Microsoft is one of many companies hard at work on developing a successor to the modern password. The Redmond-based firm already offers a number of alternative log-in methods in Windows 10 including setting up a PIN and using a picture password.
Now, Microsoft is quietly beta testing another approach that relies on your nearby smartphone.
A new app in the Microsoft Store called Phone Sign-in Beta is a beta version of the Authenticator app described as the first step towards a world without passwords. Once your device has been synched with your Windows 10 PC via Bluetooth, all you'll need to do to unlock said PC is open the mobile app and tap on the nearby computer.
Unfortunately, the listing currently says it's only for internal testing purposes. Microsoft says future versions will include support for Microsoft accounts, a sign-in solution for browsers and VPN, one-time passcode generation and MFA approval through notifications.
One Twitter user claims he was able to get the app to work, saying all that's needed is a work PIN, Office 365 or an internal account. He said he might post a video of it in action later but as of writing, no proof has been provided.
Do note that the app is currently only compatible with Windows Phone 10 devices.
Windows 10 users - what method do you currently utilize to unlock your PC (or maybe it's not protected at all?)? Let us know in the comments section below.