To change your security key on Windows 10, you typically need to access the sign-in options within the Settings app to manage your existing key or add a new one.
Accessing Security Key Management
The process for managing your security key involves navigating through Windows Settings. Here are the exact steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Windows 10 computer. You can do this by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon, or by pressing
Windows Key + I. - Select the Accounts section.
- From the left-hand menu, select Sign-in options.
- Under the "Manage how you sign in to your device" section, find and select Security Key.
- Select the Manage button.
(Based on reference: Open Settings app, select Accounts, select Sign-in options, select Security Key, and then select Manage).
Once you select "Manage," you will be prompted to insert your security key and enter your PIN or biometric verification (like fingerprint) if you have it set up.
Managing Your Security Key
The "Manage" screen provides options related to your security key. While there isn't always a direct "Change" button for the key itself (as keys are hardware devices with unique identifiers), this is where you can:
- Add a new security key: If you want to use a different key, you can add it here alongside or instead of your existing one.
- Remove an existing security key: If you lose a key or no longer wish to use it, you can remove it from your account.
- Reset your security key: Some security keys allow you to reset the PIN or key data through this management interface or via a separate utility provided by the key manufacturer.
Think of managing your security key in Windows 10 less like changing a password and more like managing registered devices. You add, remove, or configure the hardware keys that Windows recognizes for sign-in.
What is a Security Key?
A security key is a small external device, typically connecting via USB, NFC, or Bluetooth, that provides a strong, phishing-resistant method for signing into accounts and devices. They use public-key cryptography standards like FIDO2/WebAuthn.
Using a security key adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password or PIN, significantly reducing the risk of your account being compromised.
Steps Summary
Here's a quick summary of the navigation path:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Settings |
| 2 | Go to Accounts |
| 3 | Select Sign-in options |
| 4 | Select Security Key |
| 5 | Click Manage |
After clicking "Manage," follow the on-screen prompts to interact with your security key, such as adding a new one or removing the old one.
Using security keys is a recommended practice for enhancing the security of your Windows account and other services that support them.
