How to use passwords to keep your computer secure

Keeping your computer secure is more important than ever. Cyberattacks target sensitive computers, accounts, and data daily. Traditional passwords have long been the cornerstone of security, but they pose real challenges. Many of us reuse passwords across sites, and even strong passwords can be compromised in the event of data breaches.

Passcodes offer a more secure and convenient way to authenticate. However, they are still relatively new and many of us are still trying to figure out how they work. For example, Peter recently reached out and asked, “How do I get a passcode from a desktop computer that doesn’t have a camera or fingerprint device?”

That’s a great question, Peter, and you’re not the only one wondering. The good news is that passcodes are designed to work on virtually any device, whether or not it has biometric hardware like a fingerprint reader or camera. Let’s explore what passkeys are, why they’re worth using, and how to set them up on both Windows and Mac, regardless of your hardware configuration.

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What are access codes?

Passwords use cryptography to prove who you are. When you create a passkey, your device creates two keys, one public and one private. The public key goes to the website and your private key stays on your device. During sign-in, your device confirms your identity with the private key. It is never viewed or stored by the website.

This process blocks phishing and password theft. It also makes login faster. There is no need to remember or type long passwords anymore.

While passkeys simplify authentication, they do not eliminate the need for a secure password manager. Password managers can securely store and sync your passkeys, just as they do passwords, allowing you to access your credentials across devices and browsers, even if those devices don’t natively sync keys, such as between Windows and Apple systems. Using a password manager in conjunction with access keys creates a bridge between platforms and provides an additional layer of security and convenience.

Can access codes be used without biometric data?

Yes you can. A PC or Mac without a camera or fingerprint reader can still use passcodes. On Windows, you unlock them with your Windows Hello PIN. On Apple devices, you can use Touch ID, Face ID, or your password. The key is to have an up-to-date operating system and a browser that supports passcodes.

If you manage multiple accounts or devices, a password manager that supports passkeys can act as your central vault. This allows you to use passkeys even on systems that don’t directly support syncing through iCloud or Google Password Manager. It’s an easy way to ensure you always have access to your credentials, no matter what type of device you use.

Why do you still need passwords?

Not all websites support passcodes yet. Some services still rely on passwords. Maintain strong, unique passwords for those accounts. Passwords also serve as a backup if you lose a device or can’t use your passcode. Over time, more sites will support passwordless logins.

This is where password managers continue to play an important role. They bridge the gap between new and old authentication methods, allowing you to store traditional passwords and passcodes in one secure place. Until the web is completely password-ready, the combination of the two provides convenience and resilience, giving you a seamless experience across multiple devices and services.

Access key support per platform

windows

• Works in Windows 10 and 11.
• Windows 11 version 22H2 (KB5030310+) Includes access key management.
• Unlock with Windows PIN Helloface or fingerprint.

If your browser or operating system doesn’t already sync passkeys automatically, a third-party password manager that supports passkeys can store them for cross-platform access.

macOS and iOS

• Works in macOS 13 Ventura or later and iOS/iPadOS 16 or later.
• Passwords are synchronized through iCloud Keychain with end-to-end encryption.
• Two-factor authentication must be on.
• Wear Touch ID, Face ID or your device password to confirm the logins.

While Apple’s iCloud Keychain handles passcodes securely within its ecosystem, using a password manager that supports passcodes provides additional flexibility, allowing you to securely access the same credentials on non-Apple devices or in browsers outside of Safari.

Android

• Available in Android 9 and later.
• Android 14 adds support for third-party access key managers.
• Passwords are synchronized via Google Password Manager default.

Alternatively, password managers now integrate passkey syncing, allowing you to seamlessly use your keys on both mobile and desktop devices.

Browsers

• Chrome, Edge, Safari and FireNews all supported passwords.
• Keep your browser updated for the best compatibility.

Browser-based password managers can also sync passkeys, adding flexibility if you switch between devices or operating systems.

Main services that support access keys

At the time of publication, these top services offer password login:

• Google
• microsoft
• Apple
• Amazon
• PayPal
• GitHub
• Uber
• eBay
• WhatsApp
• Facebook

Support continues to expand every month. Most new accounts on these platforms can now use passcodes.

How to configure passwords in Windows

• Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
• Configuration Windows PIN Hello or biometrics.
• Visit a site that supports passwords.
• Choose Create an access key and confirm with your PIN or biometric.
• Manage passwords later in Settings → Accounts → Passwords in Windows 11.

If your PC lacks biometrics, you can still approve logins using your nearby phone or a synced password manager that supports passkeys.

How to set up passwords on Mac

Apple devices also offer a simple and secure way to use passcodes through iCloud Keychain. There is no separate setting for passkeys if you have iCloud Keychain enabled. Once activated, an eligible app or service will ask you to create a passcode when you log in, and you can do so by following the on-screen instructions. Below is how you can enable iCloud Keychain.

• Gonna Apple Menu → System Settings → your name → iCloud.
• Click Passwords and turn on Passwords and keychain and enable synchronization.
• Visit a site that supports access keys.
• Select Create an access key and confirm with Touch ID either your password.
• The access keys Sync with your other Apple devices via iCloud Keychain.

You can also approve logins on a non-Apple device using your iPhone nearby, or access them through a password manager that stores both your passcodes and passwords in one place.

Common questions about passwords

Can I move passwords between devices?

Yes. iCloud and Google Password Manager sync passwords securely. For added flexibility, password managers now support portability of passkeys across different ecosystems, which is perfect if you use Mac and Windows, or Android and iPhone.

What happens if I lose my device?

You can recover passwords from iCloud, Google, or your password manager. Always maintain a backup login method and 2FA activated. Storing your access keys in a secure password manager ensures recovery even if you lose access to a platform’s ecosystem.

Do access keys completely replace passwords?

Not yet. Many major platforms support them, but full adoption will take time. Until then, password managers will remain an essential bridging technology, providing secure storage, synchronization, and transition support as access keys continue to expand.

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5 Additional Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Computer Secure

Even with strong passwords and access keys, there are other steps you can take to improve the security of your computer.

1) Use a password manager

Password managers help generate and store strong, unique passwords for each account. This reduces the risk of password reuse and ensures your backup passwords are secure. Now that many password managers support passkeys, they also act as your universal credentials vault, allowing you to log in with either method depending on what the website supports.

Next, check to see if your email has been exposed in previous breaches. Our number one password manager (see CyberGuy.com) includes a built-in breach scanner that checks to see if your email address or passwords have appeared in known breaches. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and protect those accounts with new, unique credentials.

See the m best password managers reviewed by experts of 2025 in CyberGuy.com.

2) Install powerful antivirus software

Powerful antivirus software protects against malware, ransomware, and other threats. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have powerful antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

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3) Keep your system updated

Regular updates fix security vulnerabilities in your operating system and software. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to stay protected.

4) Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second verification step, usually through a code sent to your phone or email, or through an authenticator app. This makes it difficult for attackers to access your accounts even if your password or passkey is compromised.

5) Back up your data

Regularly backing up your Mac or PC to a secure cloud service or external drive ensures that you can recover important data in the event of a hardware failure, malware attack, or accidental deletion.

Kurt’s Key Takeaway

Passcodes are a major improvement over traditional passwords, but we still don’t live in a world where all passcodes are valid. Many sites still rely on passwords and you’ll need backups if something happens to your device. Supplementing passcodes with a password manager is the best option at this time; allows you to store, synchronize and protect keys and passwords under one roof. The good news is that setting up passcodes only takes a few minutes, and once enabled, logging in comes faster and more secure.

Have you already tried using passcodes? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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