You may soon be able to use your Microsoft Band 2 to unlock your PC

Reading time icon 2 min. read


Readers help support MSpoweruser. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help MSPoweruser sustain the editorial team Read more

MSBand2015_Run_AutoPause_BlueBG_RGB

Another of the features Microsoft revealed is in development on their roadmap site is the ability to unlock your PC with a Microsoft Band 2 to unlock your Windows 10 PC.

Microsoft writes:

Use Companion Devices to unlock your Windows PC

Use your Microsoft Band 2, or other devices that integrates with the Windows 10 Companion Device Framework (CFD), as companion device for Microsoft Passport based authentication. With this a device like the Microsoft Band 2 or other third party devices, they can become an external second factor of authentication which can be used to unlock your Windows 10 PCs.

On another page Microsoft explains:

A companion device is a device that can act in conjunction with your Windows 10 desktop to enhance the user authentication experience. Using the Companion Device Framework, a companion device can provide a rich experience for Microsoft Passport even when Windows Hello is not available (e.g., if the Windows 10 desktop lacks a camera for face authentication or fingerprint reader device, for example).

There are numerous ways one can use the Companion Device Framework to build a great Windows unlock experience with a companion device. For example, users could:

  • Attach their companion device to PC via USB, touch the button on the companion device, and automatically unlock their PC.
  • Carry a phone in their pocket that is already paired with PC over Bluetooth. Upon hitting the spacebar on their PC, their phone receives a notification. Approve it and the PC simply unlocks.
  • Tap their companion device to an NFC reader to quickly unlock their PC.
  • Wear a fitness band that has already authenticated the wearer. Upon approaching PC, and by performing a special gesture (like clapping), the PC unlocks.

It gets a lot more complicated from there. Read more about this feature in development at Microsoft here.

More about the topics: Microsoft Band 2