Logging into Windows with a YubiKey now also works on local accounts

Yubico has updated its Windows application so that the hardware YubiKey keys can now also be used for logging into local Windows accounts. The application works in conjunction with Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

The Yubico Login for Windows application replaces the Windows Logon Tool. Yubico has tested the software for six months. After installation and configuration, users can use a YubiKey for multi-factor authentication to login to local Windows accounts.

The software allows configuration for up to ten different users and provides an easy recovery option in case of loss of physical keys. The Yubico Login for Windows software does not work with accounts managed via Azure Active Directory or Active Directory. They must be linked to the YubiKeys in a different way. Also, the tool does not function with online Microsoft accounts login.

Yubico’s Windows Hello app has since been removed from the Windows Store. This app allowed unlocking, but not logging in, of Windows systems with a YubiKey 4 key but did not work with YubiKey 5 models.