How Smart Card Sign-in Works in Windows

This topic for IT professional provides links to resources about the implementation of smart card technologies in the Windows operating system. It includes the following resources about the architecture, certificate management, and services that are related to smart card use:

Windows edition and licensing requirements

The following table lists the Windows editions that support Smart Cards for Windows Service:

Windows Pro Windows Enterprise Windows Pro Education/SE Windows Education
Yes Yes Yes Yes

Smart Cards for Windows Service license entitlements are granted by the following licenses:

Windows Pro/Pro Education/SE Windows Enterprise E3 Windows Enterprise E5 Windows Education A3 Windows Education A5
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

For more information about Windows licensing, see Windows licensing overview.