Windows 10: Windows 11 sign in options has a security key that I never made. Why is it there, and how...

I was trying to put my saved card information into a purchase and it asked for a USB security key to add the card, which has never happened before. I looked into my Windows 11 sign in options and it shows I have a security key that was made, but I don't even know how to make one, let alone even own a USB thumb drive. When I try to manage the security key, it asks me to insert the key, which makes no sense because I don't have one, and it doesn't give me the option to try and verify my identity any other way. System information below, what is going on? I have a brand new Razer Blade 14 2022 lap

:)

 

Windows 8 Secure Boot Feature: Not So Secure?

So Linux is switching to secure boot also? Or they have to because of UEFI?

 

Windows 8 Secure Boot Feature: Not So Secure?

• Linux
• Linux
• Linux
• Linux
• Oh and OSX

Here is a statement from a Kernal Developer at Red Hat:

I'm not sure this exploits the legacy BIOS but rather it exploits the legacy boot method on MBR drives, injecting a signed key before the OS boots, which you are correct in that it has nothing to do with Windows 8. And the simplest fix would just be to require boot drives use GPT when Secure Boot is enabled in UEFI.

 

Microsoft account Sign in option under user account is not working

Hi NAvneet.

Many thanks for your help. But this didn't work.

Should I try the below procedure. Someone has suggested this method to similar query in other thread. Pls suggest:

Please follow the steps to enable the build in administrator and check if it helps:

• Use the power button on the sign-in screen to Shift+Restart. This will take you to the recovery boot menu.
  
• Click Troubleshoot, Advanced options, Startup settings. When given the choice of startup options, try booting the PC in
  Safe Mode with Command Prompt. If you can’t get there, skip to the next major step.
  
  • If you can get to a CMD window, enable the built-in administrator account:
    
    net user administrator /active:yes
    
  • Then restart and sign-in as the Administrator account.
  • Once in the Administrator account, open Regedit
    and go to the following key:
    
    HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL\StoredIdentities
  • Save a backup of the key: Export the StoredIdentities key to a .REG file on the desktop.
    
  • Then continue with step 4 below.
• Use boot media to access the recovery command prompt.
  
  • Start Regedit.
  • Select the HKEY_USERS key.
  • Click File, Load Hive. and go up in the file system to This PC. Then browse to this file and then click Open:
    
    C:\Windows\System32\config\DEFAULT
  • When prompted, name it “def”
  • Select this key:
    
    HKEY_USERS\def\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL\StoredIdentities
  • Save a backup of the key: Export the StoredIdentities key to a .REG file on the C:\ drive.
    
• Find the subkey under StoredIdentities that matches the name of the Microsoft Account.
  
• Delete the key.
• If you loaded the offline registry hive, go back up in the tree on the left and select “def”. Then click File,
  Unload hive. This option will only be available if “def” is selected.
  
• Restart the PC and test sign-in.
• Once done, you may need to Verify the account in Settings, Accounts in order for it to be fully usable in Windows again.
  
• If you used the built-in Administrator account to resolve the issue, please return it to the default disabled state to help keep the Computer secure. To do so follow the steps:
  net user administrator /active:no

Please create a new administrator account using the Microsoft Account and check.