Where are passkeys stored on my machine?

Anonymous
2025-06-02T00:00:39+00:00

I have two passkeys on my computer. I'll be upgrading the laptop's RAM; will I lose my passkeys?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

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quietman7 MVP Alumni 19,820 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-06-02T00:53:31+00:00

Save a passkey in Windows

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By default, Windows offers to save the passkey locally if you're using Windows Hello. If you select the option Use another device, you can choose to save the passkey in one of the following locations:

  • This Windows device: the passkey is saved locally on your Windows device, and protected by Windows Hello (biometrics and PIN)
  • iPhone, iPad or Android device: the passkey is saved on a phone or tablet, protected by the device's biometrics, if offered by the device.
  • Linked device: the passkey is saved on a phone or tablet, protected by the device's biometrics, if offered by the device.
  • Security key: the passkey is saved to a FIDO2 security key, protected by the key's unlock mechanism (...biometrics or PIN)

Where Are Passkeys Stored in Windows?

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Passkeys in Windows are stored either locally in the device's TPM (Trusted Platform Module) when using Windows Hello or within a third-party password manager that syncs across devices.

Devices that incorporate a TPM can create cryptographic keys (keypair concept: a private key and a public key) and encrypt them, so that the keys can only be decrypted by the TPM , thus offering enhanced protection. The TPM is isolated from the main processor and functions as a vault so in the event of malware attack or breach, sensitive user data remains secure. Upgrading te RAM should have no affect on passkeys that I am aware of.

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  1. quietman7 MVP Alumni 19,820 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-06-02T12:35:53+00:00

    As far as I am aware you can. I can find no research that indicates otherwise.

    RAM is primarily hardware although some also consider it part software because the data stored in RAM can be accessed and manipulated by the computer’s CPU.

    A TPM chip is an embedded crypto-processor in laptops designed to provide hardware-based, security-related functions (carry out cryptographic operations). AMD and Intel have integrated firmware-based TPM into their CPUs.

    They are two separate pieces of hardware which serve different functions.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-02T11:57:03+00:00

    Thank you. I take it I can upgrade my ram without losing my passkeys--is that right?

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