How to Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10


A security key (ex: YubiKey) is a physical device that you can use instead of your user name and password to sign in. Since it’s used in addition to a fingerprint or PIN, even if someone has your security key, they won’t be able to sign in without the PIN or fingerprint that you create. Security keys are usually available for purchase from retailers that sell computer accessories.

There are different types of security keys that you can use, like a USB key that you plug in to your device or an NFC key that you tap on an NFC reader. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the type of security key you have by reading the instruction manual from the manufacturer.

Starting with Windows 10 build 18298, you can now set up a security key straight from Settings that you can log you into applications.

When you set up a security key, you add a FIDO2 PIN that helps keep it safe. Your security key PIN can be changed or reset if needed.

This tutorial will show you how to set up a security key that can log you into applications for your account in Windows 10.


Contents

  • Option One: Set Up Security Key to Add PIN in Windows 10 Settings
  • Option Two: Set Up Security Key to Add PIN with YubiKey Manager






OPTION ONE

Set Up Security Key to Add PIN in Windows 10 Settings


1 Open Settings, and click/tap on the Accounts icon.

2 Click/tap on Sign-in options on the left side, and click/tap on Security Key under Manage how you sign in to your device on the right side. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-setup_security_key-1.jpg

3 Click/tap on the Manage button. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-setup_security_key-2.jpg

4 Insert your security key (ex: YubiKey) into the USB port on your PC. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-setup_security_key-3.png

5 Touch either the button or gold disk on your blinking security key. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-setup_security_key-4.png

6 Click/tap on the Add button under Security Key PIN. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-setup_security_key-5.png

7 Enter a security key PIN number you want to use, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

The FIDO2 PIN must be at least 4 characters.

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-setup_security_key-6.png

8 Click/tap on Close. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-setup_security_key-7.png

9 You can now close Settings if you like.






OPTION TWO

Set Up Security Key to Add PIN with YubiKey Manager


This option will only work with a YubiKey security key.


1 If you haven't already, you will need to download and install YubiKey Manager.

2 Open the YubiKey Manager app.

3 Insert your YubiKey into the port (ex: USB) on your PC. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-add_security_key_pin_yubikey_manager-1a.jpg

4 Click/tap on Applications on the toolbar, and click/tap on FIDO2. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-add_security_key_pin_yubikey_manager-1.jpg

5 Click/tap on the Set PIN button under FIDO2 PIN. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-add_security_key_pin_yubikey_manager-2.jpg

6 Enter a security key PIN number you want to use, and click/tap on Set PIN. (see screenshot below)

The FIDO2 PIN must be at least 4 characters.

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-add_security_key_pin_yubikey_manager-3.jpg

7 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-add_security_key_pin_yubikey_manager-4.jpg

8 Your PIN is now set for the security key. You can now close YubiKey Manager if you like. (see screenshot below)

Set Up Security Key to Log into Apps in Windows 10-add_security_key_pin_yubikey_manager-5.jpg


That's it,
Shawn


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