The various versions of Windows have used Kerberos as its main authentication protocol for over 20 years. However, in certain circumstances, the OS has to use another method, NTLM (NT LAN Manager).

Microsoft this week indicated that it plans to eliminate the need to use the New Technology LAN Manager (NTLM) protocol in Windows 11, with Kerberos taking its place. NTLM use has long been a ...

By mid-2026, Windows domain controllers will default to allowing only AES-SHA1, with RC4 disabled unless administrators explicitly re-enable it. Microsoft says eliminating RC4 proved complicated due ...

A thorough understanding of Windows' authentication methods will enable you to troubleshoot problems and improve network security. Here's a look at what you need to know. If you’re having problems ...

Update 5/20: Microsoft now considers these authentication problems to be resolved, having released “out-of-band” updates on May 19, as described here. Microsoft this week acknowledged possible ...

Microsoft’s attempt to kill the password is going ahead with full steam. The company has announced that Windows Hello, the passwordless authentication method that allows Windows 10 users to sign in to ...

Do any of these situations describe your company? * You have a heterogeneous computing environment that includes a mix of Windows, Unix and Linux systems. * Because of disparate platforms, you are ...

Microsoft Edge now supports the Web Authentication specification for password-free logins. Support actually appeared in Build 17723 for Windows Insider Fast Ring participants and Build 18204 in the ...