Chrome adding Biometric authentication for Passwords to Windows and Mac

Google Chrome on Windows requires you to enter your device password to view or edit saved Passwords. Google is now working on adding another layer of protection or new privacy feature that requires biometric authentication such as using a fingerprint scanner attached to a laptop to access Passwords. On macOS, you can use TouchID. Early bits of the feature were landed in Chrome, here is how you can enable it right now.

Highlights:

  • Google to add biometric authentication requirements in Chrome to access Passwords on Windows and Mac.
  • The feature is being tested in Chrome 105 and the expiry is set to version 106.

Recently, Google Chrome received the ability to manually add passwords, mute compromised credentials, and add notes to Saved Passwords.

Chrome is now getting better and making your Passwords saved to Chrome more secure through another new security feature.
Chrome Password Manager to gain biometric authentication settings windows Mac

Chrome adding Biometric authentication for Passwords to Windows and Mac

Chrome on Android asks to use a fingerprint or Pin to authenticate you’re the owner of mobile to see Passwords.

On Windows, Chrome requires you to type Windows Password, this gives basic protection for others from seeing your passwords.
Chrome on Windows requires autenticate to view Passwords

Soon, you may be allowed to use a fingerprint scanner with a Laptop for the same.

In Chrome 105, Google added the “biometric authentication in Settings” flag.
Chrome biometric authentication in Settings Windows Mac

This “enables biometric authentication in settings to view/edit/copy a password” the feature description reveals.

What this means, in the future, Chrome may provide the option in Password Manager settings to use a fingerprint scanner for your device running Mac or Windows to view. edit and copy a password.

The feature tells Mac users can use touchID to confirm their identity instead of typing passwords. Sounds useful.

Currently, as of writing, after enabling the flag, the Biometric authentication settings do not show up when you visit Settings > Auto-fill > Password manager. Expect the feature to work in the future as the work on it progresses.

Final words: Chrome on Windows and Mac soon will allow users to authenticate with biometrics for Passwords.

What’s your take on this? Let us know in the comments below.

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Venkat Eswarlu

Venkat is an independent technology journalist and the founder of Techdows. He has been covering web browsers, Windows, and software news since 2009. His exclusive scoops on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge features have been cited by Forbes, TechCrunch, Wired, CNET, and other major publications.

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