification with your Windows device.
1. Scan a QR code with your Apple device
2. The Apple device verifies Bluetooth proximity with your Windows device
3. After providing an unlock gesture, the encryption passkey is saved to your iCloud Keychain
4. You can now effortlessly save your passkeys to your Microsoft account
1. Scan a QR code with your Android device
2. The Android device verifies Bluetooth proximity with your Windows device
3. After providing an unlock gesture, the encryption passkey is saved to Google Password Manager
4. You can now effortlessly save your passkeys to your Microsoft account
1. When the QR code is displayed, select Change next to This will be saved to your phone or tablet
2. Insert the security key to your Windows device
3. After unlocking the security key, the encryption passkey is saved to it
4. You can now effortlessly save your passkeys to your Microsoft account
