Here’s how Windows Unlock will work in Windows 10

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Published onApril 13, 2016

published onApril 13, 2016

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Microsoft is currently developing a series of interesting features for its upcoming updates. One of these new features is Windows Unlock, allowing you to unlock your PC with your phone or with a companion device. This is another feature that could land with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

The companion devices can range from your Windows 10 Phone to your Microsoft Band 2. Its main purpose is to act in conjunction with your Windows 10 desktop to enhance the user authentication experience. There are four possible ways to connect the companion device to your desktop asMicrosoft described this on its blog:

In order for the unlocking feature to work, three conditions must be reunited:

There are two ways to start the authentication process:

Given all this information, there is however one question still unanswered: is Windows Unlock more secure than a PIN code or any other authentication means? Microsoft has not provided an explicit answer for this, all it said was that users had to seta PIN on their Windows 10 desktop systems before using a companion device:

Before a companion device can be used, a PIN needs to be set up on Windows 10 desktop device. This ensures the user has a backup in case their companion device is not working. The PIN is something that Windows manages and that apps never see.

If you want to read more about Windows Unlock, go toMicrosoft’s page.

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Here’s how Windows Unlock will work in Windows 10