> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.k9.io/key9-identity/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.k9.io/key9-identity/ssh/installation-and-setup/windows-yubikey-smartcard-piv-instructions.md).

# Windows Yubikey Smartcard/PIV instructions

Installation instructions for Windows 11 using the Yubico supplied "yubico-piv-tool".

## The advantages of PIV (Personal Identity Verification):

1. Works with older Yubikeys.
2. Can work across multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux,  MacOS)
3. The SSH private key is stored directly on the Yubikey itself.  
4. It's possible to pass PIV data to other SSH sessions via forwarding.

## The disadvantages of PIV:

1. More steps to get set up. 
2. To use other operating systems,  SSH must be configured to use Yubikey PIV.