Hi everyone, IT Specialists! In this article, we'll explore a Windows feature called Passwordless Experience. We'll discover together what it is, how to configure it via Intune, and what its security benefits are.
Introduction to Windows Passwordless Experience
Windows Passwordless Experience is a security policy that promotes the use of passwordless authentication methods, such as Windows Hello for Business and FIDO2 security keys. This configuration is set up via Intune and applies to the last user who logged into the workstation.
Let’s take a look at the standard situation on a machine where Windows Hello for Business is configured but without Passwordless Experience.
Configuring the Security Policy via Intune
Configuring Windows Passwordless Experience via Intune is very straightforward. You simply need to enable a toggle in the Intune settings. This promotes the use of passwordless authentication methods on the login screen and in other specific situations where authentication is required.
Here is how to configure it.
Effects of the Configuration on the Login Screen and System Settings
Once the policy is configured, the user’s login screen will no longer show the option to authenticate using a password. However, the password can still be used in specific situations, such as UAC (User Account Control) elevation or for help desk operator authentication.
Let’s see what happened after configuring and applying the policy to our Windows client.
How to Continue Using a Password When Needed
Despite the promotion of passwordless authentication methods, it is still possible to use a password. For example, a help desk operator can authenticate on the workstation using the Other User option. This ensures that the configuration does not completely prevent the use of passwords, but rather encourages users to adopt more secure authentication methods.
Let’s see how to use a password even with Passwordless Experience configured.
Additional Documentation
Want to learn more? Here is a great document with all the details about this feature.
📌 Windows Passwordless Experience
Conclusion
If you have already implemented Windows Hello for Business in your infrastructure, configuring Windows Passwordless Experience can be a great complement to improve security. Have you ever tried Passwordless Experience? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it together! Don’t forget to follow me on LinkedIn, on the blog, and subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a piece of content.
Thank you for reading the article all the way to the end, and see you soon... legends!
Your IT Specialist,
Riccardo
