Microsoft Security Keys May Require a PIN After Recent Windows Updates (original) (raw)

Microsoft has implemented changes to how Windows handles FIDO2 security key authentication following recent system updates.

Users may now be required to create and set a PIN for their security keys during sign-in, even if a PIN was not previously configured during initial registration.

This change affects users who install the Windows preview update from September 29, 2025 (KB5065789, OS Builds 26200.6725 and 26100.6725) or any subsequent updates.

The requirement to set up a PIN will be triggered when a Relying Party (RP) or Identity Provider (IDP) requests User Verification set to “Preferred” during the authentication process with a FIDO2 security key that does not currently have a PIN configured.

Compliance with WebAuthn Standards

Microsoft clarified that this behavior change represents intended functionality designed to maintain compliance with WebAuthn specifications.

The company emphasizes that the update aligns Windows authentication methods with established web authentication standards, ensuring consistent security practices across platforms.

The rollout of this updated behavior began gradually on Windows 11 devices following the September 29, 2025, preview update (KB5065789).

Microsoft completed the full deployment across Windows 11 clients after releasing the November 11, 2025, security update (KB5068861, OS Builds 26200.7171 and 26100.7171) or any later updates.

User Verification (UV) confirms that the authorized user is present and permitted to use the security key, typically via a PIN or biometric authentication.

Windows now supports three verification settings: Discouraged, Preferred, and Required.

When User Verification is set to “Preferred,” the Relying Party indicates that user verification should occur if the authenticator supports it. This means that if a PIN setup is necessary, the platform will facilitate the configuration process.

Conversely, when set to “Discouraged,” the RP indicates that user verification is not required. If no PIN has been established, none needs to be created unless the authenticator’s configuration mandates one.

Microsoft implemented PIN setup support during the authentication flow to establish consistency between registration and authentication processes.

This enhancement ensures that security key management follows uniform procedures across both initial setup and ongoing authentication scenarios, strengthening the overall security posture for users relying on FIDO2 authentication methods.

Users should be aware of these changes when updating their Windows systems to ensure a smooth transition to the new authentication requirements.

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